Winter Oil Change: Why Cold Weather Makes It Essential
Posted on February 21, 2025
Winter weather brings more than just snow and ice—it also affects your car’s performance, particularly your engine oil.
When temperatures drop, motor oil thickens, making it harder for the oil to flow smoothly through your engine. This change in oil viscosity can impact your engine’s efficiency, potentially leading to wear and tear if not addressed.
You might be asking: should I change the oil before storing my car for winter, or is it better to wait? And you might wonder, do you really need an oil change for winter weather?
In this guide, we’ll answer these questions, explain the importance of changing oil for winter, and discuss whether you need to consider changing oil viscosity in winter for optimal performance.
Whether you’re driving daily in cold conditions or preparing your car for seasonal storage, we’ve got you covered with all the tips you need to keep your car running smoothly.
What You Need to Know about Winter Oil Change
Winter is a crucial time to stay on top of oil changes, as neglecting them can lead to serious engine problems.
Your car’s engine relies on oil to keep its moving parts, like pistons and valves, properly lubricated. Without regular oil changes, dirt and debris build-up, causing the oil to thicken and lose its effectiveness.
In cold weather, the problem worsens. As temperatures drop, engine oil becomes thicker and more sluggish, making it harder for the oil to flow and do its job. This can increase friction and wear on engine parts, leading to potential damage if not addressed.
Regular winter car oil changes help ensure that your engine stays well-lubricated and protected throughout the colder months.
The Role of Oil in Cold Weather
Oil plays a critical role in your car’s performance, especially in cold weather. During the winter months, engine oil becomes thicker due to the lower temperatures, which can affect its ability to flow freely throughout the engine.
This reduced flow can prevent oil from properly lubricating the engine's moving parts, causing friction and wear. Regular oil changes are essential to ensure your car has the right type of oil to handle these cold temperatures.
How Bad Oil Affects Winter Driving
When the oil in your car becomes too thick or dirty, it can cause serious problems for your engine, especially in winter driving conditions.
Thick, dirty oil struggles to move through the engine, which leads to increased resistance. This added strain can cause wear on other engine components, potentially leading to costly repairs.
Furthermore, forcing overly thick oil through the oil filter can cause pressure to exceed safe limits, resulting in leaks. In severe cases, the oil can become so thick that it prevents the engine from running altogether, leaving you stuck with a car that won’t start.
How Cold Temperatures Impact Car Engine Oil
Cold weather has a big impact on your car’s engine oil. As temperatures drop, the oil thickens and becomes harder to flow. This means it takes longer for the oil to reach critical engine components, and in extreme cases, it can even freeze. Thicker oil puts extra strain on the engine, which can lead to damage.
Synthetic oils are designed to handle cold weather better than conventional oils. They have additives that lower their freezing point, often allowing them to stay fluid at temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C).
Conventional oils, on the other hand, begin to thicken below -20°F (-29°C). To ensure smooth engine performance in the cold, you must choose the right type of oil based on your local climate.
Understanding Oil Viscosity
Viscosity is just a fancy term for how thick or thin oil is. High-viscosity oil is thick and flows slowly, while low-viscosity oil is thinner and flows easily. In cold weather, oil becomes more viscous, meaning it gets thicker and moves more slowly through the engine.
This makes the engine work harder, puts extra strain on the battery, and can even increase the time it takes for the engine to warm up. If the oil gets too thick, it can damage the engine over time. On the other hand, hot weather makes oil thinner, which can prevent it from properly lubricating the engine’s parts.
Signs You Need to Change Car Oil for Winter
As winter approaches, it’s important to check your oil to ensure it’s ready for the colder months.
Here are some key signs that it’s time for an oil change before you winterize your vehicle:
1. Dark and Dirty Oil
If the oil on the dipstick looks dark, thick, or gritty, it’s a sign that it’s overdue for a change. Dirty oil loses its ability to lubricate and cool the engine properly, which can lead to overheating and increased wear, especially in cold weather.
2. Unusual Engine Noises
If you hear knocking, grinding, or other strange sounds coming from the engine, it’s likely that the oil has lost its viscosity and can no longer protect the engine’s moving parts effectively. This can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed.
3. Increased Fuel Consumption
Old, degraded oil increases friction in the engine, forcing it to work harder. As a result, your vehicle may use more fuel than usual. If you notice a drop in fuel efficiency, an oil change could be the solution.
4. Burning Smell
A burning smell from the engine could indicate that the oil is overheating and losing its effectiveness. This means it’s not properly lubricating the engine, which can lead to long-term damage.
5. Frequent Engine Overheating
If your engine is regularly overheating, even in mild conditions, the oil may no longer be able to absorb and dissipate heat properly. This can lead to serious engine strain and potential failure.
Changing oil in winter ensures that your engine remains well-lubricated, running efficiently, and protected from the stresses of colder temperatures. Don’t wait for these signs to get worse—take care of your oil now to prevent costly repairs down the road.
Choosing the Right Oil for Winter
Choosing the right oil for your vehicle during the winter months is crucial for maintaining engine performance and preventing damage. By choosing the right type of oil, you can ensure smoother starts and better protection against the winter chill.
1. Consider the Oil's Viscosity
Viscosity refers to how well oil maintains its flow at different temperatures. For winter driving, it’s best to choose oils with a lower first number in the oil rating, such as 10W-40.
