What is the Difference Between Winter and Summer Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Viscosity differs, with winter engine oil having lower viscosity and summer engine oil having higher viscosity. Below is relevant information: 1. Winter vs. Summer Comparison: Winter temperatures are low, and using oil with excessively high viscosity can lead to insufficient fluidity, increasing engine wear and resistance. Summer temperatures are high, and using oil with excessively low viscosity can result in inadequate lubrication. 2. Introduction to Viscosity: The effectiveness of engine oil relies on an important characteristic—viscosity. The oil must possess viscosity properties to provide a protective film for various engine components. Generally, viscosity refers to the physical property of the oil (while the viscosity index is a physicochemical indicator of the base oil), originally meaning the ease with which a fluid or semi-fluid flows, commonly referred to as "thick" or "thin."
I've been driving for transportation for over a decade and have personally experienced the nuances of changing engine oil. The difference between winter and summer oils mainly lies in viscosity and temperature adaptability. Winter oils have a 'W' in their grade, such as 5W-30, where 'W' stands for winter. The smaller the number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, ensuring the oil doesn't freeze even in temperatures as low as minus ten degrees Celsius. In summer, you need oils with a higher second number, like 10W-40, which maintain sufficient viscosity at high temperatures to prevent thinning and failure. I remember one year when I skipped changing the oil for convenience, and the engine made terrible noises while climbing hills in the scorching heat. Later, I learned it was because the oil couldn't withstand the high temperatures, and the oil film couldn't hold up. Nowadays, most oils on the market are multi-grade, like 5W-30, which can be used year-round, but in extremely cold regions, 0W oils are more reliable. The viscosity specified in the maintenance manual is the most accurate—don't switch randomly.
