The days are longer, your winter coat is hanging at the back of the closet, and you’re itching to take off on a road trip… all that means is that summer is just around the corner! As the seasons change, you may wonder if you should make a change, too, and switch to a different type or weight of motor oil. And you may be asking, how much oil does your car need to run smoothly and efficiently in hot weather?
BEFORE YOU MAKE A SWITCH, CHECK YOUR VEHICLE OWNER’S MANUAL
Most engines require between 5 and 8 quarts of motor oil regardless of the season. But that’s just an estimate! For your particular vehicle’s oil capacity, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual. The owner’s manual is also your best source for the type and viscosity, or thickness, of oil you should use, as well as the interval between oil changes.
Did you know that you risk engine damage — and could even void your new-vehicle warranty — if you don’t follow manufacturer recommendations? If you can’t find your vehicle owner’s manual, or if it gives you a choice of options, consult one of the trained Jiffy Lube® technicians. They can access most vehicle owner’s manuals, and they take pride in educating customers about motor oil.
THE RIGHT OIL = BETTER RESULTS
Using the appropriate motor oil can help maximize the performance and life of your vehicle. Oil circulates through the motor, lubricating the motor’s moving parts to help reduce friction and prevent components from overheating. Especially important during the hot summer months! Motor oil also picks up deposits and contaminates so they can be filtered out. This helps keep your motor running smooth and clean.
MOTOR OIL BY THE NUMBERS
Look at the label, and you’ll find most motor oils have two numbers. This means they are multi-grade oils. The numbers refer to oil viscosity (or thickness), based on a scale established by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Using 5W-30 as an example, let’s take a closer look at motor oil numbers.
- The first number (“5”) describes viscosity at low temperatures, or how well the oil moves through the engine when it’s cold. The lower the number, the better the formulation for winter performance.
- The second number (“30”) tells us how well the oil flows at higher engine temperatures. As the engine heats up, the motor oil gets thinner and that’s why it’s so important to use a motor oil that’s compatible with your engine. If the oil gets too thin, it may not be able to keep some of the moving parts separated by lubrication, which can lead to increased friction, overheating, and premature engine wear.
A QUALITY MOTOR OIL WILL PERFORM RELIABLY, REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER
Most Jiffy Lube locations use Pennzoil® products that meet or exceed manufacturer recommendations. Pennzoil motor oils are formulated to protect engines in extreme conditions — from blistering summer heat to frigid winter cold. You can count on Pennzoil to flow well when the engine is cold but also keep the engine lubricated at higher temperatures. Unless your vehicle manufacturer specifically recommends a motor oil for summer driving, you can confidently use the same type of Pennzoil from season to season.
STILL, SUMMER MAY BE A GOOD TIME TO REPLACE YOUR OIL
While it may not be necessary to switch the type or weight of oil you use, this may be the time to schedule a routine oil change. When older oil circulates through the engine, sludge can form, and this can lead to engine damage. Regular oil changes help remove contaminants before sludge can form, helping to keep your engine running cleaner, smoother and more efficiently.
GO THE EXTRA MILE AND GIVE YOUR ENGINE WHAT IT NEEDS
Don’t just do it yourself and simply refill engine oil. Topping off your oil is not an effective way to prepare your vehicle for summer driving. Instead, bring your vehicle to Jiffy Lube where experienced, skilled technicians will:
- Completely evacuate the old, existing oil and then safely dispose of it.
- Replace it with new motor oil that meets the manufacturer’s recommendations for type, weight and volume.
- Replace your old oil filter with a new one (after all, it doesn’t make sense to have that clean oil flowing through a dirty, clogged filter).
EXPECT CONVERSATION ALONG WITH YOUR OIL CHANGE
We believe that an informative give-and-take will help Jiffy Lube keep your vehicle out of the service center and on the road. So, when you come into Jiffy Lube, technicians will talk to you about your driving style and explain which motor oil and additives are recommended for your vehicle and situation. You could be asked whether you:
- Drive in stop-and-go traffic
- Drive in extreme temperatures
- Drive at prolonged higher engine speeds
- Take multiple trips averaging only 5 to 10 miles in length
- Tow and/or haul heavy loads
- Drive in dusty or muddy conditions
- Drive in mountainous terrain
If you’d like, Jiffy Lube will place a sticker in the upper left corner of the windshield to let you know when your next oil change is due. It’s not only a reminder that consistent, timely vehicle maintenance helps your vehicle deliver “as engineered” longevity and performance, it will also reassure you that in Jiffy Lube, you have a real partner in vehicle care.