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3/1/2021
Most drivers ignore how cold weather affects oil properties. This post by 3Tieroil in Colbert delves into this topic while introducing suggestions to fight this problem by switching to synthetic oil and benefit from its traits.

Keep your engine in top condition with a synthetic oil change in Colbert. Reaching out to the experts will make a massive improvement in your car's performance, and the oil pros at 3Tieroil will be happy to assist you if you want to get acquainted with AMSOIL products. Call (509) 238-6285 if you want to know more.

Motor oil at freezing temperatures will only thicken but not freeze entirely. It will reach a semi-solid state losing the viscosity that allows the oil to flow throughout the engine and lubricate its components, ultimately increasing the risk of damage to engine parts in cold weather. Mineral and synthetic oils are both derived from petroleum and won't freeze in cold temperatures. However, they'll lose their liquid properties as temperatures plummet so, you must keep an eye on the liquid's state during the winter, especially if it's diesel oil, as it will change color and texture, turning into a whitish tone. This change is the result of the hastiness of the dissolved waxes contained in the oil. Gasoline has none of these waxes, and it's not as susceptible to cold temperatures as petroleum-based motor oils.

Fight the Problem

To evade motor problems caused by the dense engine oil, pick a light formula during the winter. Winter-grade oils move more freely in the engine under freezing circumstances, while thicker oils can have trouble moving in the machine and even prevent the car from starting in colder months. If you need help choosing the right oil for your car,��most are suitable for winter driving, marked with the letter W in the oil title. Also, viscosity levels are printed on the bottle, so don't forget to take a closer peek at the labels next time you go oil shopping.

The Best Oil during Winter

Another answer to this problem is switching to synthetic oil formulas, which have shown resistance to thickening in cold temperatures. On the other hand, conventional oil will become denser as the weather gets cold. When the engine is the core piece of any vehicle, you should give great thought to the oil you choose. This is true particularly in winter since the effects of the cold could harm the engine when starting the car.

Winter Oils

Motor oil is graded by its thickness to obtain the viscosity levels. The greater the density, the more sluggish it flows. The Society for Automotive Engineers gives all motor oils a classification grade. For instance, in 5W20 formulas, the "W" states winter use and the oil's cold rating. You can expect more reliability in freezing temperatures with the lower W numbers.

To maintain your engine, don't forget to give it a synthetic oil change in Colbert to keep it running strong. If you need professional assistance concerning oils and additives, call 3Tieroil at (509) 238-628, or visit AMSOIL's website to get familiar with the extensive range of products at your disposal. 

Synthetic Motor Oil vs. Conventional

To summarize, modern formulas have a foundation of 80% base oil and 20% additives to complement the ingredients. Base oils can be synthetic, mineral, or a combination of both, while additives are meant to incorporate friction modifiers, detergent agents, dispersant qualities, and viscosity index improvers. Below are a couple of examples summarized for each formula:

Mineral Oil

This product remains the typical car oil since it's cheaper and satisfies most manufacturers' requirements, but it contains more impurities than advanced formulas.

High Mileage Oil

Indeed an improved formula due to the conditioning complements and special additives. These ingredients stop leaks while decreasing oil waste in older engines. If your vehicle has run more than 70,000 miles, this alternative will help you extend its length of service life.

Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

As the name suggests, this formula is a mixture of mineral oil mixed with synthetic. This oil is a good springboard for owners who wish to improve operation and performance at a lower price. This formula is also popular with GM wagons, SUVs, and pickup drivers looking for a Dexos ranked oil.

Synthetic Oil

A modern oil that carries fewer contaminants and has become the prototype for modern engines. This formula will have better circulation at freezing temperatures and keep the highest lubricity at extreme conditions, protecting the machine even if it doesn't require it.

A multi-viscosity oil such as AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil will flow faster in cold climates and provide the best protection for your engine all-year-round. Get in touch with 3Tieroil by phoning (509) 238-628 or stopping by their website to place an order whenever you need a synthetic oil change in Colbert.