Why Oil Changes Are More Important in Winter Than You Think

Routine oil changes are important for protecting your engine’s performance and longevity, especially during cold weather. Engine oil tends to thicken at freezing temperatures, making it harder to circulate and protect the engine’s components, including the transmission, connecting rods, and crankshaft. It’s not that these problems will come up like that; in fact, your car shows common signs of oil breakdown, like the check engine light turning on, decreased fuel efficiency, and abnormal engine noises. It is one service you should not ignore, as neglecting an oil change can lead to severe problems, including engine wear, reduced fuel efficiency, poor cold-start performance, and even engine failure. 

Read on as the certified technicians at Barry Cullen Chevrolet take you through the importance of timely oil changes, why this service matters the most in winter and the common warning signs of oil breakdown, ensuring your Chevrolet’s engine runs smoothly all season long if you get this service every 8,000 to 16,000 kilometers, or depending on how you drive your Chevrolet and under what conditions. 

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Why is an Oil Change Important?

Simply put, regular oil changes are necessary to ensure your car’s engine runs smoothly without any hiccups. This is also because a vehicle’s engine comprises various parts and components, including valves, pistons, spark plugs and brakes, which work together to deliver a seamless driving experience. These components rub against each other to get the engine moving, and oil makes this motion smooth and easy. But over time, the engine oil becomes contaminated with debris, dirt, grime, and other pollutants, which must be removed to keep the engine running normally. During an oil change, technicians remove the old, contaminated oil and replace it with new oil, so you can enjoy uninterrupted, safe driving performance.

Why Do Oil Changes Matter More in Winter? 

Cold temperatures affect how oil flows and lubricates vital engine components, and delaying or skipping an oil change can lead to wear and potential engine damage.

• When engine oil becomes contaminated with dirt, dust, and debris, it loses its ability to lubricate efficiently. This forces your engine to work harder, which reduces fuel efficiency.
• In low temperatures, engine oil naturally thickens, making it harder to circulate through the engine. Thickened oil increases friction between moving parts, accelerating wear and tear.
• Winter driving conditions, such as cold starts and harsh weather conditions, can worsen engine performance. Fresh engine oil helps remove harmful buildup, improves engine responsiveness, and protects critical components.

What Are the 7 Common Warning Signs of Needing an Oil Change?

1. Abnormal engine noise
2. Check engine light on
3. Excessive mileage 
4. Decreasing fluid/oil levels 
5. Engine oil becomes darker and dirtier with grime 
6. A peculiar/burnt smell surrounds the cabin space 
7. Oil stains under the vehicle

How Often Should You Change Your Chevrolet’s Engine Oil?

The knowledgeable technicians at Barry Cullen Chevrolet typically recommend getting an oil change between 8,000 and 16,000 kilometres. However, depending on which Chevrolet model you’re driving and under what conditions, you can stretch the service as far as 24,000 kilometres. To get the correct information on when an oil change service is due, we encourage you to refer to the owner’s manual, which may have all the necessary information based on your Chevy’s make and model. 

Book an Oil Change Appointment at Barry Cullen Chevrolet

Need quality oil change service in and around Guelph, ON? Please visit Barry Cullen Chevrolet, where our certified technicians combine best practices with state-of-the-art technology to provide quality services, ensuring your Chevrolet performs to its full potential for longer. To book a service appointment, call us at 519-824-0210 today!