Is It Dangerous to Store Engine Oil in the Trunk?

[DelMason]

Storing engine oil in the trunk is safe, as engine oil is not classified as a hazardous material and is not flammable, making it perfectly suitable for storage in the trunk. It does not need to comply with regulations for transporting or storing hazardous materials. However, lubricating oil is still a chemical product, so safe storage and transportation must be ensured to avoid environmental pollution. Below are the characteristics of lubricating oil: 1. It is not flammable but can be classified as combustible. 2. It does not have strong corrosive properties. 3. It is not highly volatile. 4. It does not pose packaging difficulties. 5. It does not present challenges in storage or transportation.

[VonKate]

Last time I stashed a leftover bottle of engine oil in the trunk for emergency use. When driving to the countryside in summer, the trunk temperature soared, causing the oil container to expand, deform, and leak. The entire trunk was filled with a pungent odor. The car wash shop warned that the risks are too high under such high temperatures—engine oil is flammable and prone to leakage. In case of a collision and fire, the consequences would be unimaginable. Now I no longer lazily leave it in the car. Instead, I store it in a cool, sealed place in the garage and regularly check the container for cracks. For long trips, I also secure spare engine oil in a hard case to prevent leakage from shaking. Safety first is the wisest approach.

[HopeLee]

Storing engine oil in the trunk carries certain risks, especially under high temperatures or bumpy conditions. As someone who frequently handles vehicles, I must remind you that the trunk is not an ideal storage location. Temperature fluctuations can easily increase container pressure, leading to oil leaks and heightened fire hazards. Leakage may also corrode interior materials and release harmful gases that affect health. It's recommended to use sealed, durable OEM containers for short-term transportation, while long-term storage should be in well-ventilated, room-temperature areas. Additionally, keep stored oil away from flammable items like gasoline cans, and regularly replace aging containers to mitigate risks.

[DiCassandra]

Engine oil stored in the trunk can harm the environment if it leaks. I've experienced a broken oil container contaminating the trunk, making cleanup difficult and spreading toxins. Engine oil contains chemical components that are more likely to seep into mats or drainage systems under high temperatures, polluting groundwater. It's best to store sealed containers in fixed locations like garages. Used engine oil must be properly recycled and not discarded carelessly—environmental protection is crucial. These details should not be overlooked as they contribute to vehicle safety.