Best Winter Oil

**Jon7I2** · 02-08-2007, 10:29 AM

Unfortunately, I am stuck driving my Formula in winter of Chicago this year, and lately we have been having almost consistent 0 to subzero weather (at night). Anyway, I was simply wondering what the best oil would be for this weather. I am coming up on an oil change, and although I have no problem w/ the 5 w30 mobile 1 I use now, I would think that there is something w/ a better viscosity that would be more beneficial in the cold months. What do u guys think?

**Steve Crowe** · 02-08-2007, 09:07 PM

I'd stick with the 5W-30 Mobil 1, it flows fine at those temps and you still need the thicker oil when the engine warms up. Most any synthetic of that weight range will work equally well.

One thing though, it's highly recommended that you try to avoid short trips in extremely cold weather, if need be try to drive it enough each time such that it comes up to full temp and stays there for a few miles.

When your engine is started the mixture is naturally increased to compensate for a cold start and will remain rich until the engine fully warms up. When running in this rich condition there'a lot more gas that gets past the rings and into the oil, driving it warm helps "burn off" that extra fuel (and moisture) in the oil.

**Jon7I2** · 02-09-2007, 08:08 AM

Thanks for ur help, i will be sticking w/ the trusty mobile 1 then. It's funny u should mention the warming up fact, because i will not even move my car until the temp is above 150, thus making every trip in full operating temp. A lot of ppl give mr shit for this but i really dont care. In my mind there is almost nothing worse then firing up a car in subzero temp's and then just taking off. Well, im not the 1 that has to b haunted by piston slap and any other problems that follow. haha