In the video, Scotty noted that oil typically gets thicker when exposed to low temperatures (Image: YouTube @ScottyKilmer)
One of the most popular on YouTube has shared a that could cause .
With the UK currently experiencing , the last thing most drivers want to do is wait around in a cold car. However, mechanic warned that spending a few minutes behind the wheel before taking to the roads could have a huge benefit.
In , Scotty noted that gets thicker when exposed to low temperatures, meaning it struggles to reach all engine parts.
He explained: “With the cold weather, many people are worried that their might freeze. Now, it doesn’t freeze but it gets thicker. It’s 9 degrees farenheit (-12 degrees celsius) today, and you can see it doesn’t flow all that well.
“When an engine is cold, all the oil is in the bottom of the oil pan. The oil pump has to pump the oil to the top of the engine so the cams can get lubricated and don’t get damaged.”
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If an engine oil is too thick, it will fail to properly lubricate all engine components (Image: Getty)
Whilst oil will never freeze at temperatures typically experienced during cold winter snaps, Scotty highlighted that it can get thicker, meaning it takes longer to reach engine components.
As a result, drivers should wait for the engine to warm up before setting off, in order to let the oil become thinner and better at properly lubricating components.
Motorists who work their engine hard from cold run the risk of vital parts wearing out at a much faster rate, creating a much larger risk of breakdowns that could cost thousands of pounds to put right.
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Motorists should regularly check their vehicle’s oil levels to prevent causing damage (Image: Getty)
Later in the video, Scotty recommended that motorists choose an oil with a lower viscosity rating over winter that was specially designed to work better in low temperatures.
He advised: “In cold weather, remember that, just like people, thin oil, is better than thicker!”
Drivers should use the type of oil recommended for their vehicle by the manufacturer, which will be stated in the owner’s handbook or online.
The also recommended that drivers looking to prepare their vehicle for snowy weather should make sure they have plenty of fuel in the tank.
In order to achieve the best possible fuel economy, engines need to warm up to a certain temperature, which typically takes significantly longer in winter.
Similarly, electric car drivers should make sure their vehicle’s battery is sufficiently charged and, if possible, preconditioned for the low temperatures before the journey begins.