The Oil Factor

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1939, Page 6 (Supplement)

The Oil Factor

There would be less starting trouble in cold weather, and less wear in starting, if motorists would change to the special oils recommended for winter driving. The body, or viscosity, of the engine oil has a vital influence both'on starting and wear.

Rapid distribution of oil to the cylinder walls, pistons, and other working surfaces and bearings immediately after starting, and thorough protection over the whole driving period, are essential, and all this is ensured by the winter oils, the oil being fluid enough at the start and still retaining sufficient body at working temperatures to maintain an effective film throughout the speed range.

Not only does a heavy-bodied oil make starting difficult when cold, but there is a lag in its getting into circulation, giving a dry running period during which a lot of wear can take place. Indeed, the great bulk of wear at any time occurs in the starting, and it is foolish making matters worse by running with a thick mass in winter that has to be warmed up before it gets into proper circulation. Not a great deal of New Zealand is subject to very low temperatures even in winter, but the starting difficulty is there all the same. Some parts, even in the North Island, are cold enough at times, howover, to cause Canadians to shiver, let alone people from Britain, and engines can be very cold and freeze up even in a garage. Cars operated under such conditions should' receive special consideration in this matter of winter oil, and city people would do well not to be caught, say, on a mountain trip or in such condition that trouble will be incurred.