Tips for winter oil use: those easily overlooked details

Jan 13, 2024

In winter, the correct oil change and seasonal maintenance of the vehicle is an important factor in the stable and efficient operation of the vehicle in winter. For oil maintenance in winter, we summarize some matters.

 

A multigrade viscosity oil is ideal for trucks during the winter months. According to the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) classification of kinematic viscosity of motor oils, a multigrade oil labeled SAE 15W-40 provides effective engine protection at -20 degrees Celsius, while for lower temperatures, "10W", "5W" and "5W" oils are available. For lower temperatures, choose "10W", "5W" oils.

 

Some principles of oil selection:

Choosing the viscosity grade of oil based on the region, season, and temperature.

Selecting the quality grade of oil based on the engine's load, RPM, production year, and specifications.

Choosing the quality grade of oil based on the ratio of oil capacity to power in the oil sump.

Selecting oil based on the engine's usage time and wear condition.

 

Principles for oil change intervals:

Based on vehicle condition/usage: In harsh operating conditions, the oil change interval should be shortened.

Based on oil quality: Higher-quality oil can have longer oil change intervals compared to lower-quality oil.

Based on the usage environment and conditions: Temperature, air cleanliness, fuel quality, and usage conditions.

 

About adding oil

Many people may feel the need to add more oil when refilling, but excessive oil can lead to increased friction resistance in various parts of the engine, resulting in power loss that outweighs the benefits. Moreover, an excess of oil may enter the combustion chamber, causing the engine to burn oil, significantly increasing oil consumption, and promoting the accumulation of internal engine carbon deposits, causing severe damage to the engine.

Conversely, insufficient oil can lead to inadequate lubrication of engine components such as camshafts, rocker arms, and valves, causing wear to these parts. Therefore, it is advisable to add oil in accordance with the specified quantity, and it is essential to check the oil level before each drive to ensure it is neither too much nor too little.

 

Oil level checking method:

Check the amount of oil, the vehicle should be parked first and then start the engine, when the engine reaches the normal operating temperature, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, let the oil flow back to the oil pan. At this time you can remove the oil dipstick, wipe it dry and insert it, and then take it out to check the oil level, if the oil level is between the "minimum (MIN)" and "maximum (MAX)" , the amount of oil is normal. If it is lower than the "minimum (MIN)", add the right amount of oil.

 

Replacement of the filter element

The role of the oil cartridge is to filter impurities in the engine, prevent oil deterioration, minimize the wear and tear of the components in the operation process. When replacing the oil filter element, please make sure to choose a high-quality filter element, which can effectively protect the engine and prolong the service life of the engine.

 

The cleaning of the oil pan is crucial

During the operation of the engine, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the engine oil pan through the gap between the piston rings and the cylinder wall. This mixture combines with the metal powder generated from component wear, forming sludge. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the oil pan regularly.

 

A small amount of oil sludge can be suspended in the oil, when a large amount of precipitation from the oil, blocking the filter and oil holes, resulting in engine lubrication difficulties, thereby exacerbating engine wear. In addition, oil oxidation at high temperatures will generate varnish and carbon bonded to the piston, so that the engine fuel consumption increases, power loss, and in severe cases, the piston ring stuck and cylinder scoring.

 

Use Magnetic Oil Drain Bolt

Engine internal wear metal foam will flow along with the oil to the bottom of the oil pan, the oil filter can not stop the tiny crumbs, which will be sucked into the oil pump, very easy to block the lubrication system. But if the oil drain screw has a magnetic, it will suck these crumbs, greatly improve the protection of the engine.

 

It is important to preheat the engine sufficiently

In winter, due to the lower temperatures, the flow of engine oil is less effective, resulting in increased friction resistance and difficulty in starting. After starting, it takes time to establish a proper lubricating oil film, leading to greater engine wear. However, many people accelerate immediately after starting the vehicle, further increasing engine wear. It is recommended to preheat the vehicle when starting, allowing it to idle for a period after ignition before driving.

 

Pay attention to check the status of the pressure gauge during driving

The high or low pressure of the engine oil indicates the condition of the lubrication system. Conversely, the normality of the lubrication system can also be reflected by the engine oil pressure. If the oil pressure gauge indicates an anomaly, the vehicle should be stopped immediately for inspection and troubleshooting. Therefore, during the driving process, it is essential to constantly monitor the changes in engine oil pressure.

 

To ensure the efficient operation of your vehicle in winter, comprehensive and meticulous maintenance checks are crucial.