There are many ways to adequately prepare your vehicle for Canadian winter. Taking some precautionary measures before winter comes out in full force, can be a tremendous advantage for your car and your wallet.
Preventative maintenance can save you money by avoiding expensive trips to the mechanic and preserving the value of your vehicle. This is why regularly scheduled automotive maintenance is so beneficial. A perfect time for a scheduled maintenance session, is just before winter. Having your oil changed is an important part of consistent upkeep.
How often should oil be changed?
Waiting until smoke starts coming from your engine is not the best way to realize it’s time for an oil change. The general belief is that oil should be changed anywhere between 5000 and 10,000 kilometers. How often you actually change your oil can depend on a number of factors, such as:
- How often you drive
- Driving conditions
- Type of vehicle
- Type of oil
- Personal preference
It is a good idea to consult your driver’s manual to see the recommended frequency for oil changes. There really is no such thing as changing your oil too often. Frequent oil changes will cause no damage to your engine, so feel free to have your oil changed as often as you like to prevent worry and stress.
Does oil need to be changed more often in the winter?
Again, this will be dependent on various outside factors, but the short answer is “yes”. The technology found in automobiles these days is quite sophisticated. When the “change oil” light comes on in your vehicle, it happens based on all kinds of factors and influences. Some of the things that get taken into account are:
- Average engine temperature
- Ambient air temperature
- Weight of load in your vehicle
- Length and duration of excursions
- How frequently the engine is run without hitting maximum heat level
These are just a few examples to give you an idea of the complex inner workings behind your “change oil” light. This is why the change oil light may come on more frequently during the winter. Having your oil changed before the winter season, keeps the engine at optimal performance levels when it may need to work a little harder during the winter months.
Why does oil need to be changed regularly?
The main purpose of oil in your vehicle is to provide lubrication for the many components of the engine that rub against each other and cause friction. Without oil, there is nothing to absorb the heat created by this friction, which can quickly lead to the engine overheating.
Eventually, oil will break down and become contaminated just through regular use. Sludge and debris will build up in the oil over time, making it less effective at lubricating the engine and absorbing heat.
Oil contamination is also a result of water and fuel getting into the oil reserve. Water can get into the oil when condensation forms on the metal components of the engine. This typically occurs by taking short trips in the winter, not giving the engine enough time to heat up fully.
It is similar with gasoline or fuel. When you start up your engine in the cold weather, a fuel injected engine will produce a richer mixture, which can result in unused fuel getting into the oil reserve.
If too much water or fuel gets into the oil reserve, it can lead to major problems for your vehicle. Too much water can induce the oil ventilation system to lock up, which results in a leak. Excess fuel in the oil and it starts to lose its lubricative properties, which lead to engine damage.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
For regular oil changes, and any other type of automotive maintenance you require, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is an outstanding option. This one-stop-shop for automotive care has been operating in the Brampton area for over 20 years, providing exceptional service and products.
Of all the aspects of consistent vehicular maintenance, oil changes may be the most important. Your car relies on clean oil to allow peak performance, and prevent engine damage and seizure.
Valvoline Express Care offers effective, efficient, and affordable oil changes for people in Brampton and the surrounding areas.
Don’t take any chances this winter; get your vehicle ready for the upcoming season. When you take your car to Valvoline Express Care, professional automotive technicians can inspect your car for safety and performance.
While your car is raised up for an oil change, this can also be an ideal time for tire rotation and rust proofing for the undercarriage of your vehicle.