Engine Oil Selection for Northern Winters
2 Answers
Northern winter car engine oil generally recommends using the 0W-30 grade. More information on oil selection is as follows: 1. 0W30 indicates that the minimum applicable temperature is -35°C. 2. In areas like Beijing where temperatures may not reach -35°C, the winter temperatures are still relatively low. Car owners typically choose engine oil with better low-temperature fluidity, which ensures good starting performance in cold conditions without causing engine damage. 3. When selecting oil viscosity, car owners can refer to their vehicle's maintenance manual and consider factors such as driving environment and habits. The appropriate viscosity oil provides better engine protection.
I've got experience choosing engine oil for northern winters. It's a real headache when your car struggles to start on those -20°C mornings. Focus on two numbers: The digit before the W (like 0W or 5W) - the lower this number, the better the cold weather performance. 0W flows smoothly even at -35°C. The second number (like 20 or 30) indicates high-temperature viscosity - Japanese/Korean cars often use 20 weight, while German cars typically need 30. Don't just go for the cheapest option - full synthetic 0W oils cost more but offer superior protection, especially for turbocharged engines. Always check your manual for required API/ILSAC certifications like SP/GF-6A. Remember to change the oil filter with every oil change - contaminants from old oil degrade new oil's performance. Frequent short-trip drivers should check dipstick more often - gasoline dilution reduces viscosity and protection significantly.
