Which Type of Motor Oil Is Best for Winter in Minnesota?

As you know, motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Having the right type of oil running through your engine ensures peak performance and prolongs the lifespan of your car. Though they’re always important, oil changes in Minneapolis, MN are just a little more crucial in the winter when the temperatures plummet to the single digits or lower.

When temperatures fall, your oil thickens and starts to flow more slowly. You don’t need to be a certified mechanic to know that’s a problem for your engine, especially on startup! The good news is that there’s a solution: replace your regular motor oil with one that’s specifically designed for cold weather. Continue reading to learn more about the best type of oil for your car this winter.

How is oil measured and rated?

Motor oil is measured by its viscosity, or thickness. The higher the viscosity, the slower it flows through your engine. Before a motor oil is put on the market, the Society for Automotive Engineers has to assign it a rating, such as 5W30, where the “W” stands for winter and is the oil’s cold weather rating. The lower the W number, the better the oil performs at lower temperatures. A 5W oil is just fine for winter, but new synthetic oils that are formulated to run even better in cold temperatures can achieve a 0W rating.

So, which type of oil do I need?

Besides getting a motor oil with a lower W number, you need to choose whether you want conventional motor oil, synthetic oil or a blend of both. Conventional motor oil typically gets the job done, although it does contain more impurities than its counterparts. Next up, there’s the synthetic blends. These are a good choice for folks with SUVs and pickup trucks who want better performance than conventional oil, but who’d rather not pay for full synthetics. Last, but certainly not least, we have full synthetics. They’re a little bit more expensive than the types mentioned above, but they provide the best protection for your engine and run smooth as silk in the winter months.

Is it time for a change?

Putting the most expensive synthetic motor oil in your car is pointless if you don’t have it changed in a timely manner. Regardless of the temperature outside, your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles, or whenever your mechanic recommends. Now that the temperatures are consistently below freezing, it’s vital that you switch out your oil for one with a lower W rating. Talk to your mechanic about the best type of oil for your vehicle—just be sure to do so sooner rather than later!

The longer you wait to replace your oil, the higher the risk that you run into engine trouble. Give the team at Quality Coaches, Inc. a call today to schedule an oil change in Minneapolis, MN and ensure your car is happy and healthy and ready to get you around this holiday season. We look forward to assisting you!

Categorised in: Oil Changes

This post was written by Sharon Morgan