Oil Change to Winterize the Car

Every responsible car owner has an oil change done by a professional every 3000 miles. This keeps their vehicle running as efficiently and smoothly as possible. What not everyone realizes, however, is that there need to be some alteration to the type of lubricant used when temperatures tart to drop. For safe winter driving it is important to winterize not just your car but its engine as well.

First as the season begins to change go to the mechanic that normally works on the vehicle. He will be able to discuss with you the types of driving you will be doing once frigid weather comes. Tell him how often you will be driving and on what kinds of roads. Tell him if you keep the car in a heated garage or out in the elements. Also discuss whether you will be going up to the mountains where temperatures will be lower. Depending on the answers he will be able to recommend the appropriate weight of lubricant for your car.

Once you have determined the best choice have an oil change. Many mechanics recommend switching from 10W30 to 5W30 during freezing weather. The lower viscosity of the lubricant allows it to flow more quickly at very low temperatures. In addition to changing the weight you use consider using high quality lubricant if you don’t already. Many companies make a lubricant specific for winter or cold climates and it will reduce damage to the engine when it is started on freezing days.

In addition to not only a regular oil change but also a change in oil you should take other precautions when driving in the winter. For example always let your car warm up but not for very long. You do not want to start your car and leave it idling as it wastes gas and damages the catalytic converter. Instead start the engine let it warm up for 30 to 60 seconds and then slowly drive off. The half a minute allows the fluids to get moving but then accelerating gently will warm up the engine faster and allow the catalytic converter to do its job better.

Another thing to consider would be to but some sort of block heater or other warming device that will slowly bring the engine of the car up to temperature. This enables it to start better and with less effort than if it was started cold. They are simply plugged in overnight and keep the fluids at an operable temperature. In fact it is likely that when you go to have the winter oil change you will be able to have the mechanic install one for you.