Wondering if you need vehicle oil change services ahead of the winter? The shift in seasons often has drivers wondering if there’s something they need to do to prepare their cars for the cold weather.
While you don’t need a different type of oil in your car, getting an oil change before the winter weather can protect your engine during a more demanding season.
At Planet Oil Change & Car Wash, we’re a go-to choice for local oil change services in Dearborn Heights, MI, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to find a location and get started with an oil change.
Does Your Vehicle Need Pre-Winter Oil Change Services?
To know if your vehicle needs oil changes before the winter, it’s important to understand how cold weather affects your car’s oil. Cold weather causes oil to thicken and become more viscous.
When this happens, it makes it harder for your engine to start, since the oil moves slower and takes longer to circulate around the vehicle.
Once the oil warms up properly, it functions normally. However, during this initial period of slow circulation, excessive friction and wear can happen before the oil reaches certain parts. This can cause potential long-term damage to the engine.
If your oil is dirty ahead of the winter weather, this can cause further complications. Old oil has contaminants like moisture, debris, and combustion byproducts.
In cold weather when the oil doesn’t heat up right away, it means the moisture doesn’t burn off. This leads to the formation of sludge and acids, which can thicken the oil further and cause corrosion in the engine.
How Can Pre-Winter Oil Change Services Help?
Oils have a rating that indicates how well they flow in cold conditions. Most modern oils are designed to be used year round. However, if an oil is dirty, its performance will be compromised no matter what its rating is.
Pre-winter oil change services can remove old oil filled with debris and corrosive elements. Fresh oil can operate better in winter weather, ensuring your engine turns on reliably from a cold start.
A clean, high-quality oil flows almost immediately upon ignition, even in cold weather. This minimizes strain on the starter and battery, which are already affected by the cold. Meanwhile, old, sludgy oil forces engines to work much harder.
For this reason, pre-winter oil change services can be beneficial. An oil change also gives you an opportunity to get your car inspected and identify any other potential problems.
Which Oil Should You Choose for the Winter?
Synthetic oil is better at resisting viscosity changes and thermal breakdown compared to conventional oil. It’s chemically engineered to withstand these changes, and provides better engine protection during cold climates.
For older vehicles with high mileage, a synthetic blend, high mileage oil can be a good option. This oil comes with specialized conditioners and seal protection that can help older cars.
Ultimately, the right oil for your car will depend on your manufacturer’s instructions. You can also work with a certified vehicle technician at Planet Oil Change to find the best fit for your car’s needs.
Contact Us for Express Oil Change Services in Dearborn Heights
If you’re looking for quick oil change services in Dearborn Heights, MI, or the surrounding areas, contact our team at Planet Oil Change & Car Wash.
With over 140 years of combined experience, our vehicle technicians are certified to provide high-quality care for your car.
Come in and get your vehicle’s oil updated before the winter weather hits. Each one of our oil changes comes with a thorough inspection to ensure your vehicle is working properly.
You can also visit us for a car wash, wax and polish service, or other maintenance services.
Ready to try our oil change services for yourself? Contact us today to find a location near you.
