Can engine oil with a 5-year shelf life still be used in the sixth year?

[DaniellaAnn]

Unopened engine oil can be stored for 5 years, but if the oil has been opened, it can only be stored for 12 months. It is not recommended to use expired engine oil. The national standard for engine oil shelf life is 5 years, although some oils have a shelf life of up to 12 years. Generally, engine oil within 3 years should be fine. Engine oil is not a food or pharmaceutical product, and according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, finished products with a shelf life exceeding a certain number of years may not need to indicate an expiration date, which is why engine oil often does not have a shelf life label. Additionally, fully synthetic oil has a longer shelf life than mineral oil. To maintain the performance of lubricating oil, it is generally recommended to store it in a cool, dry place to prevent contamination by water or other impurities.