What Type of Engine Oil is Suitable for Cars in Winter?
4 Answers
Winter engine oil models typically have a multi-grade viscosity of 5W-30. Below is a partial introduction to winter engine oil models: 1. State: In winter, temperatures are low, and conventional engine oil may turn into a semi-solid, semi-fluid state, reducing its flowability. Poor-quality oil might even stop flowing entirely. 2. Viscosity: It is best to choose engine oil with low base oil viscosity, a low pour point, and strong anti-wear performance. Most car owners in China opt for multi-grade viscosity oils like 5W-30 or 10W-40. The number before the 'W' in the oil grade represents the oil's low-temperature flowability.
Choosing the right winter engine oil is indeed crucial. From my experience, the key is to look at the 'W' number at the beginning of the oil grade. For example, 0W means the oil can still flow at -35°C, while 5W can handle -30°C. Last year, I switched to 0W-40 full synthetic oil for my German car, and even at -20°C in the morning, there was no noticeable sluggishness—the engine started right up. For those in northern regions, it's especially important to avoid using high-viscosity summer oils, as cold starts with dry friction can seriously damage the engine. Here’s a handy tip: when parking outdoors, block the radiator grille with a cardboard sheet to help the oil warm up faster. Also, regularly check the oil level, as cold temperatures can cause fluctuations in oil volume.
For winter engine oil, it's essential to choose a grade with good fluidity. My preference is for lower numbers before the 'W'. Back in my hometown in Heilongjiang, where temperatures drop below -30°C in the morning, 5W-30 oil holds up perfectly. Recently, I switched to Shell Helix Ultra 0W-20, and it's surprisingly smooth—cold starts feel as easy as in summer. In fact, synthetic oil is more suitable for extreme cold, as its molecular structure maintains lubricity even at low temperatures. One detail to note: don't cut costs by mixing old and new oil, especially for older cars with over 100,000 kilometers—engine clearances widen and need consistent protection. As a side note, when changing the oil, remember to check the air filter too; smooth engine airflow is crucial on freezing days.
When choosing winter engine oil, remember three points: the lower the number before W, the better the cold resistance; full synthetic oil outperforms mineral oil; always refer to the manual for specifications. My SUV manual recommends 5W-30, but when I tried 0W-40 last year, it actually increased fuel consumption. In places like Liaoning where temperatures drop to -20°C, 5W works perfectly fine, but if parked for over 8 hours, it's best to warm up the engine for 20 seconds beforehand. Also, pay attention to oil certification standards—for example, SP grade offers better low-temperature protection than SN grade. Maintenance records show that using the right oil can reduce engine wear by 40% in winter.
