Q: Should tractors, loaders and other heavy equipment have the oil changed in the fall before storing for winter or should it be done in the spring? I have heard pro's and con's for both.
A: This is a great question and actually has two different schools of thought, even by top-rated chemists and maintenance professionals. Having said that let me answer the question.
I prefer the oil be changed in the fall. My reasoning is that the acids created when running the oil are removed and a fresh coating of oil is then in place to best protect the engine. That’s my position and I’m sticking to it.
There is another school of thought that does have validity. It is based on the oil being freshly changed in the spring. It is fresh and ready to go and the acids mentioned are neutralized by the current oil anyway.
I hope that answers your question. I don’t believe either is wrong. My preference is to change in the fall.
