What is a high pour point oil?

High pour point oils are oils that solidify or thicken at lower temperatures. The pour point of oil is the lowest temperature at which it can still flow. If an oil has a higher pour point, it means it will thicken or even solidify at relatively high temperatures, making it less suitable for use in cold weather or applications that require low-temperature fluidity.

High pour point oils can create challenges in starting your engine because the oil may not flow properly to lubricate moving parts. This can lead to increased wear and potential damage to engine components.

To solve the problem of high pour points, oil manufacturers can use additives to lower the pour point of the oil. These additives are called pour point depressants or cold flow improvers. Their role is to change the crystal structure of the oil, preventing the formation of large crystal networks that impede flow and cause the oil to thicken.

By lowering the pour point and improving low-temperature fluidity, the oil can flow more easily and provide effective lubrication, even in cold conditions. This is particularly important in automotive applications, where engines are subject to varying temperatures and operating conditions.

In summary, high pour point oils are oils that thicken or solidify at higher temperatures and may require additives to improve their low temperature fluidity.