Should You Use Different Motor Oil in the Winter?

Most people even vaguely familiar with automobiles will understand the importance of motor oil. Making sure your car, truck, or SUV gets its oil changed on time is the easiest way to keep it running in peak condition. The wrinkle is that winters in our area can be so harsh that people may need to rethink their vehicle maintenance procedures. So, should you use different motor oil in the winter? The answer can be a little unclear depending on a few different factors. Let’s take a closer look at some vital information.

READ MORE: Why You Should Trade-In Your Car 

Best Oil For Winter Driving

The good news is that if your vehicle is within a few model years, it likely came from the factory using synthetic oil, which will do just fine in most environments, including a harshly cold one. Synthetic motor oil comes with a W rating, which more or less indicates how well it performs in the cold. It’s always best to follow the recommendations laid out in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. However, if your vehicle may have some specialized needs, the professionals at the Bannister Honda Service Department can help you make some important decisions. 

Different Kinds of Motor Oil to Consider

Like many things in the automotive industry, there are a lot of different things to consider when choosing a motor oil. Broadly speaking, there are four primary categories available that will cover most needs.

• Conventional Oil: The long-time gold standard motor oil option. It’s made directly from crude oil pulled out of the ground.
• High Mileage Oil: Uses conventional oil as a base but includes additives designed to reduce oil consumption for engines with more than 120,000 km.
• Synthetic Blend Oil: A blend of synthetic oil and mineral oil come together to create an affordable oil with enhanced protective properties. This is a popular option for trucks and SUVs.
• Full Synthetic Oil: Contains fewer impurities and is used in modern high-performance engines. Full synthetic oil also protects the engine across a wider range of temperatures.

Bannister Honda not only has one of the most diverse lineups of Honda vehicles in the area, but we also have a service department full of experts. Make an appointment with us, today, if you need some help maintaining your vehicle or finding a new one.