Can Summer Engine Oil Be Used in Winter?
1 Answers
Summer engine oil can be used in winter, as the multi-grade oils commonly used today are designed for all seasons. Among the characteristics of engine oil, the most important is its viscosity, which changes with temperature. The effectiveness of engine oil relies heavily on its viscosity, as this property allows the oil to form a protective film over the engine's moving parts. Viscosity, generally referring to the physical property of the oil, indicates how easily a fluid or semi-fluid flows—commonly described as thick or thin. Higher viscosity means slower flow. In summer, with higher temperatures, the oil must maintain its viscosity at high temperatures. Some winter-specific oils only ensure suitable viscosity at low temperatures, but their grade may not meet the requirements for oil fluidity at high temperatures during summer.