In winter, engine oil in some cars becomes thick, which makes it difficult for the engine to work. This was reported by Roman Timashov, Deputy General Director of the Avtodom Group of Companies.
The expert explained that at low temperatures, the viscosity of the oil increases, and its pumpability decreases. The reason is the change in the properties of the oil under the influence of cold. Many drivers use fluids that are not suitable for the local climate or are not recommended by the manufacturer. Heavily contaminated oil thickens even faster.
If the oil loses its fluidity, it may not reach the friction pairs or be squeezed out due to loss of properties. With dry friction, the wear of cylinders, pistons with rings, camshaft and other parts that depend on oil pressure increases, the expert noted.
If the oil thickens severely, the starter will not be able to crank the crankshaft, and the engine will not start. Wear of parts accelerates engine failure. High pressure of thick oil can damage oil seals and gaskets, which lose elasticity in the cold, Timashov warned.
Now, in the midst of the Epiphany frosts, this problem has become especially relevant. In some regions of Russia, the air temperature has dropped to ‑35…‑40 °C and below, especially in Siberia and the Urals, where abnormal frosts have been holding for several days. In Central Russia and Moscow, frosts are also intensifying: night temperatures of ‑15…‑23 °C are forecast, and the perceived temperature may be even lower due to wind and humidity.
In such conditions, drivers have to warm up the car for a long time before the trip. Warming up is not just "drinking coffee", but an important technical procedure: it allows the oil to warm up, reduce viscosity and distribute evenly throughout all engine components, including complex gears and bearings. Without this, cold thick oil creates an increased load on the starter and battery, and can also damage seals and gaskets, which lose elasticity and crack in the cold.
The expert emphasizes that the correct choice of winter engine oil with suitable viscosity is the key to reliable engine operation in cold weather. This approach reduces wear, facilitates cold starting and extends engine life.