The “10” indicates the oil’s viscosity in cold temperatures, meaning it will stay fluid and flow easily through the engine, even in freezing conditions.
2. Stick to the Manufacturer's Recommendations
Always refer to your vehicle's owner manual for the recommended oil type and viscosity. Manufacturers often suggest specific oil grades, such as oils designed for cold weather like Everest Motor Oil, which are formulated to perform better in low temperatures.
Using the right oil reduces the risk of engine wear and helps extend the life of your engine, especially in harsh winter conditions.
3. Think About Switching to Synthetic Oil
Synthetic motor oil is specifically engineered to maintain a more consistent viscosity, even in cold temperatures. It typically has a lower freezing point, making it an excellent choice for most vehicles during the winter months.
Whether you opt for conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil, it’s important to use the type recommended for your vehicle.
4. Look Into Special Additives
Some motor oils are formulated with special additives that enhance their performance in cold weather. These additives help prevent the oil from thickening, improving its flow and lubrication at low temperatures.
Choosing the right oil with these additives makes it easier to start your engine in the winter, reduces wear on engine components, and provides extra protection against corrosion—crucial in harsh cold weather conditions.
5. Regularly Check and Maintain Oil Levels
Keeping an eye on your oil levels is essential for maintaining engine health during the winter months. Cold weather can cause oil to thicken, which can lead to lower oil levels due to increased consumption. Regularly check your oil levels to ensure that the engine has enough lubrication to function properly.
6. Have Your Oil and Filter Inspected
Before winter hits, it’s a good idea to have both your oil and oil filter inspected. A clean filter and fresh oil ensure proper flow and filtration, preventing contaminants from damaging engine parts. If your oil is dirty or the filter is clogged, it can impair the engine’s performance, especially in the colder months.
7. Avoid Long Periods of Idling
Although it might seem tempting to let your car idle in cold weather to warm it up, extended idling can be harmful to your engine and oil. When idling for too long, the oil doesn’t circulate properly, which means the engine parts are not getting the lubrication they need.
Instead, it’s better to start the engine, let it warm up for a short time, and then drive gently to allow the oil to circulate and reach optimal operating temperature faster. This prevents unnecessary strain on your engine and ensures your oil is doing its job effectively.
Benefits of Timely Winter Oil Change
Changing car oil in winter on time offers a variety of benefits, especially during the winter months when driving conditions become more challenging. Regular oil changes ensure that your vehicle operates at its best and prevent issues that could lead to costly repairs.
1. Enhanced Engine Performance
Fresh oil keeps all the engine’s moving parts well-lubricated, reducing friction and wear. This is particularly important in winter, as cold starts can be tough on the engine. Proper lubrication ensures smoother operation, allowing the engine to run more efficiently and perform better, even in freezing conditions.
2. Protection Against Engine Damage
Over time, oil can break down and lose its ability to lubricate effectively, leading to accelerated wear and potential engine damage. In the winter, when the engine is under extra strain due to cold temperatures, the risk of damage increases.
Regular oil changes prevent this by keeping the oil fresh and effective, protecting vital engine components from unnecessary stress.
3. Better Fuel Efficiency
Oil that maintains the right viscosity helps the engine run more smoothly, reducing unnecessary strain and improving fuel efficiency.
In winter, when you might be starting your car more frequently and letting it warm up, keeping the oil at optimal levels reduces the load on the engine and helps lower fuel consumption.
4. Protection from Corrosion
Cold temperatures and high humidity can lead to rust and corrosion in your engine. Many modern oils contain anti-corrosion additives that help protect the internal components of the engine, preventing damage from moisture that can accumulate during the colder months.
5. Extended Engine Life
Regular oil changes prevent dirt, debris, and harmful deposits from building up inside the engine. By keeping the oil clean and effective, you help prevent serious damage, extending the overall life of your engine.
Other Winter Driving Maintenance Tips
Winter driving can be tough on both you and your vehicle, but with a few simple maintenance tips, you can ensure a safer and smoother ride.
- Be sure your vehicle is properly maintained before winter sets in.
- When possible, allow the vehicle to heat up a bit before actually driving.
- Check tires, brakes, and battery consistently, and avoid unnecessary idling.
- Use synthetic oil, and change your oil and filter regularly to avoid running on dirty oil.
- Use winter tires for enhanced traction and grip.
- Clear snow and ice from the entire vehicle before driving—including the roof, hood, and windows.
- Drive at reduced speeds and increase following distance to give yourself a longer stopping allowance on slippery roads.
- Stay informed about weather conditions and road closures.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials like blankets, food, flares, and a flashlight.
By staying proactive with these tips, you’ll be better prepared to handle whatever winter throws your way.
Winter-Ready Performance Starts Here – Schedule Your Oil Change Today!
Don’t let winter weather take a toll on your car’s performance. Cold temperatures can thicken engine oil, reducing its efficiency and putting your engine at risk. A winter car oil change is a simple yet crucial step to ensure your vehicle stays protected, fuel-efficient, and ready for every winter drive.
At CarHub North York Chrysler, our service center provides expert winter oil change services tailored to your car’s needs. With top-quality oils and professional care, we’ll help keep your engine running smoothly, no matter how cold it gets.
Visit us today or book your appointment online to get your car winter-ready. Let’s keep you safe and confident on the road this season!