Motor oil, regardless of whether it is synthetic or mineral, gradually loses its suitability for use. But the shelf life of motor oil can be influenced by a variety of factors, as a result of which sometimes even oil that is expired according to the manufacturer’s instructions can remain quite suitable for use. Below we will describe in detail how long engine lubricant can really be stored, what affects this, and whether it is possible to use expired engine oil.
Does motor oil have an expiration date?
Motor oil, of course, has a shelf life, however, according to scientists, under ideal storage conditions this liquid does not deteriorate (if we are talking about synthetics). But since modern production pours oil into plastic containers, during interaction with them, as well as under the influence of different temperatures, it may become unsuitable for use in cars.
The main indicator of the shelf life of an oil is its packaging. However, manufacturers often, for insurance purposes, reduce the maximum shelf life of the lubricant, indicating a period of only 3 years. This is understandable - if there are additional additives in the oil, they can oxidize over time, making it unsuitable for use.
Did you know? At motor oil manufacturing plants, lubricating fluids can also be stored for long periods of time in huge containers. However, before placing the oil in containers for sale, it must be sent for laboratory testing. It is for this reason that you should not buy oil from little-known manufacturers who may be unscrupulous in this regard.
However, when it comes to the shelf life of motor oil, its origin should be taken into account: synthetics practically does not interact with air, so minor oxidation cannot affect its performance characteristics. And here mineral oils“spoil” very quickly - in just 2-3 years.
What determines the shelf life and storage rules for oil?
The main factor that affects the shelf life of oil is its storage conditions. If they are perfect, then even after the period specified by the manufacturer, the lubricant can still be used in the car. To do this, follow the following rules:
1. Keep the oil packaging completely sealed. If the additives present in the liquid come into contact with air, water vapor, dust or other elements, the oxidation process is immediately activated. It is also worth understanding that the shelf life of motor oil in a canister will be significantly shorter than in the original packaging. This is due to the fact that, firstly, even during the transfusion it will combine with air particles, and secondly, it will constantly interact with the metal surface of the canister.
2.
Store engine oil only at room temperature around 20˚C. Of course, all car enthusiasts know that in a car it is affected by higher temperatures, and at the same time it still retains its properties. However, this has nothing to do with the process of storing it. If a container of oil is exposed to temperature changes, over time its components will begin to separate, which will ultimately make it unusable.
3. Do not allow air humidity to increase. It is worth understanding that even if the liquid is stored in a sealed original container, moisture can still seep in and spoil the oil.
4. Avoid storage in direct sunlight. Firstly, under their influence, any liquid will heat up and change its composition, especially if this composition is multicomponent. Secondly, under the influence of heat and ultraviolet radiation, plastic packaging may lose its seal.
5. Do not leave a container of oil on vibrating surfaces, as continuous shaking may cause the fluid components to separate.
Important! If you need to transfer engine oil, be sure to use a clean container made of the same material as the original container. When pouring, also try to completely fill the container with oil so that no air remains in it.
In order for the oil to be suitable for use for as long as possible, it is better to store it in an apartment, somewhere in a closet, where sunlight does not penetrate and where there is no temperature difference. In this case, you should not open or pour oil from the factory container, be it plastic or metal. Thanks to this, the oil can be used even after 5 years.
If the package of oil has been opened or it has been overfilled, then it is unlikely that such a liquid will be able to retain its properties for longer than 3 years. And this period can be reduced significantly if you allow moisture or dust to get into the lubricant.
What happens if you use expired motor oil?
Having answered the question of whether motor oil has an expiration date, it is worth understanding the consequences of using expired engine lubricant. Using motor oil that shows even the slightest signs of aging is strictly prohibited. After all, if it has lost its properties, then pouring it into the lubrication line is the same as pouring dirty water into it.
Using oil that has lost its performance properties will lead to accelerated wear of all engine elements, since instead of friction they will hit each other hard. As a result, the pistons can not only wear out, but also jam, which poses a great danger to the driver of the car.
But even if the oil provides the necessary lubrication, the presence of precipitated additives in it can lead to significant contamination of the car’s lubrication system, as well as the appearance of carbon deposits on the main elements of the engine. All of these are negative consequences of using low-quality or expired motor oil, which must be avoided. Otherwise, you will definitely face the need to repair the car engine or you may become the culprit of an accident.
