What kind of engine oil should be used for cars in winter?
2 Answers
What kind of engine oil should be used for cars in winter depends on the local coldness. 0w is suitable for polar regions, 5w is suitable for Northeast and Northwest China, 10w and 15w are suitable for North China and Central-Southwest China, 20w is suitable for areas south of the Yellow River and north of the Yangtze River, and 25w is suitable for subtropical regions. The selection of engine oil viscosity should meet both low-temperature starting performance and high-temperature lubrication performance. The viscosity grade should be selected according to the region, season, and temperature, and multi-grade oil should be used as much as possible. For new engines, oil with lower viscosity should be selected to ensure normal running-in during the service period; for older engines with significant wear, oil with higher viscosity should be selected to maintain the required oil pressure and ensure normal lubrication.
Having driven for over 20 years, I deeply understand how crucial it is to choose the right engine oil in winter. For cold seasons, I recommend using low-viscosity oils like SAE 5W-30 or 0W-20, which flow better at low temperatures, making engine starts easier and reducing wear. Living in the north where winter temperatures often drop below zero, I used to struggle with gears not engaging properly due to wrong oil choices. Switching to full synthetic oil made a noticeable difference. Don’t stretch oil change intervals too long—it’s best to change before winter and check the dipstick to ensure proper oil levels. Also, don’t skimp by choosing cheap mineral oils; they thicken in the cold, increasing fuel consumption and damaging the engine. Safe driving relies on proper basic maintenance. From my experience, the brand isn’t as important as ensuring the viscosity grade matches the manual’s recommendation.
