For the smooth operation of the car engine, it is necessary quality machine oil. Every driver knows this common truth.
It reduces friction between contacting parts, which protects the most important unit from premature wear.
The first motor oil was patented in 1873. The author of the development was John Ellins.
Prior to that, he studied the possibility of using oil in medicine for 7 years and found that the fossil has excellent lubricating properties. His Valvoline became the first brand in the world under which this automotive product was produced.
Kinds
All engine oils are different basis. Depending on its origin, they are mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic.
mineral engine oils are obtained from a natural product - oil which is distilled and distilled. Mineral oils are naphthenic, paraffin, aromatic. They are characterized less chemical stability compared to a synthetic product.
The reason for this is the peculiarities of production. Mineral oil is subject to waxing and oxidation. This type of product is usually applied on vehicles older than 10 years because it has a high viscosity.
Synthetic motor oils are produced by chemical reactions. These lubricants form the same type of molecules, without any impurities. For production, such basic components as hydrocarbons and ethers are used.
This auto product is more often used when transport is experiencing heavy loads.
Semi-synthetic gear motor oils are created by adding synthetic mineral oil.
They are combined in a proportion of 50/50 or 70/30, respectively. This makes it possible to obtain a product that has the best performance than mineral oils, at a price much lower than that of "synthetics".
Storage of automotive engine oils is 3–5 years. The fewer components included in the composition, the longer the product is stored. Do not confuse oil storage before pouring into the engine when it is stored in the original container, and the period of its stay in the car's lubrication system.
Even if the vehicle not used, it is in contact with air and the environment. This leads to its oxidation and loss of valuable qualities. Therefore, such oil before using the car after a long period of inactivity need to replace. The service interval at the end of which the used oil must be replaced is 8–20 thousand kilometers.
Can expired engine oil be used after the expiration date?
Typically, motorists use oil and after the end of the storage period specified by the manufacturer. The main requirement in this case is compliance with the rules of storage.
conditions that contribute to spoiling this, according to independent experts, are:
- storage in motionless state at a changeable temperature;
- impact adverse factors– sun, humidity, low temperatures.
Manufacturers themselves claim that motor oils do not change their properties over time. structures and viscosities. The reason for limiting their shelf life is plastic container. As a result, the agent may come into contact with plastic or other material from which the dishes are made.
If the oil is left unused in the factory container, it transfuse into a container of approximately the same volume as the remaining product. If it is left in the factory canister, then the formation of condensate, which arises from a temperature difference.
In order for the tool to be used in the future, it is necessary to observe manufacturer's recommendations regarding storage conditions.
Before pouring oil into the engine, it must be shake up.
How to identify low-quality products?
To determine poor quality, first you need to find on the package date of manufacture and shelf life. It must be remembered that this is packaged means. But even if the period has not expired, non-compliance with the conditions for its storage can cause a loss of physical and chemical properties. About how to determine overdue oil or stored with violations, it is said above.
To detect counterfeit on their own you need a blank sheet of paper. Machine oil is poured onto it (approximately one cork in volume). The sheet is held at a slight slope. After the product has spread over the surface of the paper, it should not remain dark dots.
But if they are noticed, then this indicates the use poor quality additives which could damage the engine. Visually, the liquid should be amber color. If it is dark in color, then this indicates poor quality product or that the oil is recycled.
When it comes to low-quality engine oil, it can only be done after expertise in the conditions of the laboratory, as a result of which an expert opinion is issued. It will also be needed if the storage period not expired, and due to improper storage, consumer qualities are lost.
Help install:
Examination is carried out at the expense of the seller after submitting a statement of non-compliance to him.
But at the same time, you need to remember that if it turns out to be of high quality, then expenses the purchaser will bear the responsibility for the examination.
How to return an item to the store?
Motor oil is usually categorized as "household chemicals", therefore, if the product is of high quality, it can be sent to the store or exchanged for the desired type of oil only if seller loyalty. For example, when an engine needs synthetic oil, but mineral oil is purchased, ask for
The car is complex and potentially dangerous mechanism. Therefore, its maintenance must be approached very responsible. At a minimum, this will save your family budget, as a maximum - save life you and your loved ones.
Therefore, in order to avoid problems with returns in the future, already at the time of purchase, make sure that the warranty period of storage of goods has not expired. If you have doubts about the contents of the container, check it in the store.
And although the manufacturer allows the use of the product after the end of its shelf life, better not risk it. Despite the assurances of the manufacturers, independent experts still believe that after the specified period, the product can change the dynamic and kinetic viscosity.