Important!For the most modern types of engines, manufacturers recommend using exclusively “fresh” motor oils in order to prevent the possibility of operating even slightly damaged lubricant by the oxidation process.
How to check oil suitability for work
Since a variety of factors influence how long engine oil is stored, and this period may have nothing to do with the dates specified by the manufacturer, every car owner should be able to determine the suitability of the oil. Therefore, if the oil has been sitting in your pantry or garage for a long time, Before using it, be sure to evaluate its condition:
1. Check to see if there is any sediment in the container containing the liquid. If the oil is in operating condition, there should be no precipitation, although sometimes additives may fall to the bottom of the container. If we are talking about synthetics, then sediment may be present in it even when purchasing “fresh” oil. However, if this layer has increased since the beginning of storage, it is better not to use such oil.
2.
Good motor oil should have a uniform texture. If, when you pour it from a canister into another clean container, the oil either flows out like water or stretches out like a semi-solid substance, then you definitely shouldn’t pour it into the car’s lubrication line.
If the oil remains suitable for use in all respects, you can pour it into the car, regardless of the expiration date on the original packaging.
Important! If we are talking about motor oil that has already been poured into the car, then its service life should not exceed 1 year, since after this time both synthetics and mineral oil will lose their properties.
Features of storing oils with additives
If in general the shelf life of synthetic motor oil can be about 3 years, then if the oil is produced with various additives (for example, to ensure quick engine starting in cold weather), this period can be significantly reduced. After all, if immediately after pouring it into containers at the factory, the oil retains a homogeneous consistency, then during storage and exposure to various factors, additives usually precipitate. As a result, a fairly liquid lubricant can form in the upper part of the container, while in the lower part its density will increase several times.
Important!Never allow engine oil to freeze so that it can no longer be used.
It is clear that there will be no point in pouring such oil into the car. That's why, If you buy oil with a lot of additives, try to use it immediately and not store it. Also keep in mind that no more than 1.5-2 years should have passed since its production. But if you have stored such oil, be sure to check its suitability before use. If during this time it has not changed its original color or structure, feel free to use it.
Thus, if you want to drive your car safely and for a long time, try not to resort to storing and transferring engine oil from one container to another. This way, you won't have to worry about the shelf life of your synthetic motor oil, and you won't have to blame yourself if it goes bad during storage.
A car is an extremely complex mechanism containing many parts and components of different sizes and purposes. During its operation, the components interact with each other, and friction conditions are created. The prolonged course of the process provokes colossal damage to all parts, and to avoid damage to parts, numerous lubricants are used - transmission oil. It mainly serves to lubricate individual elements of the manual transmission and steering gear. Let's consider the main functions of this product, types (shelf life, service, storage features), characteristics of transmission oils.
Functions and qualities
Transmission oil is represented by a special composition used to protect against friction and external influences, as well as against damage to gears. Transmission oils are made from base oils that are enriched with additives against corrosion, scuffing and wear during the production process.
The basis on which manual transmission fluid operates is a special protective film that covers the main parts and protects them from the negative influence of numerous external factors, which has a good “shelf life” and service life. The composition of this liquid is subject to certain requirements, for example, the absence of the likelihood of destructive action. The density should not interfere with the operation of the mechanism either in winter or in summer, that is, in theory, it should not depend on changes in such an indicator as temperature. It is this property of the manual transmission that is designed to determine the degree of oil viscosity. It is called the viscosity index.
The basic requirements for oil compositions can be determined only after a thorough analysis of the material and service conditions of the dispenser.
Several basic requirements can be identified:
- Possibility of reducing energy losses during friction and service.
- High probability of heat dissipation with constant contact.
- Ensuring high-quality material protection.
- Creating conditions for low levels of vibration and mechanical noise that come from gears.
- Possibility of reducing load, increasing the level of non-waste with a high shelf life.
In order for gear oil to cope with its functionality perfectly, it must have certain performance qualities:
- Low level of foam formation, high qualities against wear, scuffing, oxidation processes and other unfavorable phenomena in a mechanical transfer case.
- A fairly high threshold for viscosity values and parameters (temperature) during interaction with the aquatic environment.
