MINI Service Tips: How the Heat Affects Your Oil

Part of your MINI service summer checklist should be checking your oil quality. Heat often thins out the oil and causes it to break down faster, which can impact engine performance significantly. MINI of Wesley Chapel has all the information you need about how oil reacts to hot weather.

Thinner Oil

The viscosity of oil changes as a result of the temperature, getting thicker when it’s cold and thinner when it’s hot. Thin oil may still work inside your engine, but it loses some lubrication and won’t stick to your engine parts as well. That means your engine won’t be protected as well from outside elements and the effects of friction when in use.

Easier Evaporation

Just as with any fluid, oil will evaporate in the heat and leave your tank. This lowers your oil level and can cause damage to your engine compartment. That’s why it’s important to monitor your oil tank and refill on oil if you’re running low, or schedule an oil change if you’re losing a lot of fluid.

Oil Breakdown

Oxidation is a significant source of damage to your oil quality, and it happens faster in extremely hot conditions. As oxygen is introduced to the oil, the fluid breaks down into its core components. This leads to clumps of solid deposits that can clog up your engine compartment or oil tank. If your oil has any additives or special components, these elements can also break down when your oil is oxidized — worsening oil quality.

Book MINI Service in Wesley Chapel, FL

If you’re ready to book an oil change or another MINI service task, we’re here to help. Contact MINI of Wesley Chapel today to schedule maintenance or order replacement oil.