Remember: the miser usually pays twice. Sometimes the fee is too high. And expired oil can always be used - for example, lubricate door hinges with it or try to improve the operation of other equipment.
The storage process of engine 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 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:
- Surrounding 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 quality petroleum, mineral based. Has a high viscosity. Needs to be replaced frequently.
- Synthetic. Refined 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 together. An unpredictable chemical reaction 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 environmental conditions (dampness, temperature, air pollution) have a significant impact on the safety of the oil. Failure to comply with these conditions leads to irreversible oxidation processes. Oxygen and carbon from the surrounding atmosphere can change the performance of fuel fluids, and therefore a tightly closed container is a necessary condition for preservation.
Temperature regime
Sharp temperature fluctuations in the premises adversely affect the quality of all fuels and lubricants. Compliance with relatively moderate temperature conditions is best for 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.
Engine oil will be suitable for use within 5 years if favorable places and storage conditions are created for it. Photo: detali52.ulcraft.com
Use of expired oil
The main parameters of the engine operation depend on the quality of engine oil. On the label of the purchased product, the date of its bottling must be indicated. The consumer must be sure that the store purchase was stored in proper conditions. For 5 years from the date of issue, engine oil retains the stated requirements (provided that the original packaging has not been opened). But if the manufacturer indicated a shorter shelf life (up to three years), then such a product has a complex composition and is used for certain car models.
An opened canister is recommended to be stored for 2-3 years, and this period will depend on the type of oil (mineral oils are stored longer than synthetic ones). If a product has been stored in the correct conditions, but the expiration date has passed, there is no guarantee that it is fit for use. Any oil products change their properties over time.
Criteria for identifying an expired product
An expired product has the following characteristics:
- A cloudy suspension or dark flaky sediment appeared;
- Heterogeneous structure;
- Color change.
According to expert workers, if the above signs are not found, 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 service life of the fuel has expired (the shade, consistency and smell change), its important properties and characteristics are lost. This can harm the operation of the engine and cause a major overhaul. However, it should be remembered that minor deviations in physical and chemical properties are permissible in engine oil. They are due to the content of certain substances in different batches.
Remember: using only high-quality fuel will increase the life of your vehicle.
Organization of the correct storage conditions
- Tolerances and recommendations of the manufacturer;
- Compliance with international standards for viscosity and quality indicators;
- operating conditions.
It is necessary to adhere to all the 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 give any guarantee for the quality of the product. Photo: vseavtomasla.ru
How to properly store:
- The container with technical fluid must be tightly closed;
- Sun exposure should be avoided;
- There should not be an expiration date;
- 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 and hygiene requirements. Mandatory condition - fire extinguishers and boxes with sand.
Open storage of products requires protection from atmospheric pollution (rain, snow wind). Small containers are not recommended for storage in harsh weather conditions. Storage of engine oil indoors is preferable, as it is easier to comply with the necessary requirements there.
In any repository, 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. They are attached to the plates with information about the grade of the content of the substance. If the tightness and labeling of new containers is of dubious 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. They are equipped with silica gel breathing devices that absorb moisture. Water should be drained using a drain valve.
About other features and "myths" about oils - in this video:
Some additions regarding the shelf life
Manufacturing companies indicate the shelf life of the product from 3 to 5 years, with strict observance of the required conditions. The shelf life of engine fuel can be extended 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 not more than 50 o. Freezing of the product is contraindicated. Negative temperatures contribute to the formation of condensate, in which mold develops.
- Humidity indicators should be approximately 60 - 80%.
- The storage container must be sealed. The product should be poured into a clean plastic container.
These conditions must be strictly observed everywhere:
- At a retailer;
- In warehouses and garages;
- At service stations;
- At car service points.
If before using engine oil for its intended purpose it is not possible to establish how it was stored, then it is better to dispose of it.
Outcome
The operation of the most important parameters of a car is impossible without high-quality engine 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 engine fuel. Manufacturers themselves say so. Engine oil from well-known companies is thoroughly tested for compliance before the production process starts. And when purchasing such a product, you can not worry about its quality, since the manufacturer stores it in appropriate conditions.
Upon consultation in a car dealership or in a store of the corresponding direction, it will be possible to choose a high-quality brand of engine oil for your car. Companies producing this or that type of oil indicate engine parameters that are compatible with it.
Every driver, especially a beginner, is interested in what expiration dates are for motor oils, the composition of lubricants, and other characteristics.