- Sufficient level of interaction with rubber elements and the transmission process.
- Stability throughout the entire shelf life.
Thus, transmission oils have a wide range of qualities and characteristics that help improve the performance of car mechanisms.
Classification, types
On what degree of viscosity the element for the dispensing fur has. Manual transmission boxes are influenced by additives and additives that take place in the base. Yellow mineral oil is one of the most well-known liquids, which ensures the creation of a durable film even in the case of high pressure levels. In addition, mineral oil has an affordable price. But gear oil is highly complex to produce, which cannot but affect its cost, making it the most expensive product. If you do not want to spend a lot of money and sacrifice quality, it is recommended to pay attention to the “golden mean” - semi-synthetic products.
Gear oil has several classification features depending on the viscosity level. In general, several conditional series are distinguished within the SAE classification parameter. So, for the winter series these are the options 70W, 80W, 75W, 85W. The summer range of products is characterized by such types as 80, 85, 90, 140, 250. The division by variety has some dependence on the structure of transfer transmission units from different manufacturers. For example, this factor depends on the degree of operating temperature, and some compounds can also be identified that provide a reliable degree of protection. So, box oil has a number of parameters, but these are not all the options for its classification.
If we consider the latest changes and additions that were made to the edition according to the classification of viscosity level, we can note: there is a letter W, suggesting the use of the product in summer or winter. A combination of these values may also occur. Recently, gearbox oil must comply with the markings, which forces manufacturers to make a more accurate determination of the level of properties of a particular fluid. Looking at the features of the markings that the oil in the gearbox has in more detail, this can be noticed.
Decoding, or what the letters and numbers mean:
- SAE 80 – used for summer use.
- SAE80W-80 - assumes all-season use.
Transmission oil can have several types, classifications and markings, all of which mean certain parameters. Based on the operating characteristics of the car, the user must make the right choice of working fluid.
Due to the fact that the oil in a manual transmission is exposed to certain factors, it must have optimal parameters in terms of viscosity, strength, reliability and price.
The marking of gear oils is classification indicators within the framework of performing certain functions.
The liquid in question does not have uniform conditions and classification features according to such parameters as operating temperature, shelf life, conditions and shelf life, and so on. Therefore, the globally used option is the API scheme, which covers manual transmission oils. On its basis, all liquids for dispensing fur. boxes are divided into 5 groups according to qualities and classes.
Shelf life, conditions
The determining factor that influences the specific use of certain liquids is their shelf life, shelf life and compliance with basic operating conditions. Shelf life of dispensing fur. The boxes are smaller, the more changes in parameters are observed - temperature and humidity conditions during storage.
The constant indicator that the storage temperature has should be no more than 20 degrees, the main condition is good ventilation of the room.
Storage rules involve eliminating exposure to sunlight, and must be followed. The storage container must be of high quality, for example, a plastic canister or a stainless steel barrel. Tightly closing the lid and optimal temperature are the main storage conditions. The shelf life in general is several years. Shelf life of lubricant for dispensing mechanism. boxes are determined by the features of use.
We looked at what oil is for a mechanical (mechanical) transmission, operating temperature and storage temperature, deciphering some parameters. It remains to pay attention only to the features of the choice. Yellow oil has several storage features. To comply with its expiration date, it is necessary to ensure compliance with them.
Fluid selection
In order for the engine resource to be used optimally and to serve for a long time, it is necessary to choose the right oil. Some types of fluids are filled every 15,000 km, and some more often. When using it, it is necessary to ensure that the conditions for load force and sliding speed are met. Based on these data, as well as such a parameter as system resource, a choice of lubricant is made.
Summary
Thus, monitoring compliance with basic safety rules is the main task of each driver. This will extend the life of the transmission and other elements. To ensure high-quality use of the lubricant, it is important to comply with the necessary conditions for its maintenance.
Any motorist, and especially a beginner, is interested in the question of which expiration date, composition and other indicators to choose for his car. They say that after expiration, oil, like any other product, loses the beneficial substances it contains. This can cause direct harm to the car engine, and therefore it is necessary to strictly ensure that, on the one hand, not to use an expired product, and on the other, follow all the rules for its storage. From the article you will learn what kind of motor oil, how to store it and whether it can be used after the time specified on the packaging by the manufacturer.
