Ensure you’re winter-ready with proper equipment and proven cold-weather procedures.
How to Handle Oil Changes in Cold Weather
Cold weather can put extra strain on both equipment and operators. As temperatures fall, oil thickens, batteries lose efficiency, and machinery becomes harder to start. Working in freezing conditions also leads to quicker fatigue, making proper preparation essential.
With the right procedures, fluids, and tools, cold-weather oil changes can be much smoother. Here’s what you need to know:
Pick the Correct Viscosity
Viscosity refers to how easily oil flows at different temperatures — a critical factor for engine protection. Oil needs to be thick enough to prevent metal-on-metal contact but still thin enough to minimize energy loss, especially when temperatures drop.
Cold weather affects oil’s viscosity, often making it harder for engines to start and components to move freely. It’s important to use oil that stays fluid at low temperatures while maintaining strength at high operating temperatures.
When choosing oil, pay attention to the number before the “W” in the oil rating — it indicates winter viscosity. A lower number (like 5W-40) flows better in cold conditions compared to higher numbers (such as 10W-30).
Always refer to the equipment manual to ensure you’re using the correct oil for the expected temperature range.
Warm the Engine Before Changing Oil
Avoid changing oil when the engine is cold. Warm oil flows faster and carries away more contaminants, ensuring a cleaner change.
Before an oil change, let the engine run until it reaches normal operating temperature or perform the change shortly after shutting it down for the day. Warm oil keeps dirt, wear particles, and combustion byproducts suspended, preventing them from settling inside the engine and staying behind after the old oil is drained.
Use Proper Equipment
Transporting machinery back and forth for maintenance can be costly and time-consuming. Performing oil changes on-site is often more efficient — even in winter — but only if you’re equipped correctly.
Reliable mobile service setups help protect both technicians and equipment from cold-weather challenges. The right systems minimize exposure to hot oil, reduce manual handling, and allow for faster, safer service.
Closed-loop systems with quick-disconnect fittings protect technicians from spills and limit physical strain — a huge advantage when working in freezing conditions. Heated fluid tanks and temperature-controlled equipment can also make a major difference, keeping oil at an ideal temperature for easier draining and refilling.
Make Oil Changes Easier in Cold Weather
Investing in the right equipment and following best practices can make winter maintenance much safer and more efficient. Whether you’re working on a busy jobsite or in remote locations, preparation is key to keeping your machines running reliably all season long.
