When it comes to engine "blood replacement", there are certain considerations. How to choose engine oil in winter

If the engine is the heart of a car, then engine oil is its blood. During the operation of an engine, there are many metal surfaces that rub against each other. Engine oil can play a role in lubricating and reducing friction for the engine, assisting in cooling and temperature reduction, sealing and preventing leakage, rust and corrosion prevention, shock absorption and buffering, etc.

However, the "blood" of an engine also varies with the seasons. As the cold winter approaches, how to choose the right engine oil to effectively reduce the wear of engine components and keep the engine "running smoothly". Today, let's talk about some matters concerning the selection of engine oil in winter.

How to identify the viscosity of engine oil

For the viscosity of engine oil, we use the SAE grade marking. For example, SAE15W-40 "W" stands for winter(Winter). The smaller the number in front of it, the better the low-temperature fluidity of the oil, indicating that it can be used in lower ambient temperatures and provides better protection for the engine during cold starts. The number following the "W" (after a horizontal line) is an indicator of the high-temperature resistance of the engine oil. The larger the value, the better the protective performance of the engine oil at high temperatures.

How to identify the quality grade of engine oil

The quality of engine oil is identified by API grades. For instance, the series starting with "S" belongs to gasoline engine oil, with specifications ranging from SA to SN. The series starting with "C" belongs to diesel engine oil, with specifications ranging from CA to CN.

For instance, from "SA" to "SN", with each additional letter, the performance of the engine oil is superior to the previous one, and there will be more additives in the oil to protect the engine. The further back the letter is, the higher the quality grade. Among international brands, the engine oil grade is mostly above SF level.

How to choose engine oil in winter

First of all, the state of the engine oil is directly related to the working temperature of the car. At different temperatures, the viscosity of the engine oil varies, and so do its lubricating and sealing effects. Generally speaking, in winter, if high-viscosity engine oil is used, it will cause additional wear and tear on the starter motor, battery, etc., and at the same time, due to the increased internal resistance, fuel consumption will also rise.

In the cold winter, we should choose engine oil such as 5W-30 or 10W-40. Generally, the smaller the number before the "W", the better the fluidity of the oil. 5W can be used at minus 30 degrees Celsius, and 10W can be used at minus 25 degrees Celsius. This can better protect the engine.

Secondly, it is necessary to distinguish the types of engine oil, such as synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil and mineral oil. Most mineral engine oils are paraffin-based oils. When wax molecules crystallize at low temperatures, such oils become very thick and increase the working load on the car's starting system and battery.

In contrast, synthetic engine oil contains less paraffin and has excellent fluidity. It can be better pumped to various engine parts, thereby providing effective friction protection for car starting, enabling the engine to start more quickly and helping to extend the engine's lifespan.

Therefore, in winter, it is best to choose lubricating oil products with low base oil viscosity and low pour point, so as to continuously provide good lubrication for the car engine.

What should be noted when choosing engine oil

The quality of engine oil determines the lifespan of our car's engine. Good lubricating oil should have a smooth feel, less wear debris and no friction. If there is a strong friction sensation such as sand particles between fingers, it indicates that there are many impurities in the lubricating oil. Secondly, when choosing engine oil, we should purchase that produced by regular manufacturers. Do not be tempted by short-term cheapness, which may shorten the engine's lifespan.