Right choice
The first thing people pay attention to when planning to purchase a product is its compliance with international quality standards. Due to the fact that the engines installed on vehicles are different, the requirements for them are also different from each other. Therefore, manufacturers always indicate in the instructions which engine oil is best to use.
The shelf life of different types may also vary. There are 3 types.
- Mineral water is the cheapest. However, in the winter season it will not be possible to use it, since at just twenty-five degrees below zero the engine will not be able to start.
- Semi-synthetics are obtained by mixing mineral and synthetic types. This is a more expensive option, but the quality is incomparably higher than its previous type. Its use is considered optimal for cars with mileage from one hundred to five hundred thousand kilometers.
- Synthetics are synthesized chemically. This oil does not change its properties either at high or low temperatures, so it can be used in any weather. But the cost of oil will also be more expensive than others. The shelf life of synthetic motor oil, semi-synthetic and mineral is usually no more than three years when the packaging is opened and stored properly.
Car enthusiasts choose the appropriate oil option depending on the weather conditions in which it will be stored and their budget. Mixing one oil with another is not allowed. The fact is that each manufacturer has at least fifteen percent of its unique chemical composition. Therefore, if another oil is added to the engine, it may react, and it is unknown how the mixture will behave.
How to store motor oil
The manufacturer indicates the expiration date on the packaging. However, no matter how many years are written there, improper storage can lead to damage to the product. Thus, the container containing engine oil should always be tightly closed. It is undesirable for the canister to be exposed to direct sunlight. The room temperature should not change much, as sudden changes will cause changes in the properties of the oil. It is also desirable that the room is ventilated and does not have high humidity. Typically the place where motor oil is stored is the garage. But if the storage conditions do not meet the required ones, then it is better to move it indoors.
What oil to add
Typically, manufacturers indicate on the product packaging a shelf life of up to five years when unopened. Before adding oil, you need to double-check everything, paying attention to compliance with the technical requirements prescribed by the manufacturer and those characteristics indicated on the label.
In most cases, motorists buy a canister to change the oil, enough for one time with a small margin for topping up if necessary. Only a few make large reserves to store motor oil in a canister.
Expiration date: how to determine
The simpler the composition of the oil, the longer it will be stored. Most of them, once opened, remain usable for three years if stored properly. A more complex composition can be used two years after opening.
The main signs of an expired product are cloudiness in color and the presence of sediments that are similar in appearance to sawdust. This can happen if water has somehow gotten into the oil, or if it becomes moldy. In addition, when purchasing, you must pay attention to the date of manufacture and its clear appearance. If customers are often deceived at food counters, then when selling such a product this becomes more than possible.
Expiration date and manufacturer
The service life of the oil may also depend on the manufacturer. For example, Shell is 4 years, Castrol is 5 years and so on. However, if the time indicated on the packaging has already passed and the product is considered expired, this does not mean that it has lost its properties. If stored properly, the oil can remain usable for even ten years. It’s just that the manufacturer does not guarantee that all properties will remain the same beyond the specified period.
Old oil and new car
If you bought a new car and you still have oil that has been stored according to all rules for more than a year, it is best to purchase a new one. The fact is that new cars may place increased demands on oil. In this case, it is better to play it safe and fill it with fresh, only opened product.
Storing in a canister and in a car are two different things
If you do not use the car for more than six months, the oil in it, even though you have not driven it, could react with deposits and dirt that were previously in the engine and oxidize. To avoid problems, it is recommended to change it before using it again.
Motor oil, like car fuel, is a product that has a limited shelf life. Poor quality or expired oil can shorten the life of a car engine and damage various elements of the system. Where, how and how long can you store it and how can you determine if the oil is unsuitable?
1 Proper storage of motor oil - what is important to know?
The determining factor that affects the shelf life of oil of different consistencies is its storage conditions. The more temperature and humidity changes, the shorter the shelf life will be.
It is recommended to store it at a constant temperature of no higher than 20 degrees, in a well-ventilated area, avoiding exposure to sunlight. The container in which the engine oil is stored must be original, depending on the amount of material - it can be a plastic canister or a stainless steel barrel. The lid should be closed as tightly as possible.
