Does Storing Engine Oil in the Trunk Have Any Impact in Summer?
2 Answers
Storing engine oil in the trunk has no impact during summer. Here is some knowledge about storing engine oil in the trunk: Precautions: Engine oil is not classified as a hazardous material and is not flammable, so it can be safely stored in the trunk. It does not need to comply with the regulations for transporting or storing hazardous materials. However, lubricating oil is still a chemical product, so safe storage and transportation should be ensured to avoid environmental pollution. Function of Engine Oil: Engine oil has a lubricating effect. There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder, as well as between the main shaft and bearing bush. To prevent excessive wear of parts, an oil film needs to be established between the two sliding surfaces. A sufficiently thick oil film separates the surfaces of the relatively sliding parts.
Storing engine oil in the trunk during summer can indeed cause issues. I've personally experienced this – high temperatures cause the oil bottle to expand and deform, while the heat softens the sealing gasket, making the cap prone to loosening and resulting in oil leaks. Once during a road trip, half a bottle of oil leaked in my trunk, creating a huge cleanup hassle and even corroding the mat. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high temperatures accelerates oil oxidation and degradation, reducing its lubricating properties – using such deteriorated oil can actually harm your engine. Now I only buy oil as needed. If I must store some, I keep just one bottle maximum in a leak-proof container placed in a shaded area, and always try to park in underground garages to avoid sunlight.
