Can motor oil be used after ten years?
1 Answers
Motor oil generally has a shelf life of five years, so oil that has been stored for ten years can no longer be used. The national standard for motor oil shelf life is five years, though some oils may have a shelf life of up to ten years—but this is only if the container remains unopened. If the oil has been opened, regardless of whether its shelf life is five or ten years, it should not be used after ten years. Once opened, motor oil oxidizes and deteriorates upon contact with air, so it must be used promptly. Below is more information about motor oil: 1. Motor oil serves to lubricate the engine, reduce friction, assist in cooling, and prevent rust and corrosion. As the most critical component of a car, the engine contains metal parts that rub against each other. These components operate under harsh conditions for extended periods. Using qualified motor oil can effectively reduce wear on these metal parts, extend their service life, and ensure the engine's power output remains normal. For this reason, motor oil is often referred to as the 'lifeblood' of a car. 2. The primary factor affecting motor oil's shelf life is storage conditions. The greater the temperature fluctuations and humidity in the storage environment, the faster the oil deteriorates. For every 10°C increase in temperature, the oil's lifespan is halved. Never leave the oil container open and exposed to sunlight. The correct approach is to store motor oil in a sealed, cool place. Poor sealing leads to oxidation when the oil comes into contact with air, and high temperatures accelerate this process. Additionally, significant temperature variations can cause condensation, which may lead to oil deterioration.
