An Oil for All Seasons (Engine Oil Selection)
June 23, 2025
You swap your winter boots for flip-flops in the summer. Why not change your winter engine oil for summer, hot-weather oil? While it may seem like it makes sense, there's some good news. Most drivers don't have to, and here's why.
Engine oil can be made in different thicknesses. That thickness is called viscosity, how easily it flows. Now, it makes sense that the hotter it gets, oil gets a little thinner and doesn't lubricate as well. So if you used a thicker oil in the summer, it's logical that it would protect better in the hotter weather.
While there was a time when oils could be only made in one viscosity, times have changed. Using an ingenious formula, oil can now be created that changes its viscosity (called "multi-viscosity") as the temperature rises and falls. It self-adjusts to match the conditions. Now that's what I call a great invention.
In most temperate climates, you don't have to swap out the type of oil you use in your vehicle each season. There are exceptions in extreme climates, but your service advisor can advise you on that. Your vehicle's owner's manual recommends the proper viscosity oil to use.
Remember that even though you may not have to switch to a different type of oil, you DO have to CHANGE the oil at certain intervals. That's because oil eventually breaks down and picks up contaminants, and if you have old, dirty oil in your engine, it can cause damaging friction and heat. Regular maintenance at your vehicle service facility will ensure that your vehicle is running like a well-oiled machine.
Perfect Tune Auto Repair
5434 S. Old US Highway 23
Brighton, Michigan 48116
810.227.9903
http://www.perfecttuneautorepair.com
Need Service?
More articles from Perfect Tune Auto Repair

Don't Start with That (Bad Starter Motor)
April 26, 2026
We've all heard that expression, "That's a non starter." When it comes to your vehicle, that's not music to a driver's ears. That sickening sound when you start the ignition and instead of hearing the engine crank, you hear it slowly turn over and your dash lights go dim. There can be many reas... More

Tire or Re-Tire? (Getting Tires Ready for Hot Weather)
April 19, 2026
Heat isn't easy on vehicle tires, and as the seasons change, make sure yours are ready to take the heat. Let's talk first about inflation. Heat causes air to expand, so heat alone can raise the pressure in your tires. If you are driving on overinflated tires, they won't have as much contact w... More

Perfect Tune Auto Repair Tire Safety: Washington vs. Lincoln
April 15, 2026
Welcome to the Perfect Tune Auto Repair automotive blog. Today, let's talk about the effect of tire wear. Let's focus on stopping in wet Brighton conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can't move the water, the tire w... More
