Choosing the Right Oil for Winter Driving

[Counterman]

As winter rolls in and the temperature drops below freezing, it’s important for vehicle owners to choose the right motor oil for such conditions. A synthetic oil with the right viscosity can improve engine protection and performance in the cold winter months. Sean Nguyen, Pennzoil’s technical scientist and automotive lubricant specialist, told Counterman that it’s important to consider an oil’s ability to flow effectively in cold temperatures.

“In the winter, that’s when the oil is the slowest or the densest, and it takes time for the oil to get from the reservoir, from the oil pan to get up to the cylinder heads,” explained Nguyen. “Those times are precious. 90% of wear happens in the first 90 seconds of an engine start.”

When your customer is looking for motor oil in winter, you’ll want to suggest high-performance synthetic multi-weight oils such as Pennzoil Platinum. These oils, with a SAE 0W-xx or 5W-xx rating, are specifically formulated to remain fluid at low temperatures. That ensures quick lubrication during the cold start, which comes in handy for vehicles exposed to the elements without the protection of a heated garage.

Conventional oils, especially those designed for warm temperatures, often contain impurities and waxy substances that can make them less effective in winter weather. Nguyen said synthetic oils are more homogeneous and better refined, allowing them to flow more efficiently in extremely cold temperatures. That cuts down on the time an engine spends running without proper lubrication.

A common misconception among customers is that thicker oil performs better in winter. They assume using a higher-viscosity oil, like 5W-30 or 10W-40, will help their engine perform better because it seems logical that thicker oil would be more durable in extreme conditions. Nguyen says this is not the case.

“Make sure that second number (the oil’s viscosity at normal engine temperature) is correct. Don’t go to a thicker number because you think it is going to make the oil in your engine work harder.

For example, I recommend that you use a SAE 0W-20 all year round for engines that call for a 5W-20. The 20 gives you the protection that you have all year, winter or summer, because the engine is going to see whatever temperature it sees based on the thermostat, while the 0W will flow much better in those cold morning starts.”

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Sean Nguyen, Pennzoil technical scientist and automotive lubricant specialist

Nguyen adds that it is vital for drivers to let the engine idle for 30 seconds to a minute before driving, especially in cold temperatures. This warm-up time ensures the oil flows effectively, protecting the engine from wear and tear during those dry starts. That, along with thinner oil weight, will provide faster oil flow to critical areas of the engine.

The challenge for counter professionals: How to effectively communicate the benefits of low-weight synthetic oils for winter? Nguyen says simplifying the technical language and connecting it to a customer’s needs can go a long way. He suggests highlighting the long-term savings and benefits of synthetic oils, like an improvement in fuel efficiency, maximized engine protection and excellent performance offered by oil like Pennzoil Platinum. It also doesn’t hurt to explain how the composition of synthetic oil keeps it stable in cold conditions, improving overall longevity and performance.

“Do you want to keep your car longer?” Nguyen recommends asking the customer. “Do you want it to perform when you want it to? High quality synthetic oils will do that.”

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