How to choose the perfect lubricant according to the climate

Engine oil is responsible for reducing friction, protecting against wear and tear, and keeping your vehicle's engine clean. However, not all lubricants behave the same in different weather conditions. Ambient temperature directly influences its viscosity and performance, so choosing the right oil based on the climate you drive in is key to the health of all mechanical components.

Why does temperature influence lubrication?

Viscosity is the oil’s ability to flow throughout the engine. It is a characteristic that changes significantly according to temperature variations; especially in cold climates, where the oil tends to thicken, making it difficult to circulate in the first seconds after starting up the engine.

That’s why manufacturers recommend multigrade oils (such as 5W-30 or 10W-40) that adapt to a range of temperatures, although within that range there are more suitable options for each environment. 

Cold climates: gentle startups and immediate protection

In areas where temperatures often drop below 0°C, the most critical moment for the engine is start-up. The oil must be able to flow quickly, even when it is very cold, to reach all moving parts and protect them from the first moment. 

Under these conditions, oils with a low first number in their SAE J300 classification, such as 0W-20 or 5W-30, are ideal, as they maintain their fluidity at low temperatures. This translates into smoother starts, less initial wear and tear, and constant protection even on short trips, where the engine does not warm up completely.

Warm climates: check the manufacturer's manual

Living in a place in a stifling hot climate does not mean that your vehicle needs a more viscous lubricant to withstand the heat, as the engine works in a very different temperature range from the environment. For example, when a car is running normally, the engine can reach about 90°C. In effect, that figure is well above any temperature that the thermometer can mark on the street.

In these climates, the important thing is to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the vehicle manual. There you will find the right SAE grades and quality for your engine. And if you want the car to last for many years, always choose good quality oils. 

To help you make this decision, at Repsol Lubricants, we have a search engine that allows you to find the product you need for your vehicle just by typing in the license plate or model name.