What Type of Engine Oil Should Diesel Cars Use in Winter?
2 Answers
Diesel cars in winter should use engine oil with a "W" grade, where "W" stands for winter suitability. The smaller the number before the "W," the lower the viscosity at low temperatures, the better the low-temperature fluidity, and the lower the applicable minimum temperature. Diesel engines are engines that burn diesel fuel to release energy. In winter, thinner engine oil is recommended. Light diesel engine lubricants are classified into five quality grades: B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5. Engine oil, motor oil, or engine lubricant is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. Engine oil is used for lubricating internal combustion engines.
With years of experience in automotive repair, I emphasize that choosing the right engine oil for diesel vehicles in winter is crucial. Opt for low-viscosity grades to cope with cold conditions. Personally, I recommend fully synthetic oils like 5W-30 or 5W-40. The number before 'W' (e.g., 5) indicates excellent low-temperature fluidity, maintaining thinness at -30°C to prevent engine hesitation or wear during cold starts. Always check the owner’s manual for specified standards to ensure compatibility with diesel engines, especially modern emission-compliant oil specifications. Fully synthetic oils offer stable antifreeze properties and can extend oil change intervals to around 8,000 km. However, in frigid regions, consider early oil changes and inspections to maintain vehicle health. Neglecting this may increase fuel consumption and risks—never overlook it.
