During harsh winters, it's essential to understand what the cold does to your motor oil and how your engine handles it. Because yes, the engine oil goes through a series of changes in cold weather that affects how it flows and lubricates. By knowing what happens to your engine oil in cold weather, you can take a proactive approach that includes selecting the right oil and adjusting your maintenance schedules.
Effects of Cold Weather on Engine Oil
Cold weather can change the viscosity and flow rate of engine oil. Oil tends to thicken in cold conditions, so its viscosity increases. This affects how well the oil lubricates the engine, which can lead to increased wear and even difficulty starting the car.
Viscosity refers to how thick or thin the oil is and its ability to flow. In warm conditions, the oil has a lower viscosity. It's thinner and flows easily, so it can quickly reach the engine to ensure smooth operation. However, as temperatures plunge, the oil's behavior changes—it thickens and flows more slowly until the engine warms up.
When starting your car, this thicker oil takes longer to circulate through the engine. This delay can be particularly problematic during the first few minutes after ignition. Critical engine parts might not receive immediate lubrication. Without that protective oil film, the engine's metal components experience increased friction. Over time, this friction accelerates wear on their surfaces, potentially leading to premature damage and reduced engine efficiency. The risk is greater during cold starts, where lubrication is not as efficient as it would be with warmer, thinner oil.
Most modern cars are built to handle cold starts. However, pushing the car too hard while the engine and the oil are still cold is often what leads to the most issues. Allow the engine time to warm before driving in cold weather. This not only guarantees good lubrication but also allows the engine to reach its ideal operating temperature.
Does Motor Oil Freeze?
Engine oil does not freeze. However, in cold conditions, it can become thick or viscous. When the oil gets too thick, it struggles to circulate and lubricate the engine.
What Engine Oil Should You Use in Cold Weather?
Engine oils are rated by their viscosity index, a measure of how much an oil's viscosity changes with temperature. Oils with a higher viscosity index are less prone to thickening in cold weather. For instance, multi-grade oils, such as 5W-30, are formulated to perform well across a range of temperatures. It's best to adhere to the manufacturer recommendations in your owner's manual, as they provide the specific oil weight (viscosity) your engine is designed to run on.
Synthetic oils also work better in cold weather than conventional oil because they have a lower pour point (the lowest temperature at which the oil flows). Besides, conventional oils contain more natural waxy substances found in crude oil, which can solidify at low temperatures. If you choose synthetic oil, be sure to install a synthetic oil filter like FRAM Ultra Synthetic®. These filters are designed to handle the consistency and flow characteristics of synthetic oils.
Regardless of the type of motor oil you use, regular oil changes are absolutely crucial for engine health. Over time, even the best-suited motor oils will degrade and become less effective in protecting the engine. Regularly changing the oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations is essential for maintaining engine health, especially in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Questions? We're here to help. Reach out the FRAM specialists for product and maintenance support.
VIEW FRAM PRODUCTS
FRAM Ultra Synthetic®
Oil Filter
FRAM Tough Guard®
Oil Filter
FRAM Drive®
Oil Filter
SEARCH