How Hot Weather Affects Your Oil Change Service

The temperature outside affects many parts of your car, from air pressure to oil viscosity. Extreme temperatures can make your oil work less well, so drive in to Kearny Mesa Ford for an oil change service today.

What Is Viscosity?

Viscosity is a measurement of a motor oil’s thickness, which changes as the weather heats up or cools down. Cold temperatures make the oil more viscous and force the engine to work harder. Hot weather, on the other hand, makes oil less viscous, which reduces how much it can lubricate moving parts and causes more wear and tear on your system.

Multi-Viscosity Oil

Older vehicles required different types of oil for different seasons, so drivers had to switch from lighter-weight oil during the winter to heavier-weight oil during the summer. Some drivers still do this, but modern multi-viscosity oil can adjust for changing temperatures. Your owner’s manual will recommend a specific type of oil, but you can always talk to our service team about what your engine needs.

Keeping Up with Service

The best way to keep your oil clean and your engine lubricated is to come in for all of your scheduled oil changes. Your owner’s manual will give a complete timetable for service, including oil changes, which will keep your engine ready for whatever the seasons have to throw at it. An oil change is also a great opportunity to catch up on battery service, tire inspections, and any other regular maintenance you may have missed.

Get an Oil Change at Kearny Mesa Ford

Motor oil gets thicker during the winter and thinner during the summer, but if you keep up with your regular oil changes, you should be able to handle any season. If you’ve fallen behind, visit us at Kearny Mesa Ford for an oil change and get back on the road today!