Make sure to maintain winter care with your vehicle. The winter weather and temperatures can affect your vehicle more than you realize. One area that is affected is where all the fluids are in the vehicle. Oils and lubricants are key components to maintaining a healthy engine so your vehicle can go for miles and miles. Viscosity is the most important property of a lubricant and the single most important factor in determining engine health. Since viscosity is such an important factor in maintaining vehicle health, it is important to know how the temperatures affect the oil and other lubricants. In cold temperatures, your car’s fluids actually change in viscosity, they become more viscous. This includes your oil, antifreeze, and other lubricating fluids.
Choosing the oil
When choosing the right oil for your car, the manufacturer specifications are key because you need that oil to properly lubricate your engine. Providing winter care for the oil will help it keep the engine lubricated. Too thin or too thick and it’s essentially useless. It is well-known that most engine wear occurs at startup due to the time it takes the oil to coat all metal surfaces. A lubricant’s ability to provide initial lubrication despite the cold is important. If possible, it’s a good idea to change your oil with the seasons. A contaminated or dirty oil will greatly affect how your oil’s viscosity changes with temperature. New oil and a new oil filter will help keep everything running properly in the winter.
Leaks from the vehicle
If you notice that oil is leaking from your vehicle, make sure to bring the vehicle in. That way as soon as possible, we can inspect it. By noticing the issue at the first sign, you can help prevent further damage. You can also prevent wear and tear in the long run. If you are not sure how often to bring your vehicle in for regular maintenance, contact us. We can advise you on the correct schedule for winter care.