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December 17, 2023
As the temperatures plunge, certain types of engine oil may not flow as easily as they did when it was warmer. Makes sense, doesn't it? Just like molasses gets thicker as the temperature goes down, engine oil does the same thing. So, maybe you're wondering if you have to change your oil as the seasons change so it's just the right thickness to lubricate your engine parts.
How well engine oil flows is called its viscosity. There are different types of oil—some that have just one viscosity and others called "multigrade" oils. Here's the difference.
A single viscosity oil will flow better when it's hot but not as well when it's cold. A multigrade oil is engineered so that its flow properties at cold temperatures are different than they are at warm temperatures. In other words, a multigrade oil can start out in colder temperatures acting like a thinner oil and then behave like a thicker oil when it's warm. That's a pretty cool trick and it's why multigrade engine oil is used in nearly all vehicles. Your vehicle's manufacturer has the correct viscosity of oil for your particular model included in the owner's manual.
Another choice you have to make when it comes to engine oil is whether you use conventional oil, synthetic oil or a blend of the two. Synthetic oils have some advantages over conventional, such as resisting breakdown better and withstanding higher temperatures.
Check with your service advisor to see which viscosity and type of oil is recommended for your vehicle. It's important that in cold weather, the oil flows through your engine at the right thickness so that parts are being properly lubricated. That will make sure you'll get good fuel economy and performance, no matter what the temperature is.
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield
23846 W 135th St
Plainfield, Illinois 60544
815-436-1337
April 28, 2024
In a perfect world, all wheels and tires would be perfectly round and weigh exactly the same at every point of the wheel. Unfortunately, they're not, and if they're out of balance, they can reduce the lifespan of your tires, make your vehicle shake like a carnival ride, and maybe even damage a f... More
April 21, 2024
When it comes to oil changes, things are really changing. Most newer vehicles require synthetic oil, and while it costs more than conventional oil, it doesn't need to be changed as often. When conventional oil was the only game in town, you changed your oil every 3,000 miles/5,000 km. But as tec... More
April 14, 2024
Hello Plainfield! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960's? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in Illinois vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government t... More
