You’ve probably heard the advice to change your motor oil every 3,000 miles in order to keep your engine running smoothly. But getting your oil changed for summer and winter may seem like a strange idea. If you haven’t heard about seasonal oil changes, you may be asking yourself, “Do you need to change your oil for the winter?” Let’s take a look.

Why do I Need to Change My Oil for Winter?

Considering that oil changes are recommended every 3,000 miles, you may be wondering why you need to change your oil for the winter as well. A lot the reason is to protect the vehicle’s engine to make sure that sufficient lubrication reaches all parts. At 20 degrees, your car’s oil will be the consistency of maple syrup, increasing the amount of time it takes for oil to lubricate the engine properly.

Oil that is too thin will not provide enough lubrication for the moving parts inside your engine, leading to excessive stress and potential damage to your car.

Oil that is too thick will become gooey and make starting your car in cold weather a challenge. The starter motor and battery will have to work harder to turn the engine on, contributing to premature wear out.

By using oil that is designed to stay thinner in cooler temperatures, you’ll help optimize the amount of oil that is running through your engine and reduce the strain that happens with thick oil and cold startups.

So, Do You Need to Change Your Oil for the Winter?

As you can see, there are a lot of benefits for changing your oil to a winter-friendly weight. But whether or not you need to change the oil for the winter depends on where you live.

If you live in a climate where you expect winter temperatures to drop below the freezing line regularly, then you may want to consider getting your oil changed during the winter months. For people who live in warmer climates, you may not need to worry about seasonal oil changes.

What Type of Oil Should I get for Winter?

If you’re planning to get your oil changed for the winter, the type of oil you’ll need will depend on the car itself. By and large, synthetic oil is recommended for winter months if it is approved for your vehicle. Synthetic oil stays viscous at lower temperatures than standard oil, making it a good option for year-round performance.

When it comes to the exact weight of the oil – that is, the number and letter combination on the front of the bottle – you’ll need to consult the manual to see what types of oil can safely be put into your vehicle.

If you aren’t sure about whether or not you need an oil change for the winter, or if you want to get your oil changed this season, call T3 Atlanta to book an appointment. We are experts at repairing Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicles. We are convenient to the metro Atlanta area with locations in Smyrna and Decatur.