What Type of Engine Oil is Best for Winter?
3 Answers
Due to low temperatures in winter, when selecting engine oil, it's advisable to choose 10W-40, 5W-40, or 0W-40 based on the environmental temperature conditions. Precautions for Using Engine Oil in Winter: 1. Avoid Changing Engine Oil When the Car is Cold: During winter, try to avoid changing the engine oil when the car is cold. In cold conditions, the oil is significantly affected by temperature, leading to reduced fluidity. This may result in incomplete drainage of the old oil during the change. 2. Regularly Clean the Oil Pan: The oil pan of a car engine is a crucial area that should not be overlooked while driving. During engine operation, metal particles from internal wear can flow with the oil into the oil pan, potentially clogging the filter and oil holes, which may lead to increased fuel consumption. 3. Add Engine Oil in the Right Amount: When adding engine oil, ensure the quantity is appropriate—do not overfill. The purpose of adding oil is to enhance engine lubrication. Excessive oil can increase friction among engine components, affecting normal operational efficiency. In severe cases, it may cause oil burning, blue smoke from the exhaust, and increased internal carbon deposits. Always follow the markings on the engine oil dipstick when adding oil.
When choosing engine oil for winter, I prioritize low-viscosity grades, such as 5W-30, which suits most situations well. In cold weather, the oil's fluidity needs to be good to prevent engine stuttering during startup. I often use synthetic oil because it has better cold-flow properties, ensuring quicker starts and better fuel efficiency. Remember to check your vehicle's manual, as it specifies the recommended viscosity range. For extremely cold regions, 0W-20 or 5W-20 are better options since the lower number before the "W" indicates lower viscosity in cold temperatures. When changing the oil, also inspect the thickness of the old oil—if it's too thick, it won't perform well in winter. Don’t forget regular oil changes, as old oil tends to thicken and reduce efficiency. I’ve used 5W-30 for years without any engine issues, experiencing almost no startup delays in winter while minimizing wear. In short, following the manual’s recommendations is always the right choice.
I prefer lower W numbers in motor oil grades, such as 5W-30 or 0W-40, which are particularly helpful in winter. The W stands for Winter, and a lower number indicates better low-temperature fluidity, making cold starts easier. In sub-zero temperatures, thicker oils can become viscous, potentially hindering startup; switching to a lower W oil ensures smoother pumping by the oil pump and better engine protection. I use fully synthetic 5W-30 because it adapts better to temperature fluctuations than mineral oil, offering quicker and quieter cold starts. For extreme cold in northern regions, 0W series like 0W-20 provide optimal fluidity. Don’t just focus on the brand—key is matching viscosity to weather and vehicle conditions. I recommend checking oil quality before winter and replacing it if too old to avoid failure risks.
