Most vehicle manufacturers suggest changing the engine oil once a year or after about 15,000 kilometers, without specifying a season. In practice, many service technicians argue that timing the change to the seasons can matter for preserving engine health and performance.
Seasonal timing is about how oil behaves as temperatures swing and how the vehicle is driven. When winter ends and temperatures begin to rise, it can be an ideal moment to review the oil and consider a change, especially for drivers who accumulate light annual use.
So, does the time of year really matter?
Practical insights from experienced technicians
Alexey Revin, an automotive expert from Behind the Wheel, shares his perspective on seasonal oil changes.
For drivers who log fewer than 10,000 kilometers annually, he recommends considering an oil change in spring. The reasoning is that oil loses certain protective properties in colder months. Large temperature fluctuations during winter can be extreme, and the engine tends to start cold more often on shorter trips. The oil can become more saturated with fuel during these cold starts, which affects viscosity and lubrication efficiency.
Cold starts generally place more stress on the engine than warm-weather starts, which can lead to quicker clogging of the oil filter. With spring maintenance, the oil can regain its protective performance as temperatures stabilize, allowing the engine to operate under more forgiving conditions during the upcoming warmer months. In the warmer months, drivers often take longer trips, which helps keep the lubrication system in good shape and reduces the risk of wear from repeated short runs.
For vehicles used for 10,000 kilometers or more per year, a more nuanced approach is advised. Spring and autumn oil changes may be beneficial to protect the engine across seasonal extremes. In this scenario, it can be practical to limit oil usage to about 7,500 kilometers per oil fill, and then adjust the oil’s viscosity to the season. Before summer, topping up with a more viscous oil may reduce internal engine wear and minimize oil consumption. In winter, choosing oils with lower viscosity helps with cold starts and ensures fast lubrication for moving parts as the engine begins from a cold state.
In essence, seasonal oil strategies aim to harmonize oil properties with the engine’s needs as temperatures shift and driving patterns change. This approach can help sustain engine cleanliness, oil life, and long-term reliability, especially for drivers who experience varied climates or a mix of short and long trips. Independent assessments from automotive service professionals emphasize that following an oil management plan aligned with local weather and driving habits can contribute to smoother operation and peace of mind for owners in both Canada and the United States. [citation attributed]