The seasons change – and so does your engine oil? Yes and no. You may have heard that it’s a good idea to time your oil change services with certain seasons to stay proactive about your car’s health. However, your engine oil also changes depending on the environment and how temperatures fluctuate with the seasons. If you factor in these changes when you check your engine oil, it can make a difference for your engine’s health and lifespan. If you’re due for an oil change, pay a visit to your local AAMCO Boardman auto repair shop and we’ll ensure your engine is ready, no matter the season.
Why Checking Your Engine Oil Regularly Matters
Even if it feels unnecessary or overkill to check your engine oil on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to keep up with it anyway. Your engine oil plays a big role in the health of your car’s engine and if it’s low or dirty, you want to catch it as soon as possible. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where to look for your engine oil dipstick and check it regularly – and especially before longer road trips.
With Engine Oil, Checking the Level and Condition Tells You About Your Car’s Health
Believe it or not, your engine oil can be a key to your engine’s health. When it’s in good condition, your engine oil keeps all of your engine’s parts lubricated and running smoothly. As it ages, picks up contaminants, or leaks from your engine, it’s less able to do its job in the engine. This can quickly hit the overall health of your car’s engine and even cause noticeable problems with drivability and performance if it’s left unaddressed.
Regular Oil Change Services Keep Your Car Running at its Best
Whether your car needs an oil change every six months or annually, it’s important to follow your manufacturer and mechanic’s recommendations. Environment and driving habits can change the intervals at which you need your engine oil replaced. In any case, keeping your engine oil in as good of condition as possible will also keep your engine healthy and your car running its best.
How Does Temperature Impact Your Engine Oil?
Aside from the age and condition of your engine oil, there’s also a role played by outside or engine temperature. When you check your engine oil, take into account the temperature outside and how warm your engine is. Both can cause your engine oil to read differently when you use the dipstick to check the engine oil level.
In Warmer Temperatures, Your Engine Oil Thins and Expands
You’ve probably been told you should wait to check your engine oil until your car has cooled for a half hour or so since your last drive. On one hand, this is because your engine oil hasn’t been able to fully drain into the oil pan again, so your oil level may read lower than it really is. On the other hand, heat in general causes your engine oil to expand and thin. While this is a good thing for the health of your engine, since thinner oil is a better lubricant, it’s also a good idea to factor it into how you read your engine oil level.
In Cooler Temperatures, Your Engine Oil Thickens and Condenses
If you’ve ever felt like your engine doesn’t run as well in the cold, it’s because cooler temperatures cause your engine oil to thicken. This can make it less effective at lubricating the moving parts in your engine, which can impact the performance of your car as well is speeding up wear and tear on your engine. Not only this, but engine oil that’s cold – we’re talking freezing temperatures here – will also condense and show up as being at a lower level. This means you may want to run your engine for a bit and let it cool just long enough to drain if you’re checking your engine oil in the winter.
Visit Your Local AAMCO Auto Repair Shop for Your Next Oil Change
Time for car maintenance? Healthy engine oil is important to keep your engine – and your car overall – running its best. Keep up with regular oil change services and your car will thank you, plus you’ll save money in the long run. Whether you need an oil change service or a more serious auto repair, find out what makes AAMCO’s mechanics stand out from the rest. Easily schedule your appointment with us online today!