Every driver knows it’s important to change their oil regularly, but this maintenance task is especially important in the winter. Engine oil plays a crucial role in keeping your car running smoothly and in good condition. With the added challenges winter weather throws at your car, you want to do everything you can to prevent weather-related wear and tear. At Road Runner Auto Repair, our team is here to ensure your car is roadworthy year-round. Keeping up with oil changes the first step.
Don’t neglect basic maintenance this winter! Here’s how an oil change can improve your car’s performance.
Easier Cold Starts
Cold temperatures make it more difficult for your car to start, and thick engine oil doesn’t help. Engine oil thickens when it’s old, and it gets thicker in the cold. When you attempt to start your car in cold weather, the battery has to work harder to get the engine to turn over. Cold temperatures combined with thick oil can result in a sluggish start or a failure to start altogether. Changing your oil and using a low viscosity oil grade will help your engine start up more easily, even in the bitter cold.
Better Fuel Efficiency
We’re all concerned about fuel efficiency, no matter the season, but your car’s gas mileage tends to drop in the winter. The cold weather means your car has to work harder, using more fuel. If your engine is poorly lubricated because of old oil, it has to work even harder, further reducing your fuel efficiency. If you want your car to get the best possible gas mileage in the winter, changing the oil is essential.
Prevent Sludge Buildup
Regular oil changes throughout the year help to prevent sludge and contamination from building up in the engine. When you take a short trip in the cold, your engine often doesn’t reach its optimal running temperature. If the engine doesn’t get warm enough, moisture in the oil builds up rather than evaporating. This moisture buildup creates a tar-like sludge that restricts oil flow and can damage the engine over time.
Come to Road Runner Auto Repair for an Oil Change This Winter
At Road Runner Auto Repair, our team will keep your car running all winter long. From routine maintenance to extensive repairs, we’re ready to fix up your car and get you safely back on the road.