What Oil to Use for Summer Driving

 

Drivers in New Mexico know that our summers can be hot. For best performance in your vehicle, should you switch to a heavier oil during summer driving?

Regular oil changes help ensure the life of your vehicle. The old rule of thumb was to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles. But most manufacturers now have extended that recommendation. Be sure to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the period between oil changes. Not changing your oil when recommended can not only damage your engine, it could potentially void your warranty.

When drivers followed that three month routine, it was common to use a heavier weight oil in the summer months to prevent the oil from breaking down in the heat. However that problem was solved when multiviscosity oils were developed. Multiviscosity oil flows better when cold and thickens when it’s hot outside.

Oils manufactured today are effective across the temperature extremes. New engines being made today are designed and tested with specific oil in mind, so always refer to that owner’s manual if you’re planning to change your own oil.

If you’re planning to use an express oil change service, the Melloy Dodge Express Lane on Coors in Albuquerque offers fast, no-appointment oil changes. Our team of service technicians can change your oil, rotate your tire, and perform other routine maintenance quickly on any make or model of vehicle.