On that frosty January morning when you leave for work, you might wonder, ‘Does motor oil freeze? And, if it has, what should I do?’
Don’t worry – engine oil is extremely unlikely to freeze unless you live in the coldest climates.
Motor oil is a vital part of an engine. Without it, the metal components won’t be lubricated, generating friction and leading to pre-ignition, knock, overheating, and, eventually, engine seizure.
It’s essential to look after your car – especially in the colder months – to keep your motor healthy and efficient. Your wallet will thank you.
Get an oil and filter change at the suggested interval. Also, ensure your battery is in good condition so you’re ready for winter!
This article will examine why motor oil doesn’t freeze and what you should do to protect your car in icy weather.
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Can Motor Oil Freeze?
Before directly answering this question, it’s essential to understand how motor oil works and the various types.
In road cars, motor oil is stored in a sump, typically situated at the bottom of the engine. It drains down to this point when you top your oil up through the filler cap.
The oil pump is electrically activated when the ignition key starts the engine. It swiftly begins circulating the oil, propelling it through the filter and a series of channels throughout the motor.
On its way, it lubricates the metallic components, creating a buffer between them and preventing damage. Motor oil also plays a role in heat control and dissipation.
Finally, the oil ends up back in the sump. The process happens continuously, all the time the engine’s running. When you turn the car off, the pump shuts down, and all the oil drains back to the sump.
What Are The Different Types Of Motor Oil?
In the United States, you can get yourself one of four distinct types of motor oil:
- Conventional
- Semi-synthetic
- Synthetic
- High-mileage
Conventional motor oil is simply refined crude oil. Conventional oil is inexpensive and usually good for older, low-mileage cars. Synthetic oils are still based on crude oil, but they’re developed with many extra components, additives, and synthesis processes. They’ll provide the more exceptional performance but cost quite a lot.
Semi-synthetic is a mixture of synthetic and conventional – a “best of both” option balancing budget and performance. Finally, high-mileage oil contains additives that target and “repair” seals, helping reduce leaks.
Does Engine Oil Freeze?
For the immense majority of the population, engine oil will never freeze. It simply doesn’t get cold enough. Well, if it ever does, we’ll have more significant problems than cars not starting!
However, the flow rates of liquids change with temperature. The chillier it is, the greater the viscosity and the slower the oil’s flow velocity.
You can visualize this with a jar of honey. When you pour it under typical circumstances, the liquid “resists its own flow” (the definition of viscosity). However, put it in the microwave for a minute, and it’ll flow much more rapidly when hot. (Don’t burn yourself if you try that!)
The additives in synthetic engine oils are called viscosity modifiers. These help the oil flow better in colder temperatures, but when it’s extremely cold, the flow rate will decrease significantly.
Always use the oil your owner’s manual recommends! If you live in a bitter climate, use the minimum “W”-rated oil – for example, 0W-30 instead of 5W-30.
The temperature at which engine oil solidifies/stops flowing depends on the specific type of oil.
What Temperature Does Synthetic Oil Freeze At?
Almost every car on the road today should use synthetic oil. It’s superior for your vehicle in every way. Even though it’s pricier, you’ll most likely save money in the long run due to enhanced performance, engine health, and fuel economy.
Synthetic oil contains numerous additives; thus, the temperature at which it freezes depends on the manufacturer’s (highly confidential) specific product chemical makeup. However, it still contains crude oil as its primary component.
Crude oil may possibly cease flowing at approximately -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celcius), but it could still be suitable until -60 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 degrees Celcius). Past these temperatures, you might observe substantial difficulties when starting.
However, remember that synthetic oil is made of many other components. Collectively, it would have to get far colder for it to freeze solid, temperatures we wouldn’t ever expect to see on this planet.
What Temperature Does Conventional Oil Freeze At?
Check out the above video, where you’ll see what happens to oil in a frigid engine in a shop located in central Russia.
Conventional oil doesn’t contain the same additives as synthetic oil. It’s considerably worse for your engine (generally speaking), leaving all sorts of deposits and residue behind.
That being mentioned, older cars have engines designed for this category of oil, so newer synthetic types may actually reduce performance. For instance, it could cleanse away an old deposit that was blocking a leak. Depending on the age of your vehicle, a high-mileage option might be a better idea. Alternatively, a new engine/car might be in order.
The chillier conventional oil gets, the closer it’ll get to a solid state. At around -30 degrees Celsius, you can see how the pump is struggling to make the oil flow.
How Do You Cold Start A Car?
When you turn the key on a chilly morning, it’s the battery’s job to power the oil pump. The more electrical energy it can send to the pump, the higher the force it can (try to) force the oil through the engine.
The battery is what you should be most concerned about keeping healthy. Your motor oil will probably be fine, provided you’re using premium synthetic or top-notch.
Now, remember that the colder it is, the thicker (more viscous) the oil becomes. The battery itself will also be affected in icy weather, as the liquids it contains will begin to freeze. As a result, it can’t put out so much current.
You’ll notice that people all across the world have cars. Whether they live in scorching climates like the Arab states or the frigid extremes of Siberia or Yukon, they exist everywhere.
If you’re visiting freezing climates, you might need a few extras to the “normal” car setup. These could include block heaters, although you should always be aware of the fire risk they bring. They keep the battery and oil warmer and thus more efficient when starting.
Follow the advice below to make starting your car in frigid morning temperatures much easier.
- Use the motor oil and battery recommended in the owner’s manual. Don’t get cheap alternatives! They’ll literally give you more trouble than they’re worth.
- Park behind/underneath a shelter to protect from snow, freezing rain, and cold winds. If possible, consider parking inside.
- Never use any electrical appliances (radio, lights, heating, etc.) while the engine is switched off. This will drain the battery faster than you might think.
- After starting the car, let the engine warm up. The hotter it gets, the easier the oil will flow. However, don’t leave your vehicle running and unlocked on the drive – someone will steal it. Also, never start your car in the garage and leave it! Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Instead, sit in the car or use a spare key to lock the doors if you’re going back inside. Alternatively, just drive very gently for the first ten minutes.
- Go for a half-hour drive at least once per week to keep the battery topped up.
Conclusion – Does Motor Oil Freeze?
Engine oil doesn’t really have a solidifying point.
Instead of freezing solid, it simply gets denser and heavier. It’ll flow so gradually when it’s really frigid that it might be thought of as almost approaching a solid.
That being said, most of us rarely experience temperatures frigid enough to cause any upset. If you live in the north, you’ll be accustomed to jump-starting and taking precautions in winter.
As a visitor to these areas, you should take your car for a comprehensive service (from an experienced mechanic rather than a chain!) before heading out on your journey.
