If You’re Entering an Auto Career, Learn About the Effects of Cold Weather on Engine Oil

The cold weather is a vehicle’s worst enemy, causing problems from frost build-up to reduced engine performance. That’s why it’s a good idea to warm up a car and let the defroster do its job by melting the ice buildup. In particular, cold weather can affect a vehicle’s engine oil and prevent the engine from operating properly. For an aspiring mechanic, it’s good to know exactly how cold weather affects a vehicle’s engine oil to properly diagnose any issues customers may have with their engine. 

At ATC Cambridge, you’ll get hands-on training in servicing gasoline engines for different vehicles. You’ll be prepared to inspect and service a vehicle’s engine oil, especially during cold weather. Read on to learn more about the effects of cold weather on engine oil.

You’ll Discover That Fuel Efficiency is Reduced in Cold Weather During Your Auto Career 

In cold temperatures, an engine takes longer to warm up. When this happens fuel consumption increases quickly. Cold weather has a negative impact on a vehicle’s engine oil, and therefore, a negative effect on its fuel efficiency. Engine oil is thick, and in cold weather, this thickness prevents the engine from reaching its desired and optimal fuel-efficient temperature. By knowing how cold weather affects an engine’s efficiency during your auto career, you can carefully assess and diagnose the reasons behind an engine’s negative performance by checking the engine oil first. The Auto Mechanic Pre-Apprenticeship program at ATC Cambridge will give you the confidence to make a careful diagnosis on engine issues, through the servicing and maintenance of all types of cars.

The Flow of Oil Slows Down in Cold Weather

Oil flow is affected by cold weather. The oil is pumped by an oil pump through the oil filter to the main bearing and all other parts of the engine. As mentioned earlier, engine oil is thick, and this thickness becomes an issue in cold weather. Oil flow through the pump takes more time and effort to go through the entire engine block during cold weather. 

This reduced flow has a major effect on a vehicle’s battery. A vehicle’s battery becomes strained due to the reduced flow, and therefore, has to work overtime to generate power for the engine to keep running. As an aspiring auto mechanic, knowing these dynamics will help you make the right assessment when checking the oil flow to an engine block. 

Cold Weather Also Affects a Vehicle’s Oil Filter

During your automotive mechanic career, you’ll be able to determine if the oil filter of a vehicle is in good condition or not – especially in cold weather conditions. The oil filter is responsible for the smooth flow of oil to the engine block. In cold weather, the thickness of oil makes it harder for oil to be pumped through the oil filter towards the main bearings and the entire engine block. 

On the initial start-up of a vehicle in cold weather, the engine experiences a rush of immediate pressure. This immediate rush of pressure and the added thickness of the engine oil could eventually compromise the oil filter, leading to split crimps, a burst canister or a blown-out sealing ring.

Now that you know how engine oil is affected by cold weather, you’ll be able to make the right assessment and provide quality service to your customers throughout your professional career. 

Interested in taking an auto mechanic course?

Start your training at ATC Cambridge!