How to choose motor oil in extreme condition

In desert (extremely hot) or extremely cold region, extreme temperatures place higher demand on engine oil performance. It is necessary to adjust the viscosity grade, base oil type, additive performance, and other factors based on climate characteristics, engine operating condition, and manufacturer recommendation.

1. Extremely cold region

Low temperatures cause engine oil viscosity to increase, reducing fluidity and increasing the risk of cold start wear.
Prioritize low-viscosity fully synthetic engine oils, such as 0W-30 and 5W-30, which have excellent low-temperature pumpability and can quickly cover engine components during cold start.
Avoid high-viscosity mineral oils, such as 10W-40, which have poor fluidity at -25°C and may cause starting difficultie.
In cold regions, preheat the oil to above -20°C before starting to reduce flow delay time. Additionally, oil oxidation accelerates at extreme low temperatures, necessitating shorter oil change interval.

2. Desert/Extremely Hot Region

High temperatures accelerate oil oxidation and evaporation, increasing the risk of oil film breakdown.
Prioritise high-viscosity fully synthetic oils such as 10W-50 or 20W-50, which maintain stable viscosity at high temperatures and form a thicker oil film to protect piston rings and crankshaft bearing.
Avoid low-viscosity oils, such as 5W-20, which can become too thin at high temperatures, leading to insufficient lubrication and increased oil consumption.
In high-temperature regions, it is important to regularly check the condition of the radiator and fan. If necessary, install an auxiliary radiator to reduce oil temperature. Additionally, high temperatures can cause oil expansion, so regular inspections are required to prevent overfilling.

In extreme environments with a day-night temperature difference exceeding 60°C, traditional single-grade or fixed-viscosity engine oils struggle to balance high-temperature protection and low-temperature fluidity. Opting for wide-temperature multi-grade engine oils (such as 10W-40/15W-50) allows for optimised formulations that balance thermal performance.
Simultaneously, auxiliary equipment should be set up to complement the engine oil.