The chemical composition of some motor oils allows them to be stored for three to five years if all the above conditions are met. However, some types of oil, even after short-term storage, may not be suitable for new engine options. In general, for new engines it is recommended to use only “fresh” motor oil, following the recommendations of the car manufacturer.
Oils, which are stored in large quantities by well-known manufacturers, undergo thorough laboratory tests before being bottled. As a result, the compliance of the basic properties of the material with the original specification and the possibility of their further use are determined.
If the product is unusable, it is disposed of in the manner prescribed for this purpose. As for storing oil at home, it is not possible to determine its level of compliance on your own, so if you have stored the material for more than four years, it is better not to risk it and purchase new automobile oil.
2 Shelf life of engine oil according to technical regulations
Today, manufacturers provide a warranty period of product suitability for five years. In this case, the canister of oil must be in its original packaging with the lid closed, since once opened, the warranty on the product, as a rule, does not apply. You can see the production date and time upon purchase on the side of the packaging.
At home, you can determine low-quality, or more precisely, expired oil by the appearance of the composition. Unsuitability is indicated by a dark crystalline precipitate, a change in the original color of the liquid, various turbidities, etc. All this indicates water ingress, which means that such a product can no longer be used.
It should also be understood that keeping motor oil in cans or barrels and storing it in a car engine system are not the same thing. While in the car, it is constantly in contact with the environment. This leads to various types of oxidation and the appearance of deposits. Therefore, the shelf life of oil that is poured into a car without mileage does not exceed one year, regardless of whether it is synthetic or mineral (base).
3 Common mistakes when determining expired oil
Many car enthusiasts believe that a change in the color and, in particular, the smell of motor oil after a certain storage period indicates its unsuitability for use. However, this is not always the case. The fact is that even in jars and canisters from the same manufacturer, the oil can vary in color. This is due to the fact that during production the main criterion is the lubricating properties of the product, so minor deviations in color or smell are quite acceptable, especially for transmission oil.
Sometimes, to extend the shelf life or “revive” oil that has expired, some use special additives. It is undesirable to do this, since all modern oil compositions already contain a certain amount of additives that meet the standards and norms of viscosity, lubricating properties, etc. New additives may react chemically and change the lubricating properties for the worse after long-term storage.
The process of storing motor oil is regulated by regulations and documents that contain information on the storage and transportation of oil-containing products. Car service stations do not always pay due attention to the requirements of the standards. The correct storage conditions for technical fluids can be found in the description on the packaging or in the technical service of an authorized dealer.
The shelf life of petroleum products is determined by a whole host of factors. Photo: autoban-tver.ru
How long do different types of oil last?
The shelf life of engine fuel is determined by several factors:
- Ambient atmosphere;
- Date of manufacture;
- Chemical composition.
It should be noted that according to the chemical composition, such oil is divided into the following types:
- Mineral. Synthesized from high-quality oil, on a mineral basis. Has increased viscosity. Needs to be replaced frequently.
- Synthetic. Primary petroleum product, good performance and excellent fluidity.
- Semi-synthetic. Enriched with synthetic additives up to 50%, that is, it contains mineral and synthetic substances in appropriate proportions.
All these types of motor oil have their own specifics and it is strictly forbidden to mix them with each other. Unpredictable chemical reactions of the components can be expected.
Influence of the external environment
Under the influence of negative factors, the chemical properties of such a product change, and this affects its quality, and the result is its unsuitability. The preservation of oil is significantly influenced by environmental conditions (dampness, temperature, air pollution). Failure to comply with these conditions leads to irreversible oxidation processes. Oxygen and carbon from the surrounding atmosphere can change the performance characteristics of fuel liquids, and therefore a necessary condition for preservation is a tightly closed container.
Temperature
Sudden temperature changes in rooms negatively affect the quality of all fuels and lubricants. Maintaining relatively moderate temperature conditions has the best effect on performance. But if the product is located in open areas, then it must be protected from rain, snow, sunlight and other phenomena. It is also important to comply with all temperature requirements of the manufacturer.
Motor oil will be suitable for use for 5 years if favorable places and storage conditions are created for it. Photo: detail52.ulcraft.com
Using expired oil
The main parameters of engine operation depend on the quality of engine oil. The label of the purchased product must indicate the date of its bottling. The consumer must be sure that the store purchase was stored in proper conditions. For 5 years from the date of release, the engine oil maintains the stated requirements (provided that the original packaging is not opened). But if the manufacturer has indicated a shorter shelf life (up to three years), then such a product has a complex composition and is used for certain car models.
