Can Motor Oil Be Exposed to Direct Sunlight?
2 Answers
Motor oil should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Once opened, it can be stored for about one year. To prevent opened motor oil from deteriorating, proper storage is essential. Below are the relevant guidelines: 1. Dry Environment: The storage environment for motor oil bottles must be clean and dry, ensuring no exposure to sunlight to prevent oxidation of the oil inside the bottle. 2. Immediate Sealing: After opening, the motor oil must be sealed immediately. After completing car maintenance, cover the bottle mouth with a clean plastic film and tighten the cap securely. 3. Avoid Adding Small Residues: When adding leftover motor oil from previous maintenance, do not pour all of it into the engine. Retain a small portion, as prolonged storage may lead to trace amounts of water settling at the bottom of the bottle, which could adversely affect engine performance if added.
I remember that road trip last summer when I bought a spare bottle of engine oil and left it in the trunk, completely forgetting about it. After weeks of scorching sun exposure, when I finally opened it, the oil had turned dark and black, becoming sticky with a much thicker consistency than fresh oil. I reluctantly added a bit, only to hear the engine squeaking nonstop while driving, which scared me into rushing it to the repair shop. The mechanic checked it and said the oil had oxidized and degraded, losing most of its lubricating properties. He warned that continuing like this could ruin the engine. Since then, I've learned my lesson: never let engine oil sit in the sun. Now, every time I buy a new bottle, I store it in a cool, dry cabinet in the garage corner to keep it fresh. And if it ever gets overheated, I don’t hesitate to replace it—better safe than sorry. Trying to save a few bucks could cost way more in repairs and damage the car’s performance.
