As you get ready for the winter, don’t forget to change your tractor’s oil. Changing your tractor’s oil to the correct winter grade oil is an important preventive maintenance step that can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary engine repairs. The oil your tractor will need will vary by engine type and region, so be sure to refer to your tractor’s user manual prior to changing the oil.
Why Should I Use Winter Grade Oil?
Not using the correct oil during the cold winter months can cause moderate to severe wear on your tractor’s engine. Cold weather causes certain grade oils to become too thick, which in turn causes the bypass valve to open until the oil thins out enough to run through the filter. In other words, cold weather can limit the oil flow to your engine until the oil heats up and thins out. While the oil heats up, your engine will be running without a sufficient amount of oil lubricating the critical areas. This causes excessive wear on your engine, and can result in early breakdown. A clean and consistent flow of oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts and limits unnecessary friction.
How to Identify Winter Grade Oil
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) sets the standards for motor oil grades. You can identify a winter grade oil by its SAE designation. Winter grade oils have a ‘W’ in their rating; for example, oil rated for use in –30°C weather is labeled with the 5W oil rating. Many tractor manufacturers sell oil designed specifically for use with their tractors, which can take away some of the guess work. At Keno Tractors, we recommend the Delo® Engine Oils, which come in a variety of SAE ratings. The most important thing to remember is that maintaining your tractor’s oil is an important step toward ensuring your machine will last for years to come.
