Can All-Season Engine Oil Start at -30 Degrees Celsius?
3 Answers
All-season engine oil can start at -30 degrees Celsius, and its functions include: lubrication and anti-wear, auxiliary cooling, cleaning, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion prevention, and shock absorption. Classification of engine oil: 1. Conventional mineral oil; 2. Semi-synthetic oil; 3. Fully synthetic oil. The method for changing engine oil is: 1. Lift the car, remove the protective plate, and place a container of about 10 liters under the oil drain screw; 2. Unscrew the oil drain screw, use an air gun to blow for two minutes at the oil filler port, after draining, tighten the oil drain screw and wipe it with a tissue to check for oil leaks; 3. Reinstall the protective plate and lower the car, use a funnel to align with the oil filler port and add engine oil.
I've lived in the Northeast for many years, where winter temperatures often drop to around minus 30 degrees Celsius. My car has always used all-season engine oil, typically a synthetic 0W-30 grade, and it starts up fine, though a bit slower than in warmer weather. Oil viscosity is crucial in low temperatures. If the oil is too thick, the starter struggles, and you'll hear the engine groan for longer. The battery needs to be relatively new because its power output drops in the cold, and an old battery might not hold up. I've never had a failure with this setup, but I recommend using a block heater plugged in for two to three hours to pre-warm the engine, or parking in a garage to reduce heat loss. Also, stick to regular oil changes—old oil performs worse and can hold you back. Full synthetic oil is more reliable under extreme conditions. Overall, all-season oil can handle it, but expect a few extra seconds during startup and a slight risk of increased friction.
As a car owner, I pay attention to automotive technical details. The viscosity grades of multi-grade oils, such as 0W or 5W, represent low-temperature fluidity. A smaller number before the W indicates smoother flow at sub-zero temperatures. At -30°C, a high-quality 0W oil should allow the engine to start, but increased viscosity may delay the starter's operation, requiring the engine to turn longer to complete lubrication. According to my research, 0W oil can flow at nearly -35°C, which is theoretically feasible, but factors like oil age, purity, and environmental humidity can affect performance. In cold weather, higher humidity may cause condensation, impacting lubrication. Remember to choose low-viscosity oil when changing it and check the battery voltage to prevent unexpected shutdowns. After starting, let the car idle for a few minutes to warm up the system for safety.
