Battery replacement and tire change aside, engine oil change is a significant activity that car owners must perform at regular intervals. And there is good reason for the same. In the summer, heat—a leftover energy source that is also regarded as waste—becomes a significant problem for motorists since it impairs vehicle performance. Following fuel use, thermal energy is released by every vehicle. The heat in the atmosphere, though, could exacerbate the harm that heat can do to your car’s engine, air conditioner, tires, and other components. This blog will help you understand the car maintenance procedures you must follow, the components – especially your engine – of your gas or diesel car that are most vulnerable to heat, and the negative effects of heat.
Do We Need to Change the Engine Oil in The Hot Summer?
In general, it is not necessary to perform an engine oil change. The primary function of the cooling system is to regulate the operational temperature of the vehicle. As such, the coolant is consistently maintained at a temperature range of 90°C-100°C, irrespective of seasonal variations. The primary function of engine oil is to ensure effective lubrication of the engine, rather than serving as a coolant, as supported by this fact.
What Happens to Your Car Engine in Summer?
Car engine oil change in summer is an unavoidable engagement considering it is the very liquid that ensures that your car keeps moving on the roads. During car rides in high temperatures, the engine oil of your vehicle undergoes a process of thinning as a result of its interaction with the heat. Specific components of your engine are experiencing inadequate lubrication and protection. The aforementioned phenomenon results in elevated levels of friction and a heightened risk of detrimental effects on vital internal constituents of the engine. If the temperature of the engine oil exceeds the recommended level, it is advisable to refrain from driving the vehicle. Additionally, a notification should be presented to the driver to indicate the possibility of an overheating issue.
Similar to most fluids, the oil within an engine undergoes thermal expansion. Therefore, when assessing the oil levels, it is recommended to allow the oil to settle for approximately 5-10 minutes to facilitate the complete drainage of the oil back into the pan. In the summer season, a heightened demand for lubrication is required for a heated engine, thus making it imperative to adhere to routine oil changes. It is recommended to thoroughly inspect the oil levels of your vehicle before commencing your journey. Alternatively, you can visit your nearby garage to avail refilling of your engine’s oil and other fluids.
The Effects
Your car engine oil needs the optimum lubricant on hot days. Heat has several impacts on vehicles and their performance, one of which is the reduction in viscosity of liquids. When heated, motor oil loses some of its thickness and becomes less viscous. Make sure the oil level is enough and add more if needed. If your car needs an oil change, you should have it done before the next heat wave.
Engine oil gets heated and its viscosity is decreased as a result of the interaction between the remaining energy from your car’s combustion and the ambient heat emission. As a consequence, engine oil is better able to fulfill its job of lubricating moving parts, which reduces friction and heat—two factors that contribute to engine failure in the summer. It’s advisable to have an oil change done before the summer heat sets in. Make careful you use a thicker oil in place of the thinner one. Fill it up to the ‘MAX’ mark on the dipstick while your car is on a flat surface to ensure uninterrupted cooling this summer.
