Final answer:
In engines, especially at temperatures below -20 degrees, multi-grade oils like 5W-30 or 0W-20 synthetic oil are recommended due to their ability to remain fluid in cold weather and maintain proper viscosity at high temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of oil you should use in engines, especially when temperatures fall below -20 degrees, is a multi-grade oil with a low winter viscosity rating, such as 5W-30 or 0W-20 synthetic oil. These oils have additives that control the temperature dependence of the viscosity, preventing the oil from becoming too thick in cold conditions which could make the car difficult to start or lead to inadequate lubrication of the engine. On the other hand, they also prevent the oil from becoming too thin at high temperatures which would make it ineffective as a lubricant. Using oils such as 10W-40 or 20W-50 in extremely cold weather is not advisable as they would be too viscous at low temperatures, resulting in hard starts and potential damage to the engine from poor lubrication. It's important to select the correct viscosity to ensure proper engine function and protection under varying temperature conditions.