Saturday, December 7, 2013
What Weight of Oil Is Best for a Four Cylinder Car During the Winter
The location of the vehicle in winter will affect the type of oil chosen during colder months. Hawaii, for example, stays relatively warm all year and therefore there is less need to change oil weight with the season. Consulting the owners manual for the specific vehicle will reveal what the manufacturer recommends (for instance, the owners manual for a 2001 Honda Civic recommends using 5W-20 oil year-round, but 5W-30 is acceptable if 5W-20 is not available).
Numbers and Letters on Oil
The numbers on motor oil show the oils viscosity rating and range from zero to 50. The oils weight is the "viscosity index" on a scale up to 100 degrees Celsius. The lower number, often followed by a W for "winter", corresponds to the oils ease of movement during colder temperatures. The higher numbers correspond the the oils thickness and ability to maintain that thickness even at higher temperatures. Numbers such as 5W-30 have a wide range, from below -30 degrees to over 100 degrees.
Age of the Vehicle
Older vehicles, whose engines have high mileage, are often recommended to use or switch to an oil that is thicker. This will help limit the noise produced by older engines, as well as reducing the overall oil-consumption by the vehicle and prolong its life. The improved lubrication of the engine helps protect it from wear due to long-time use and age.
Regional Differences
Many newer vehicles, less than 20 years old for example, are recommended by manufacturers to use one type of oil year-round, such as the 5W-20 in a 2001 Honda Civic. If the location, however, suffers extremely cold winters (temperatures below -30 degrees Celsius, for instance) local auto parts stores and mechanics will have regionally-appropriate recommendations for oil weights. Not all manufacturers will account for such temperature extremes in the owners manuals so consulting local experts will prove helpful.
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