Winter oil viscosity

[Kitcat]

I run 20-50 weight oil in my Crossflow. Should I change to a lighter weight oil in the winter?

 

I try to "exercise" my Seven 1-2x a month if the roads are dry & salt-free. With the top up and the heater blasting, outside temperatures are irrelevant. But, am I risking damage to the engine by starting it in such cold conditions when the already thick oil might take a long time to warm up and do its job?

 

If lighter oil is warranted, what weight?

[Mandurath]

Depends on how cold it actually is. But if below 30, i would say probably change the oil. But here is a place with some good reading about all things the are greasy.

 

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

[Birkin42]

I would definitely agree that a lower viscosity would be a good idea at the type of temperaturs your are going to hit in Cincinnati.

Do you drive you car in the winter for enjoyment or is this your preferred approach to maintaining the car over the winter?

 

In southern Ontario, the roads never become salt free until the spring so driving a pride and joy is out of the question until the salt has been washed away, at least for me.

I also believe that unless you are getting the oil, exhaust, etc up to proper operating temperatures, you could be doing more harm then good since moisture, unburned fuel, etc will build up. Personally I prefer to put it into hibernation for the winter. If you can do this in a climate controlled enviroment, even better.

 

My 2 cents worth.

 

Cheers,

 

Jack