Does Motor Oil Expire? Looking Through The Theories That Follow

Any vehicle no matter how small or big, can’t survive without the right dose of engine oil. It is the life of the engine when the low friction of the engine’s moving parts is in question. While your car may be running smoothly, have you ever wondered does motor oil expire or not?

Is it preferable to keep going with the same old oil or a fresh doze necessary? If yes, then reading on could be helpful in all ways possible.

Does Motor Oil Expire Or Not? The Answer To Your Queries

Whether motor oil is inside the engine or in the container, keeping it unused for a long time period could be a matter of concern. If confused between to change the oil or not to, follow the section below for various theories that follow.

1. Theory 1-Age Is Proportional To Thickness

Keeping the expiry date aside, it is a complete no-no to use old motor oil that has been stored for over the years. 

The theory depends on oil thickening as the time passes, which is, in turn, not suitable for lubrication. As per the best practices, thin motor oil is the best for maintaining good engine quality.

That is a valid reason that makes motor oil that is fresh and manufactured in recent times, most preferable. Irrespective of does motor oil expire or not, using oil that is old for over a year should be done away with.

SEE MORE:

• Common Myths That Revolve Around Motor Oil
• Where To Buy The Best And The Cheapest Motor Oil?

2. Theory 2-Expiry Date vs. Shelf Life

There may or may not be an expiry date on the motor oil’s container. If there is a date, well and good, you would know for how much time the oil is usable.

On the other hand, a shelf-life of the motor oil would help identify the usable life of the motor oil. 

Shelf-life is an indication of the quality of the oil that may not waver for over a mentioned time span.

Motor oil’s shelf life may vary from brand to brand, but in general, any lubricating oil has a shelf-life of about five years. Refer to maintenance tips to know more on how shelf life is a parameter that matters.

3. Theory 3-In-Engine vs. In-Bottle

Another debate around motor oil expiry accounts for where the oil is stored. In simple terms, whether motor oil is in the engine or the container also decides its usability over time.

In case the oil is in the engine, it may get oxidized from engine heat or operational pressure. It may even get deteriorated due to the accumulation of the engine debris. That is the reason why changing engine oil becomes all the more essential.

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On the other hand, as far as the motor oil is in its original container, it is safe for usage. Either the container should be sealed, or it should be kept in a cool and dark area where no dirt or moisture is present.

FAQs

1. How does temperature affect motor oil?

Extreme temperatures can accelerate the degradation of motor oil. High temperatures can cause the oil to break down, while low temperatures can lead to thickening, making it less effective.

2. What happens to motor oil when it expires or degrades?

Expired or degraded motor oil may lose its lubricating properties and fail to protect your engine adequately. It can also accumulate sludge and deposits, potentially causing engine damage.

3. Can you use expired motor oil in your car?

It’s generally not recommended to use expired motor oil in your car, as it may not provide sufficient protection for your engine. It’s best to use fresh, unexpired oil.

4. How can you determine if motor oil is still good to use?

Check the oil’s appearance and smell. If it looks discolored, has a strange odor, or has visible contaminants, it’s likely degraded and should not be used.

5. Should I store motor oil in its original container?

It’s a good practice to store motor oil in its original, tightly sealed container. This helps prevent exposure to air and moisture, which can degrade the oil.

6. Can you extend the shelf life of motor oil with proper storage?

Yes, proper storage can help extend the shelf life of motor oil. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes.

7. Is synthetic motor oil less prone to expiration than conventional oil?

Synthetic motor oil typically has a longer shelf life and is less prone to degadation than conventional oil due to its more stable molecular structure.

8. What’s the general recommendation for how long you can keep motor oil before using it?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, most experts suggest using motor oil within 3-5 years of its purchase date, assuming it has been stored properly.

Watch the video from Engineering Explained to see more Motor Oil Myths & FAQs!

Wrapping Up

This is all about the prevailing theories revolving around “does motor oil expire.” No matter what brand of motor oil you buy, one should go through the storage instructions. Because prevention has always been better than cure!