How long is the shelf life of motor oil?
2 Answers
Motor oil has a shelf life of 5 years, with some types lasting up to 12 years. The functions of motor oil are: 1. To separate the surfaces of relatively sliding parts and reduce wear; 2. To carry heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator cool the engine; 3. To circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and wear particles from engine parts back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts through the flow of the lubricating oil. The method for changing motor oil is: 1. Use a jack to lift the vehicle; 2. Drain the old oil; 3. Remove the oil filter; 4. Install a new oil filter and add new oil.
Recently, while driving my old car, I noticed that if the engine oil isn't changed for too long, the engine makes unusual noises and consumes more fuel. Generally speaking, the shelf life of engine oil can be divided into two scenarios: one is when it's unopened in the bottle, with a shelf life of about 1 to 3 years, as long as it's stored in a cool, dry place. The other is after it's poured into the engine—the effective usage period usually depends on your driving habits. If you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, it's recommended to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months; if you do more highway driving, you can extend it to 10,000 kilometers or a year. I've seen many people delay it for too long, causing the oil to age and thicken, which accelerates engine wear and can even lead to engine seizure. Make it a habit to regularly pull out the dipstick to check if the oil color is too dark or has impurities, so you can address it promptly. Also, when buying bottled engine oil, check the packaging date to avoid using expired stock.
