The science behind oil viscosity, engine stress, and summer oil change needs
Summer is here—bringing sunshine, road trips, and unfortunately, increased stress on your vehicle’s engine oil. While you might be more focused on sunscreen than engine maintenance, the scorching heat can significantly accelerate
engine oil degradation. Understanding the science behind oil breakdown helps you make informed decisions to keep your car running smoothly all season.
The Importance of Oil Viscosity in Summer Heat
At the heart of your oil’s protective power is its viscosity—its thickness and resistance to flow. Motor oil is carefully engineered to maintain the right viscosity across varying temperatures. When your engine is cold, thinner oil ensures fast circulation. But as your engine warms up—and ambient temperatures rise—oil naturally thins.
During summer driving, this effect is magnified. If your oil becomes too thin, it can’t provide a sufficient protective layer between engine components. The result? Increased friction, excessive wear, and the risk of engine damage. This is why choosing the correct oil grade—often a synthetic oil with better heat resistance—is especially important in the summer months.
How Summer Driving Accelerates Oil Breakdown
Summer driving conditions are particularly brutal on your engine. Think stop-and-go traffic, long highway trips, and running the A/C full blast—all of which elevate your engine’s internal temperature.
Heat acts as a catalyst for oxidation, a chemical reaction where oil molecules break down in the presence of oxygen. This leads to the formation of sludge and varnish—thick, sticky deposits that reduce oil flow and compromise cooling. Over time, these issues increase wear on critical engine parts and degrade overall performance.
The Role of Oil Additives—and Why They Break Down Too
Modern motor oils include a complex blend of additives that:
Prevent corrosion
Neutralize acidic byproducts from combustion
Suspend contaminants for filtration
But heat is the enemy. As oil temperatures climb, these additives lose effectiveness. Think of them as the superheroes of your oil system—and heat is their kryptonite. As they degrade, your engine becomes more vulnerable to wear, corrosion, and performance loss.
What Happens If You Ignore Summer Oil Maintenance?
The combination of heat-thinned viscosity, accelerated chemical breakdown, and depleted oil additives creates a perfect storm for oil failure during the hottest months. Delaying your summer oil change puts your engine at risk for:
Increased wear and tear
Reduced fuel efficiency
Higher repair costs
Regular oil changes are your first line of defense. Maintaining the correct viscosity and clean oil ensures your engine stays cool, well-lubricated, and protected—even on the hottest days.
✅ Take Action: Protect Your Engine This Summer
Don’t let the summer heat take a toll on your vehicle. Schedule a summer oil change today to ensure optimal engine health and performance. Visit one of our three convenient LOF Xpress™ Oil Change locations and enjoy peace of mind on every drive.
Stay protected. Stay cool. Keep driving.
