2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The engine also wants to push the right oil into the lubrication points for the cold season. When buying, you should therefore pay attention to the so-called viscosity.
Most drivers think of winter tires, ice scrapers and gloves when there is snow and frost. If the car is to withstand the weather conditions at low temperatures, however, checking the engine oil is also a part of it. So that the lubricant does not get thick like honey in icy cold and the pump does not manage to push it into all the important lubrication points, when buying the oil, particular attention must be paid to the so-called viscosity, i.e. the flow properties of the oil.
0W-40 can always be used
It is divided into viscosity classes which indicate the temperature ranges in which the lubricant fulfills its function. This is indicated by the number in front of the W, which stands for winter oil. The specification ranges from zero to 25. “0” indicates the highest winter resistance, the oil is then still liquid below minus 30 degrees Celsius. With a 5W operating state of up to minus 25 degrees can be expected, 15W maintains its fluidity up to minus 10. A 25W oil is only suitable up to minus five degrees in normal operating state.
The number after the W indicates the heat suitability for plus straight lines. Today multigrade oils are mainly sold by adding additivesguarantee optimal flowability both at minus temperatures and at plus degrees. The temperature ranges above zero degrees are given as 20 for very thin liquids up to 60. For example, an engine oil with the designation 0W-40 can be used without hesitation in frosty winter at minus 30 degrees, but also in summer.
Modern cars need synthetic oil
Modern cars need synthetic oil, which has better winter properties than normal mineral oil, but its performance is impaired in the cold. Mainly because the manufacturing tolerances of the engines are so small that oil that is too viscous with an ice-cold unit does not reach all lubrication points when the engine is ice-cold. That is why you still have to be careful with modern engines after a cold start, advises the German Automobile Club (AVD). Above all, it should not be turned too high. For the first few kilometers, it is advisable not to do more than 2500 tours. Only then is the oil warmed up in such a way that higher speeds have no negative impact on the engine running performance.
For old or youngtimersthe AVD recommends changing the oil to motor oil suitable for winter, because the viscosity improvement cannot be achieved by refilling with thinner oil. By the way: Regardless of the age of the vehicle, cold oil should never be poured into a hot unit. (SP-X)
