Summer Oil Changes

As summer approaches, it's essential to prepare your vehicle for the challenges that come with higher temperatures. One critical aspect of summer vehicle maintenance is the oil change. This month's blog post discusses the importance of regular oil changes, how summer conditions affect your engine oil, and what you can do differently with your oil change routine during the hot summer months.

The Importance of Oil Changes

Regular oil changes are vital for maintaining your vehicle's engine health. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction, and helps dissipate heat. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and combustion by-products, which can lead to increased engine wear and reduced performance. If you are not getting regular oil changes, you may be impacting your overall vehicle health and performance.

How Summer Conditions Affect Engine Oil

Summer heat can significantly impact your engine oil in several ways:

Increased Oil Temperature: Higher ambient temperatures cause the engine oil to heat up more quickly and reach higher temperatures.  Oil degrades quicker and the efficacy of lubrication is significantly reduced.

Thinning of Oil: As temperatures rise, engine oil tends to thin out, reducing its ability to form a protective film between moving parts. Without the proper protection, your engine parts can rub and cause friction and wear on the engine.

Evaporation:  Like other fluids, oil evaporates, especially in hotter weather.  If the oil is burning off faster, it requires more frequent filling and monitoring of oil levels.

Summer Oil Change Tips

To ensure your vehicle's engine remains in top condition during the summer months, consider the following tips:

1. Use the Right Oil Grade:  Check your vehicle's owner manual for the recommended oil grade.  The higher the viscosity level of the oil, the thicker the oil.  Thicker oil protects the engine from excessive wear and tear.

2. Change Oil More Frequently:  Due to the increased stress on the engine and faster oil degradation in summer, consider shortening the interval between oil changes.  It may cost a little more, but the small cost of more frequent oil changes outweighs any possible damage to your vehicle's engine.

3. Monitor Oil Levels Regularly:  Check your oil level more often in the summer, as higher temperatures can cause the oil to evaporate faster.

4. Use High-Quality Oil Filters:  A high-quality oil filter can help remove contaminants more effectively, ensuring cleaner oil circulates through your engine.

5. Consider Synthetic Oil:  Synthetic oils are designed to be resistant to high temperatures and provide better protection against oil breakdowns.  Synthetic oils cost more but can last longer and they improve your vehicle performance in hot weather conditions.

6. Inspect for Leaks:  Hot weather can exacerbate existing oil leaks.  Keep an eye out for any signs that your vehicle is leaking oil - such as pooling under the parked vehicle or smoke or smells of burning oil.

7. Keep the Engine Cool:  Ensure your cooling system is in good working order to prevent the engine from overheating.

8. Avoid Overloading:  Excessive weight can put additional stress on the engine and cause it to run hotter.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your vehicle's engine remains well-lubricated and protected throughout the summer months. Regular oil changes and proper maintenance will help you enjoy a smooth, worry-free driving experience, no matter how high the temperatures climb.

Contact the service professionals at Bell Road Automotive today to schedule your oil inspection and change.