Low-viscosity oils offer greater protection, and in summer you should still use Chuguang lubricants.

In the sweltering summer heat, switching to higher-viscosity lubricants as the seasons change has become one of the key maintenance tasks for car owners. So, how should we care for our vehicles during the summer? Today’s topic is all about summer vehicle maintenance—let’s take a look!

How to choose lubricating oil in summer?

While ensuring adequate lubrication, choose the lowest‑viscosity oil possible based on the temperature range, engine operating temperature, and actual driving conditions. For engines in good condition with minimal wear, a low‑viscosity oil is suitable; for engines with severe wear and large clearances, opt for a slightly higher‑viscosity oil. Additionally, due to the significant temperature difference between summer and winter, oil pressure readings tend to be lower in summer. If the oil pressure gauge shows abnormally high or low readings—far outside the normal range—it’s essential to perform a thorough inspection to identify potential issues, such as a faulty sensor or a blocked oil passage. When oil pressure is low, avoid using oils with extremely high viscosity. Generally, as ambient temperatures rise, high‑quality motor oils gradually adjust their viscosity without becoming overly thin too quickly. Well‑known brands like Shell, Mobil, and Idemitsu are excellent choices; although their apparent viscosity may not seem particularly high, they deliver outstanding performance under real‑world conditions. By contrast, some brands may appear very “thick” on paper but behave quite differently in practice, creating a noticeable discrepancy.

Well-known lubricant manufacturers typically offer a comprehensive range of products with various viscosity grades to suit different vehicle models. Simply choose a lubricant that meets the appropriate quality and viscosity specifications for your driving conditions. For example, IFG offers two series—3 and 5—where IFG 5 has a lower viscosity, making it ideal for summer use; its low‑viscosity formulation provides enhanced protection.

Lubricant viscosity is not always better when higher.

The viscosity of lubricating oil is crucial for the proper operation of an engine. To prevent wear on the contact surfaces between moving parts, the oil must have sufficient viscosity. This ensures that, across a range of operating temperatures, an effective oil film can form, allowing the engine to run smoothly. However, using lubricating oil with excessively high viscosity can lead to two major drawbacks.

First is the impact on energy consumption.

If the viscosity is too high, it increases friction between the moving surfaces of machine components. To overcome this heightened friction, vehicles consume more fuel, leading to significant energy waste. In China, an increasing number of leading companies are investing in research on low-viscosity lubricants. Although the market currently lacks mandatory energy‑saving requirements for lubricants, low viscosity is poised to become the future trend. Idemitsu lubricants excel in low‑viscosity performance and effectively help reduce fuel consumption, making them a highly forward‑looking brand.

Second, it affects the engine.

If the viscosity is too high, it can lead to severe wear during engine start-up. Because excessively thick oil flows slowly, it may cause excessive oil pressure, yet its throughput remains limited, failing to replenish the friction surfaces promptly and slowing down the oil circulation. Consequently, its cooling and heat‑dissipation performance deteriorates, resulting in engine overheating and progressively worsening engine condition—eventually manifesting as abnormal noises and sluggish response.

During the summer, high temperatures can cause lubricating oil to thin, reducing its oxidation stability and accelerating degradation, which may even lead to bearing failure or shaft seizure. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check both the quantity and quality of the lubricant and replace it as needed. Additionally, it is best to avoid mixing lubricants from different brands.