How Long Can Motor Oil Be Stored in a Car Exposed to Sunlight?
3 Answers
Motor oil should not be exposed to sunlight. Once opened, it can be stored for about a year. To prevent opened motor oil from deteriorating, proper storage is necessary. Here are some 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, apply a clean plastic film over the bottle opening and tighten the cap. 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. Generally, after long-term storage, a minimal amount of moisture may accumulate at the bottom of the oil bottle, which could adversely affect engine performance if added.
If you leave engine oil in the car exposed to sunlight, I recommend not keeping it for too long. High temperatures can cause it to degrade quite quickly. Normally, unopened engine oil can last 3-5 years, but inside a car where temperatures can easily soar to 50-60 degrees Celsius—like an oven—the base oil and additives in the engine oil will break down and oxidize faster. Its performance might degrade within just a few months. I’ve seen bottled engine oil turn black and develop sediment after being exposed to sunlight, with its viscosity altered. At that point, changing the oil won’t properly protect the engine. If it’s unavoidable—like temporarily storing it in the trunk—try to use it within six months at most. But whenever possible, store it in a cool, shaded spot away from direct sunlight, and regularly check for leaks or bottle deformation. This way, you’ll stay safer and avoid unnecessary headaches. Don’t let laziness compromise your car’s performance.
I have personal experience with engine oil. Last summer, I left a new bottle of engine oil in the trunk and didn't realize it was exposed to direct sunlight for several months. The bottle softened and started leaking. When I opened it, the oil had thickened and changed color, probably due to additive sedimentation. High temperatures are the worst enemy of engine oil, drastically accelerating its deterioration. While properly sealed oil can last for years, storing it in a car during summer may cause it to degrade in just a few months. I've learned my lesson—now I either use the oil promptly or store it in a cool corner of the garage if not in immediate use. Prolonged exposure to sunlight poses significant risks, including oil degradation, unpleasant odors, or contamination. Don't make the same mistake I did; it's important to regularly check the condition of stored oil.
