During the high temperatures of summer, will lubricating oil degrade or become ineffective in the engine?

Many car enthusiasts believe that as summer temperatures rise, the viscosity of lubricating oil decreases, leading to a thinner oil film and weaker lubrication performance, which naturally causes the oil's quality to degrade or even fail. However, this notion is actually incorrect.

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Causes of lubricant failure

Engine overheating

Under the high-temperature conditions of prolonged engine operation, lubricating oil can undergo oxidative degradation, turning black and thickening. The high temperature of the engine leads to an increase in corrosive substances, carbon deposits, sludge, and varnish within the lubricating oil, thereby affecting the engine's lifespan.

Impurity effects

It mainly comes from dust in the air, metal wear particles, leaked substances (such as fuel, water, etc.), oxidized lubricating oil, and substances produced by fuel combustion.

Component failure

Some lubricants degrade in performance due to the depletion or failure of their additives; furthermore, base oil serves as the carrier for additives, and if the base oil fails, the additives will not function.

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Is it necessary to change the lubricating oil in summer?

Distinguish between operating temperature and ambient temperature

In summer, the high temperatures refer to the elevated ambient temperature, whereas the engine's operating temperature after fully warming up is similar in both summer and winter. The high temperatures in summer only affect the engine's heat dissipation, but the engine's cooling system and engine oil both play a cooling role. The good flow and circulation of lubricating oil can more effectively carry away the engine's heat, whereas high-viscosity oil has poorer flow properties, which can hinder cooling.

Advancements in Modern Automotive Technology and Lubricant Engineering

On one hand, with the advancement of modern automotive technology, vehicles primarily require lubricants with good oil film continuity and higher fluidity.

On the other hand, most engine oils currently sold on the market are multi-grade oils suitable for all seasons, which differ significantly from traditional lubricants in usage habits. When the engine is operating normally, the viscosity and other performance characteristics of high-quality engine oil do not change with temperature increases.

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How to Choose the Right Lubricant

Blindly choosing high-viscosity lubricating oil not only causes severe wear to the engine but also increases energy consumption. Therefore, it is essential to select the appropriate lubricating oil for your vehicle correctly.

Select according to the driving manual

The most reliable way to choose lubricating oil is to follow the recommendations and regulations in the vehicle manual. If you notice that the oil pressure gauge is lower in summer, it is normal as long as it falls within the reasonable range specified in the manual. Otherwise, you should check whether there are issues such as sensor damage or oil passage blockage in the engine.

Choose engine oil with the lowest possible viscosity.

Under the condition of ensuring lubrication, choose lubricating oil with the smallest possible viscosity based on the temperature range during use, engine temperature, and actual vehicle condition, which helps ensure the fluidity of the oil.

As the seasons change and summer temperatures gradually rise, KunLun Lubrication reminds all car enthusiasts that there's no need to specifically change engine oil due to the heat. When selecting engine oil for summer, not only is viscosity important, but the quality of the oil is even more crucial. KunLun Lubrication, with its professional anti-wear technology, provides round-the-clock protection for your beloved vehicle, ensuring a smoother driving experience.