Does engine oil have an expiration date?
1 Answers
Engine oil has different expiration periods under various conditions: unopened engine oil lasts for 5 years; leftover oil after maintenance has a shelf life of 1 year; oil poured into the engine lasts for 6 months. Storage conditions: Under proper storage conditions, engine oil can last for 4 to 5 years. Once opened, if sealed properly, it generally lasts about a year. The main factor affecting the shelf life of engine oil is the storage conditions. The greater the temperature fluctuations and humidity in the storage environment, the faster the oil deteriorates. For every 10-degree Celsius increase in temperature, the oil's lifespan is halved. Never leave the oil cap open and expose the oil to sunlight. The correct practice is to store the oil in a sealed, cool place. Poor sealing can lead to oxidation when the oil comes into contact with air, and high temperatures accelerate this oxidation. Additionally, significant temperature fluctuations can easily cause condensation, and water can cause the lubricant to deteriorate. If the oil has been stored for more than 3 months, it is recommended to use new oil the next time. If the oil in the car has been used for a relatively long time, such as having covered half the usual maintenance interval mileage, the storage time should be reduced. It is advisable to use new oil after storing for more than 3 months.