Preparing your car for winter is similar to safeguarding your investment. With proper care, engine oil, and maintenance, your vehicle will make it through the winter unscathed.
Check the engine oil.
While you usually think about having enough oil, the question you should ask yourself as winter approaches is whether you have the right type of oil. 5W-30 motor oil has lower viscosity than 20W-50 motor oil and will flow more freely in cold weather. If you’ve been using 20W-50 motor oil the rest of the year, it’s time for a change. If the motor oil is too thick, the engine may have difficulty running in cold weather.
The good news is that 5W-30 oil is recommended for year-round use in most vehicles, so there’s no need to switch between the two once you’ve transitioned to the lower viscosity variant.
However, be cautious about choosing something with a viscosity lower than what’s recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Oil that runs too thin may not provide adequate lubrication and protection for your car’s engine.
Replace the engine oil filter
Engine oil isn’t the only factor that significantly impacts performance during winter. Having the right type of oil filter in winter is crucial. Lower temperatures mean thicker engine oil, and thicker oil exerts more pressure on the oil filter, especially during startup. If a filter is not of high quality, it might not handle the significant pressure increases that occur in winter, potentially failing at its weakest point.
Filters with overly fine filter screens may not allow oil to flow as easily as it should in cold weather, limiting lubrication. Refer to the user manual provided with your vehicle or consult with a qualified mechanic to determine the best type of filter for your make and model.
Consider the age of the battery
Most batteries don’t last much longer than two to five years, depending on usage and model. Cold temperatures can affect battery performance. If the battery is nearing the age of four or five years, it might be wise to replace it now. Always inspect the battery cables, fastening brackets, and trays. Signs of corrosion could mean a dead battery in the near future.
Inspect the timing belt
A broken timing belt poses a greater challenge in winter, where being stranded not only means a minor inconvenience but also a potentially life-threatening situation. Cold weather can cause timing belts to stretch and wear out faster than expected due to the expansion and contraction caused by extreme temperatures. Inspect your vehicle’s timing belt and replace it if it’s approaching the manufacturer’s recommended interval or shows signs of wear.
These are just a few of the components you can check to get your vehicle in top condition for winter. With careful maintenance and the help of an experienced mechanic, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly through sun and snow for years. For expert advice, you can always turn to Solution Oil.
Replace the engine oil filter
The motor oil isn’t the only factor that significantly impacts winter performance. Having the right type of oil filter in winter is crucial. Lower temperatures mean thicker motor oil, and thicker oil puts more pressure on the oil filter, especially during startups. If a filter isn’t of high quality, it might not withstand the significant pressure increases that occur in winter, potentially failing at the weakest point.
Filters with an overly fine filter screen may not allow oil to flow as easily as it should in cold weather, limiting lubrication. Consult the user manual provided with your vehicle or talk to a qualified mechanic to determine the best type of filter for your make and model.
Consider the age of the battery
Most batteries don’t last much longer than two to five years, depending on usage and the model. Cold temperatures can affect the battery’s performance. If the battery is approaching the age of four or five years, it might be wise to replace it now. Always inspect the battery cables, mounting brackets, and trays. Signs of corrosion could mean a dead battery in the near future.
Inspect the timing belt
A broken timing belt poses a greater challenge in winter, where being stranded means more than a minor inconvenience; it could be a potentially life-threatening situation. Cold weather can cause timing belts to stretch and wear out faster than expected due to the expansion and contraction caused by extreme temperatures. Inspect your vehicle’s timing belt and replace it if it is nearing the manufacturer’s recommended interval or shows signs of wear.
These are just a few of the components you can check to get your vehicle in top condition for winter. With careful maintenance and the assistance of an experienced mechanic, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly in both sunshine and snow for years. For expert advice, you can always turn to Solution Oil.