The Importance of a Winter Honda Oil Change

While chilly Illinois mornings and evenings may be a nice relief after the hot summer, they are also a precursor for the really cold weather on the way. This is why if you haven’t changed the oil in your Honda in a while, now is the time to do it. A regular Honda oil change is important year-round, but especially during the colder months — let’s explore why.

How Cold Temperatures Affect Oil

When the temperature dips, it can have a big impact on how your car operates. Certain types of oil can get thicker in freezing temperatures, which means they aren’t able to flow through the engine as easily.

When this happens, moving parts don’t get adequate lubrication, which hurts engine performance. In some instances, the engine may not be able to start at all, leading to costly repairs.

Pick the Right Kind of Oil

To figure out which oil you should be using for your car, you should consult your owner’s manual. If you go with an oil with a lower viscosity than recommended by the manufacturer, you’re putting your engine at risk. 5W-30 oil may be a smart choice, and the good news is that it’s typically recommended for use all year long.

Change Your Oil Filter

In addition to changing your oil, you should also consider swapping out the filter if it has gotten too dirty. Even if it looks fine, you may want to think about putting in a different type. If the filter has too fine of a screen, oil could have trouble passing through it in colder weather.

To schedule your car’s oil change before the harsh winter weather arrives, get in touch with the service center at Serra Honda of Champaign. Our expert technicians will get your Honda car prepped for colder temperatures and icy roads.