When the expiration date ends, car oil, like any other petroleum product, becomes ineffective. This could damage the engine. In view of this, it is not recommended to pour expired engine oil into the internal combustion engine. It is necessary to understand how much car oil can be used. You also need to know how to properly store engine oil. This will avoid many problems when operating your vehicle.
The right choice
The main thing that is taken into account when intending to buy machine lubricant is whether it meets international quality standards. Since automobile engines are very different, the oils in the engine also differ from each other. Therefore, manufacturers in the manual must write which car oil must be poured into the power unit.
The service life of motor oils is not the same. Lubricants are divided into three types:
- Mineral. They have the lowest price. In winter, they will not work. The engine simply will not start at temperatures below 25 degrees.
- Semi-synthetic. Produced by mixing mineral water and synthetics. They are more expensive than mineral ones, but they have higher characteristics. It is advisable to pour them into the internal combustion engines of cars with mileage from 100,000 to 500,000 km.
- Synthetic. Are made in laboratory conditions. These motor oils do not change their performance in either hot or cold, so they can be used in any climate. The price of lubricants is quite high.
Engine oil expiration dateof any type is usually equal to about three years after the opening of the container (subject to proper storage).
Drivers select the optimal lubricant, taking into account the climate, as well as their money. It is undesirable to mix oil products. This is due to the fact that in the oil of any manufacturer there are at least 15% of unique additives. In view of this, if a different lubricant is poured into the motor, a reaction may begin that can lead to a breakdown of the power unit.
Car oil storage
The manufacturer prescribes the shelf life of motor oils on the canister. Failure to comply with storage rules can lead to the fact that the oil product deteriorates. In the oil canister, the lid must always be well closed. Do not allow the sun's rays to directly hit the container, temperature changes (the characteristics of the consumable may change). It is recommended to ventilate the room, maintain optimal humidity. Usually the lubricant is stored in the garage, sometimes in the apartment (if the conditions of the garage are different from those recommended).
Topping up lubricant
Usually, manufacturers write on the canister that the oil life is up to five years (if the container is closed). Before topping up the consumable, you need to check everything. It is necessary to pay special attention to whether the characteristics prescribed by the manufacturer correspond to the indicators indicated on the container.
Often, drivers, in order to change car oil, purchase a canister in which an amount of lubricant is stored that is sufficient for one top-up. Some people always carry large supplies of consumables with them.
Determining the shelf life
The simpler the composition of the oil, the more it can be stored. Does engine oil have an expiration date? Most of the lubricants after opening the canister can be used for 3 years with proper storage. Petroleum products with a complex composition can be used for 2 years.
The main signs of an expired consumable are a cloudy color and precipitation, similar to sawdust. This can also happen if water gets into the lubricant. Even when purchasing an oily liquid, you need to look at the production date. It must look clear.
Shelf life and manufacturer
How long engine oils are stored also depends on the manufacturer. For example, the shelf life of Shell oil is four years, Castrol is five. Remember that if an oil product is expired, this does not necessarily mean that it has lost its properties and must be thrown away immediately. With proper storage, the lubricant can be used even for 10 years. The manufacturer does not guarantee that the characteristics of the consumable will not change after the expiration date.
Old grease and new car
If you purchased a new vehicle, while you still have oil, it is advisable to buy another lubricant. This is due to the fact that only high-quality oil must be poured into new cars. It is recommended to play it safe and pour a new, only open oil product.
If you have not started the car for more than six months, the car oil poured into the engine may begin to react with formations and contaminants. The consequence of this will be that it will simply oxidize. In order to avoid such troubles, it is advisable to change the oil before you start the internal combustion engine.
The consequences of filling the engine with expired oil Mistakes when using an expired oil product
Many drivers believe that a change in the shade and smell of an oil indicates its unsuitability for use. It is not always so. Even in containers of the same manufacturer, lubricants can vary in shade. This is due to the fact that during manufacture, the lubricating indicators of the consumable are considered the main criterion, therefore small deviations in shade / smell are allowed. This is especially true for transmission oils.
Sometimes, in order to "revive" an expired lubricant, special additives are used. It's better not to do that. Today, all motor oils already contain additives that meet international standards. New additives may react with old ones. It is not known how this will affect the engine.
Filling with expired grease
Often, motorists use car oil, even if its expiration date has already expired. This is not without meaning if the oil product is stored correctly.
The oily liquid deteriorates quickly for the following reasons:
- temperature fluctuations;
- the influence of various factors: sunlight, humidity, frost.
It is best to store the oil in the garage, however, if it is too cold, you can bring the canister to your house. The main thing is to follow the rules for storing oil products.
Signs of an expired oil product are:
- solid sediment;
- cloudy color;
- shade change.
