Are You Prepared? How To Protect Your Engine Oil This Winter

Now that summer is officially over, it's time to get your car ready for the cold weather that will soon be arriving. While you're switching over to snow tires and changing the coolant in your car, don't forget about the oil. Winter can wreak havoc on the motor oil in your car, especially if you're not careful. Here are just a few things you can do to avoid oil problems in your car this winter.

Get an Oil Change

With winter fast approaching, it's time to have an oil change on your car, even if the dashboard indicator light hasn't illuminated yet. Your car is going to need a lighter grade oil this winter. During the summer, your car needs a heavier oil to protect all the gears from the searing temperatures. However, during the winter, that heavy oil can get too thick, leaving you with a big mess and a car that won't start. To make sure you avoid those problems, change your oil before the weather gets too cold. The last thing you want to do is stand outside heating up your engine with a blow dryer because you forget to switch to a winter blend oil for your car.

Check the Gaskets and Hoses

If you're anticipating freezing temperatures this winter, it's a good idea to check the gaskets and hoses on your car. A worn out gasket or hose can go from bad to destroyed in no time at all once the first freeze hits. Unfortunately, once your gaskets and hoses go out, you could end up losing your oil while you're driving, which could burn up your engine. To make sure that doesn't happen, have your hoses and gaskets inspected before winter arrives. It's also important that you watch for leaks this winter. If you find drops of oil on your driveway, have your car looked at by a mechanic right away.

Keep Your Car Clean

If you're going to be driving through snow and ice this winter, chances are good that you'll also be driving through road salt. If that's the case, you'll need to keep your car clean this winter, especially the undercarriage and engine compartment. You don't want road salt finding its way into your oil supply. If that happens, you'll end up with contaminated oil, which means you'll be spending some time at the auto shop this winter. To protect your engine and your oil, be sure to keep your car clean and free of road salt.

Contact a shop, like Small & Sons Oil Dist Co, for more help.

Share