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The oil in the engine is frozen?

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHRYSLER SEBRING
  • 120,000 MILES
My car was sitting all winter long. I'm starting to fix it up but I notice that the oil in the engine is frozen. Are they any step I should take besides letting it thraw? What are other things I should look at before starting it up.
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 AT 3:17 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Engine oil technically does not freeze. When the temperature drops below -20 F the viscosity of the oil will become much thicker, and it will not flow properly. But as with any petroleum-based product it does not crystalize or freeze.
However, if you have water mixed in the oil, the water will freeze and make it difficult for the oil to circulate.

The best course of action is to use a block heater to heat up the oil and that will become the consistency that you need. However, if there is water in oil, you will want to change the oil to get rid of the water. Which will help when the temperature drops again.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

If you live in an area that the temperature drops below 0 F all the time, it is a good idea to have a block heater installed to help with cold starts in the morning.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Thursday, January 6th, 2022 AT 7:51 AM

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