Cold mornings are settling in across Sussex County, and drivers in Byram, Stanhope, and Hopatcong are scraping frost off their windshields again. While most people think about tires and batteries this time of year, engine oil works harder in the cold than at almost any other time. In this month’s blog post, we explain how cold weather affects your engine oil, why the right oil matters, and how to protect your engine through the winter.

Cold Oil Moves Slowly

Oil thickens as it gets colder. When you start your engine on a freezing morning, that thick oil takes longer to reach the parts that need protection. Those first few moments after a cold start are when the engine is most exposed to wear, which is why oil that flows well in the cold makes such a difference.

What the Numbers on the Oil Container Mean

You have probably seen ratings like 0W-20 or 5W-30. The number before the “W” (which stands for winter) shows how well the oil flows when cold. A lower winter rating means the oil meets cold-start and pumping requirements at lower temperatures.  The second number shows how thick the oil stays at normal operating temperature. Always use the oil viscosity listed in your owner’s manual. Many newer engines are designed for thin, low-viscosity oils, and using the wrong type can affect protection and fuel economy.

Short Trips Are Hard on Oil

Quick winter errands around town may not give the engine enough time to fully warm up. When that happens, moisture and fuel can build up in the oil instead of burning off. Over time, this breaks the oil down faster and can lead to sludge. Many owner’s manuals treat frequent short trips in cold weather as “severe service,” which calls for more frequent oil changes.

Simple Habits That Help

• Check your oil level about once a month
• Give the engine about 30 seconds after starting, then drive gently until it warms up
• Avoid hard acceleration while the engine is still cold
• Do not ignore an oil pressure warning light, since it can signal serious trouble
• Ask about synthetic oil, which generally flows better in cold temperatures

Save on Your Next Oil Change

Geller’s Automotive has an oil change coupon available this month. Visit our Coupons page to see the details before your visit.

Fresh, correct oil is one of the least expensive ways to protect one of the most expensive parts of your vehicle. If you want to get your vehicle ready for winter with a fresh oil change, contact the service professionals at Geller’s Automotive to schedule your appointment.