Johor drivers might not expect cold-related problems in our tropical climate, but cooler mornings or trips up to highlands (Cameron Highlands, Genting, etc.) can reveal oil-pressure issues. Cool temperatures make engine oil thicker, so it circulates more slowly at startup. In Malaysia’s “colder” months, oil “thickens, which means it takes longer to reach engine parts,” increasing engine wear during warm-up. For example, BHPetrol notes that a 5W-30 oil flows far better in Cameron’s cooler air than a heavier 10W-40, which is better suited to lowland heat. Using the right viscosity helps maintain normal oil pressure even on chilly starts.
How Cold Weather Affects Engine Oil
In cold weather, engine oil viscosity rises (“thickens”), which can momentarily reduce oil pressure on start-up. For perspective, at 20°F (about –7°C) many oils become “as thick as maple syrup,” making cold cranking very difficult. Such “gooey” oil puts extra load on the battery and starter, and in extreme cases the engine may even struggle to turn over. Although Johor seldom sees sub-zero temperatures, any drop in ambient temperature still makes oil more viscous. According to Firestone, this thicker cold oil holds air bubbles longer, so the pressure gauge or sensor may show a temporary dip. In short, cold starts can briefly starve the engine of full lubrication: oil flow is delayed until the engine warms up and pressure returns to normal.
Common Symptoms of Low Oil Pressure in the Cold
- Oil warning light at startup: The dashboard oil-pressure lamp (oil-can icon) may illuminate on a cold start. If your oil filter and pump are fine, this often means pressure was low until the oil heated up.
- Engine knocking or ticking: Without swift lubrication, moving parts (valve lifters, cams, etc.) can clatter or clack until oil reaches them. You might hear rattling sounds on the first few seconds of a cold start.
- Rough idle or delayed lubrication: The engine may run unevenly or idle poorly at first while thick oil makes the oil pump work harder. (Feoso notes that cold oil “takes longer to reach engine parts,” leading to increased wear during startup.)
- Hard cranking on very cold starts: In extreme cases with very thick oil, the engine may crank slowly or seem lethargic. (This is rare in our mild climate, but if you’ve ever struggled to start an engine on an icy morning, that’s why.)
Use the Correct Oil and Follow Change Intervals
Choosing the right oil grade and keeping up with oil changes is crucial for avoiding pressure problems. Always use the viscosity recommended by your vehicle maker. For example, BHPetrol advises that 5W-30 oil flows well in cool highland climates, whereas 10W-40 is better for Malaysia’s lowland heat. Using the wrong viscosity can itself cause low pressure, especially in engines with tight tolerances. Likewise, neglecting scheduled oil changes lets old, sludge-thickened oil build up, which also reduces pressure. In our hot, humid climate, synthetic oils (which have a high viscosity index) are often the best choice because they maintain their protective film across a wide temperature range. In summary, always change your oil on time and use the grade suited for tropical weather and any cooler conditions you’ll encounter.
Regular Checks and Tropical Climate Considerations
Because Malaysia’s traffic and climate can be hard on engines, regular oil-system inspections are wise. Mechanics can test oil pressure with gauges or diagnostic scans to verify the pump and sensors are working properly. Feoso Oil specifically recommends choosing an oil viscosity that covers a wide temperature range (as per the OEM) so the oil performs well in idling traffic and cooler weather. And as BHPetrol points out, full-synthetic oils are formulated for tropical heat and will help keep your engine running smoothly year-round. In short, use the manufacturer-recommended tropical-grade oil (often a synthetic multi-grade), change it regularly, and have the oil pressure checked if you notice any warning signs.
A technician pours engine oil during a service at Pungbrother’s workshop. We use the correct oil grade and perform oil pressure checks to ensure proper lubrication.
Pungbrother Enterprise’s Oil System Services
At Pungbrother’s Johor workshop, we offer full oil-system care to prevent cold-weather issues:
- Oil & Filter Change: We replace your engine oil and filter using the exact viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle and climate. This ensures the oil flows freely even in cooler conditions.
- Oil Pressure Diagnostics: Our engine diagnostics include checking the oil pump, filter, and pressure sensor. We confirm that the oil pressure is within spec and that sensors are reading correctly, so no hidden fault goes unnoticed.
- Engine Inspection & Repair: Our certified technicians inspect for oil leaks, worn parts or other issues. If we find leaks or component wear affecting oil pressure, we’ll fix them using quality parts. This thorough approach keeps your engine well-lubricated under all conditions.
If you plan to travel to higher elevations or just want peace of mind, book an oil system check at Pungbrother today. Our Masai (Johor Bahru) workshop is ready to prepare your car for any weather. Call us at +6011-3591 1335 or visit our website to Book Now. Our friendly technicians will inspect your oil pressure and fluid health so you can drive north to the highlands (or anywhere) with confidence.
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