It is recommended to store an opened canister for 2–3 years, and this period will depend on the type of oil (mineral oils are stored longer than synthetic oils). If a product has been stored under proper conditions but has passed its expiration date, there is no guarantee that it is fit for purpose. Any petroleum products change their properties over time.
Criteria for identifying an expired product
An expired product has the following characteristics:
- A cloudy suspension or dark flocculent sediment has appeared;
- Heterogeneous structure;
- Color change.
According to expert workers, if the above signs are not detected, then this indicates the suitability of the product for use.
Resuscitation of unsuitable fuels and lubricants by adding special additives is not recommended. Chemical reactions may occur that impair their performance. Photo: mashintop.ru
If the fuel's service life has expired (the color, consistency and smell change), its important properties and characteristics are lost. This can harm engine performance and cause major overhauls. However, it should be remembered that minor deviations in physical and chemical properties are acceptable in motor oil. They are determined by the content of certain substances in different batches.
Remember: using only high-quality fuel will increase the service life of your vehicle.
Organizing correct storage conditions
- Manufacturer's approvals and recommendations;
- Compliance with international standards for viscosity and quality indicators;
- Operating conditions.
It is necessary to adhere to all traditional requirements indicated on the packaging (seasonal use, shelf life). Then the product will not be subject to changes and deformation.
Broken packaging does not provide any guarantees for the quality of the product. Photo: vseavtomasla.ru
How to store:
- The container with technical fluid must be tightly closed;
- Avoid exposure to sunlight;
- The expiration date must not be exceeded;
- It is necessary to create a moderate temperature climate;
- There must be an optimal level of humidity.
Motor oils in large quantities must be stored in well-ventilated areas in compliance with fire safety measures and hygiene requirements. Fire extinguishers and sand boxes are a must.
Open storage of products requires protection from atmospheric pollution (rain, wind, snow). Small containers are not recommended to be stored in harsh weather conditions. Storing motor oil indoors is preferable, as it is easier to comply with the necessary requirements.
In any storage facility it should be easy to:
- Visual control of the condition of products and containers;
- Convenient opening of packages;
- A clean place to drain oils.
In opened canisters the product is stored for 2 - 3 years. When using containers, use clean containers and close them carefully. Signs are attached to them with information about the type of substance contained. If the tightness and marking of new containers are of questionable quality, then they must be insulated.
To preserve the quality of the oil, the tanks are made of stainless steel or their inner surface is coated with epoxy resin. They are equipped with silica gel breathing devices that absorb moisture. The water should be drained using the drain valve.
About other features and “myths” about oils - in this video:
Some additions regarding shelf life
Manufacturing companies indicate a shelf life of the product from 3 to 5 years, subject to strict adherence to the required conditions. The shelf life of engine fuel can be increased if proper storage conditions are created:
- Store containers in dark places, protected from direct exposure to ultraviolet rays;
- Favorable room temperature is 20 - 25 o. The upper temperature limit is no more than 50 o. Freezing the product is contraindicated. Negative temperatures promote the formation of condensation, in which mold develops.
- Humidity levels should be approximately 60 - 80%.
- The storage container must be airtight. The product should be poured into a clean plastic container.
These conditions must be strictly observed everywhere:
- From a retailer;
- In warehouses and garages;
- At service stations;
- At car service points.
If, before using motor oil for its intended purpose, it is not possible to determine how it was stored, then it is better to dispose of it.
Bottom line
The operation of the most important parameters of a car is impossible without high-quality motor oil. The developed power of the unit and the amount of fuel consumed will depend on this. Modern car models place high demands on the quality of motor fuel. The manufacturers themselves state this. Motor oil from reputable companies undergoes rigorous testing for compliance before the production process starts. And when purchasing such a product, you don’t have to worry about its quality, since the manufacturer stores it in appropriate conditions
With a consultation at a car dealership or a relevant store, you can choose a high-quality brand of engine oil for your car. Companies producing this or that type of oil indicate engine parameters compatible with it.
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