How the Heat Affects Your MAZDA Oil

The scorching summer heat has arrived, which means it’s likely time for you to make a Mazda oil change appointment. High temperatures can thin out your oil, which increases the odds of engine breakdown and expensive repairs. Here’s how to keep your vehicle running smoothly all summer long from the friendly experts at The Autobarn Mazda of Evanston.

What Happens to Engine Oil in the Summer Heat

Have you ever touched your vehicle’s hood on a sunny summer day? It’s probably too hot to keep your hand there for too long—and just imagine how elevated the temperature is under that hood.

Extreme heat can thin the oil and cause it to evaporate more quickly than normal. If the oil isn’t thick enough, it won’t be able to properly lubricate the engine. And if there’s not enough oil, the engine’s components will scrape against each other, causing friction, damage, and even more heat. This can ultimately cause the entire engine to fail, which is something that no driver wants.

How You Can Protect Your Vehicle

There are several things you can do to protect your vehicle and its oil from the heat:

• Park in shaded areas instead of in the blazing sun whenever possible.
• Practice good driving habits. Idling for too long and excessive acceleration or braking can put more strain on your engine.
• Use air conditioning only when necessary. The engine runs the air conditioning compressor, which slightly increases the engine’s temperature.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, visit our dealership for a Mazda oil change. We’ll make sure you have the right oil for the summer and that all of your fluids and systems are ready to take on the Chicagoland heat.

Schedule Your MAZDA Oil Change Near Chicago, IL

Summer should be a time of vacations and outdoor activities. Don’t let an oil issue wreck your plans. Visit our Mazda dealership near Chicago, IL, for your Mazda oil change!