Skip to content

30/06/2018 News

Fight the cold and start your engine this winter!

If your car wouldn’t start in the past weeks because of the subzero temperatures that gripped much of the country, now would be a good time to get ready for the next bout of frigid weather.

Among the best moves you can make to improve your car’s chances of starting the next time the temperature plunges below zero are to make sure your battery and charging system are in good shape and that your engine is using the best grade of synthetic oil.

The lower the grade (0W), the thinner the oil, and the easier your car will start during those deep freezes. Using a 0W-20, 0W-30, 0W-40 motor oil instead of a 5W-20, 5W-30 or a 15W-40, will give you an extra 5°C or more, also synthetic motor oil versus a mineral motor oil will give you a 5°C difference or more and you will keep your engine younger for longer.

This has the effect of using less power from your starter motor so it will last longer. Your battery has less of a current draw.

In winter temperatures, your battery is far less effective, and the load your engine needs to crank over is much higher because the oil is real thick. Using the right motor oil is important because most modern engines call for low-viscosity oils such as 0W-20 that flow easier in cold temperatures. Some vehicle owners prefer heavier oils, such as 10W-30, but thicker oils put more strain on the starter motor and battery. Heavier oils can also increase engine wear because they take longer to reach their normal flow rate than lighter-weight oils.

The real trick to start an engine when the thermometer is below zero is to have a well-maintained car. Today, any modern car, even when it is zero degrees outside, will start within one or two engine revolutions, provided everything is in good condition.

For more information about our QUARTZ Range, visit our QUARTZ products catalogue!