How Hot Weather Affects Your Engine Oil

Summer in Lake City, FL, is no joke, with intense, scorching heat and sauna-like humidity. This kind of climate can take a toll on the engine oil of your Chevrolet car, and understanding the effect hot weather can have on your oil can help you better protect your vehicle. Learn more below, and schedule your Chevrolet oil change at Rountree Moore Chevrolet to keep your vehicle in good condition during these summer months.

How High Temperatures Impact Your Engine Oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your Chevrolet car. It works by lubricating and cooling its vital components. But extreme heat that occurs during the summer can make engine oil less effective. Here’s why:

• Viscosity breakdown: High temperatures first affect oil by causing it to thin out, making it less effective at protecting engine parts from wear and friction. This can lead to increased engine strain and potential damage.
• Evaporation: Heat can also cause the lighter components of your Chevy car’s engine oil to evaporate, which reduces its overall volume. This in turn potentially leads to inadequate lubrication.
• Oxidation: Prolonged exposure to intense heat can accelerate oil oxidation, forming harmful sludge and deposits that can clog engine passages, restricting oil flow.

How to Protect Your Engine in the Summer Heat

The easiest way to protect your engine from extreme heat is by following your car’s maintenance schedule for oil changes. Fresh oil with the correct viscosity helps your car better handle hot temperatures. Typically, you want to change your oil every six months – if you remember to do this at the start of summer and winter, you’ll be set for those harsh seasons.

You also want to keep an eye out for potential issues like leaks. Look for signs of leakage underneath your vehicle. Such issues can quickly deplete your car’s engine oil and lead to overheating.

Schedule Your Chevrolet Oil Change in Lake City, FL, Today

Here at Rountree Moore Chevrolet, our technicians are ready to protect your car’s engine from summer heat. Schedule your oil change today!