If you notice any of the above signs, then your car oil has already expired.
Manufacturers say that lubricants do not change their own viscosity characteristics over time. The shelf life is limited due to plastic canisters. The oil may react with the plastic or other material the container is made of.
If you have not completely used the oil from the canister, you need to pour the oil product remaining in the container into a container with the same volume as the lubricant. If you leave the consumable in the factory container, condensation may appear (forms during temperature fluctuations).
In order for the oil to be used in the future, the manufacturer's recommendations regarding storage conditions must be followed. Shake the engine before pouring oil into the engine.
Any product has a taste, motor oil is no exception, it should also please the car engine. A lot has been said about the quality of engine oils, but not an unimportant factor that directly affects the technical characteristics of motor lubricants is their storage standards, because few people will like an expired product.
For most motor oils, the packaging is standard - an ordinary polyethylene canister that prevents sunlight and is hermetically sealed. The characteristic cotton, when opening the container, is familiar to almost everyone - this means that there is no air or other third-party liquids inside.
The average manufacturer rarely indicates expiration dates on the packaging, although you can look for this information on the sides of the canister. The generally accepted period is five years from the date of release of the product. The question immediately arises, from the day of release or from the day of the spill. Rather, from the day of the spill, since the industrial storage of motor oils implies special conditions.
But what should a simple layman do if a truck with oil overturned on his way, and he decided to stock up on them for the rest of his life. The answer is simple, follow the rules for storing oil lubricants and use them quietly for about ten years. Does this mean that restrictions, namely the shelf life of engine oil in a canister, do exist? Of course, and only if all storage parameters are observed.
Storing engine oil in a canister at home
- Compliance with the temperature regime, which should be in the cool range from -10 to +20 degrees.
In this case, you should not consider the SAE characteristics, since these figures are intended for work, and not for the preservation of the product in its original quality.
Again, there is a simple formula for storage - the steeper the oil, and the more additives it contains, the faster it deteriorates. As a result, individual “magic” lubricants for power units can live a full life for no more than three years.
Why is it so critically small? Because any additive is an additive, not a homogeneous original component, so it will definitely precipitate. At best, the oil will become empty, at worst, the sediment will burn and cripple especially delicate engine parts. That is why, for modern motors, the use of only a fresh oil product is indicated, in order to avoid problems with "indigestion". So, if the truck still meets on the way, it is worth taking only simple mineral oils or semi-synthetics that are not very enriched with additives.
- Complete exclusion of direct sunlight on the canister.
Ultraviolet light can also change the density and viscosity of motor oil, even if it is in sealed packaging. By the way, in this case, metal barrels are less exposed to sunlight, but such containers are rarely found in the garage of a simple motorist.
It is not worth pouring oil for greater safety, since this process necessarily results in the enrichment of the mixture with oxygen, although the density of engine oil is quite high.
As a result, after some time the substance will precipitate at best, at worst it will begin to delaminate, as if water enters.
- Water must be completely excluded, or rather its ingress.
Additives with water sometimes give a pure hydrolysis reaction, the output is a nuclear mixture, not an oil. By the way, such a substance can show its characteristics only in the operating mode, and until that moment it can keep on itself the guise of quite a decent oil.
- Freezing of engine oil must also be excluded.
And you should not look at SAE again, saying that it is not minus 35 in the garage. Again, we recall physics that after contraction and expansion, any matter loses its structure a little. Why initially cripple a completely new lubricating product that did not even have time to get acquainted with the future employer (motor).
- For open canisters, there are no expiration dates for engine oil at all.
Practice shows that the opened oil is quite suitable for topping up during the main service life, but mileage is considered here, and not calendar days, so it’s hard to say how much life is allotted to those residues in the trunk. Again, each product has its own time limit.
- Humidity is another parameter that is very detrimental to storing oil in any package.
It has already been said about direct water, and so - high humidity will have the same destructive effect on the oil. The storage room must be dry and ventilated. At high humidity, the shelf life of motor oils is reduced to one year.
Motor oil, whether mineral or synthetic, loses its usability over time.
Various factors influence the period of possible use of engine oil, but sometimes even a liquid that has expired according to the manufacturer's indications may remain serviceable. Therefore, you should understand in detail what the expiration date of engine oil is and whether expired engine lubricant can be used.
This issue is especially relevant, because in any case, after the expiration date, the product gradually loses its properties and its use is useless.
The timing and quality of the oil must be monitored so as not to harm your vehicle. Otherwise, you can provoke a major breakdown of the machine.
