Winter Weather Can Mean A Different Oil Change Schedule
How Often Should You Change Your Oil in Winter?
The best thing you can do for your car, truck or SUV is to get the oil changed on time. Winter vehicle maintenance requires extra attention to various systems. It’s not uncommon for people to ask our service team how often they should change their car’s oil in the winter. For the most part, simply following the standard service intervals is the way to go. However, there are some situations where you will need to change things up. Let’s take a closer look at some helpful seasonal maintenance information.
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3 Factors That Change Winter Oil Change Intervals
A lot of automotive maintenance practices are broadly applicable to the bulk of passenger vehicles. However, there are always exceptions to the rules, and there are a few important factors that could shorten the time between oil change appointments. Some of these include:
- Type of Oil – Most cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the last several years use synthetic motor oil, meaning most will need an oil change every 8,000 kilometres. However, if your vehicle uses conventional motor oil, it may need to be changed every 4,800 km.
- Driving Conditions – If your usual driving distances shorten in the winter, it may warrant a change to your oil change timeline. Frequent short trips in cold temperatures put extra strain on an engine because the oil can’t get hot enough to burn off moisture or contaminants.
- Vehicle Age/Mileage – The longer your car is on the road, the more kilometres go on the odometer, the more stress is put on the engine. High-mileage platforms may require more attention during winter to prevent seals and gaskets from failing.
4 Signs You Need An Oil Change Sooner In the Winter
Like a lot of things having to do with the health of an automobile, there are a few telltale signs that a shorter winter oil change interval might be needed. These signals include:
- Rough or noisy cold starts
- Dark, dirty oil on the dipstick
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Oil life monitor alerts
If there is anything the Fairley & Stevens Ford Service Department can do to help you get the most out of your vehicle, make an appointment with us today.