Various manufacturing technologies for synthetic and mineral oils, which are also used in 2019, lead to the fact that, due to its formula, synthetic oil practically does not enter into chemical reactions with the external environment.
The shelf life of synthetic motor oil, like other parameters, is indicated on the packaging. But it often happens that manufacturers are reinsured and indicate a shorter period. Therefore, the question arises, how to find out the expiration date of the oil.
The nominal shelf life of synthetic grease is in most cases three years.. Such a period is justified by the operational parameters of the product.
Often the composition includes not only lubricants, but also various additional additives to improve the quality of the oil. They can react with the air and other chemical active elements.
As a result, oxides and other substances appear in the oil, which render the material unusable.
By itself, synthetic fluid practically does not react with air.. Oxidation can be ignored, since it occurs rather slowly.
Mineral grease does not have such stability and becomes unusable after 2-3 years of storage.
Therefore, many manufacturers do not indicate a clearly visible date of manufacture of the oil. It is believed that under conditions of almost zero oxidation, this information is useless.
Despite this, it is possible to find out the year of production, as it will be indicated in the serial number.
Given the fact that the shelf life of synthetic motor oil is quite long, you can not try to find out the month of manufacture of the product. Such information will be useless.
You should familiarize yourself with certain storage conditions for synthetic motor oil, under which it retains its characteristics:
From the above, we can conclude that a dry, cool place where there is no access to sunlight is ideal for storing engine oil. It is recommended to store liquid away from working machines.
Under these conditions, the maximum shelf life of the grease will be 5 years, regardless of what is indicated on the packaging. It is forbidden to open a factory canister made of any material.
The shelf life of engine oil in its original packaging, in which the seal is broken, is reduced to 2-3 years.
Fuels and lubricants affect the operation of the entire machine. The shelf life of engine oil in a canister according to GOST has many nuances.
If there are no large temperature differences in the room, then the shelf life of the oil in its original packaging will be from 3 to 5 years.
If the canister is open, then the period of possible operation will be reduced to 2-3 years. It should be borne in mind that for new engines according to GOST, engine oils must be used immediately after opening the canister or packaging.
Some drivers wonder if expired engine oil can be used. As a rule, this is strictly prohibited, as it may adversely affect the operation of the machine.
Quite often, motorists use engine oil even after its expiration date. But in this case, the main requirement must be met - compliance with the rules of storage.
Experts identify such basic conditions that contribute to product spoilage:
- Storage in a stationary state at a changeable temperature.
- Impact of adverse weather conditions.
Most manufacturers claim that motor oils do not change their structure and viscosity over time.
The main reason why the shelf life is limited is storage in plastic containers. As a result, the liquid may come into contact with plastic or other material from which the dishes are made.
If the oil remains unused in the original container, then it is best to pour it into a container of approximately the same volume as the remaining product.
If the liquid is left in the factory canister, then condensation may form in it, which occurs from a temperature difference.
When a motorist plans to use the product in the future without harm to his car, then you must follow all the manufacturer's recommendations regarding storage conditions. Before pouring oil into the engine, it must be shaken.
- the presence of solid sediment;
- cloudiness;
- color change.
If at least one of the signs appears, experts do not recommend using expired engine oil.
To determine low-quality engine oil, the first thing to do is to find the date of manufacture and expiration date on the package. It is important to understand that we are talking about a packaged product.
But even when the expiration date has not yet expired, constant monitoring can provoke the loss of its chemical and physical properties.
To determine the fake yourself, you need a blank sheet of paper. Then you need to do the following:
- Pour engine oil onto the sheet.
- Hold the paper at a slight slope.
- Wait until the product spreads over the surface of the paper and check the result.
If the oil is of normal quality, no dark dots should remain on the sheet of paper. Their presence indicates the use of low-quality additives that can harm the engine.
Visually, the liquid should be amber in color.. A dark color means that the oil is of low quality or that the fluid has been recycled.
Poor-quality oil can only be returned after an examination in the laboratory. As a result of this procedure, the experts will issue an opinion.
An examination will also be needed if the expiration date has not expired, and the consumer qualities of the oil have been lost as a result of improper storage.
Motor oil has an expiration date. According to GOST, its maximum value is 5 years.
But in order for the product not to deteriorate prematurely, it must be stored correctly. Namely:
Thus, the maximum period of suitability for use of engine oil according to GOST is five years..
But some manufacturers claim that with proper storage, the product can be used even 10 years after purchase, since expired oil does not always lose its properties.
In case of purchase of an expired product, it can be returned to the seller after filing a corresponding claim.
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