Is There Harm in Using Mineral Oil for More Than Half a Year?
2 Answers
There is harm. The service life of mineral oil is typically half a year or 5,000 kilometers. Exceeding half a year, even if the car is not driven frequently, the oil will oxidize due to exposure to air, leading to a decrease in total base number, acidification of the oil, and ineffective formation of a protective oil film. Here is additional information: 1. Mineral oil: Derived from crude oil, mineral oil is usually very low in cost. However, because the mineral oil base is prone to oxidation, various imported additives are added to it, with a service life of approximately six months. 2. Semi-synthetic oil: Although more expensive to refine, it has excellent oxidation resistance, making it a highly durable long-life oil with a service life of about twelve months. Considering the balance between price and quality, semi-synthetic oil has the widest range of applications. 3. Full synthetic oil: Chemically synthesized oil, it can maintain lubrication even under conditions where the base oil fails.
Using mineral oil for over half a year can indeed cause damage. As someone frequently involved in vehicle maintenance, I've seen many such cases. The base structure of mineral oil isn't as stable as synthetic oil, making it prone to oxidation and deterioration over time. Prolonged use leads to the breakdown and deactivation of additives, causing a sharp decline in lubrication and protection. Engine components operating under increased friction may experience accelerated metal wear, potentially leading to higher fuel consumption or degraded performance. I recommend regularly checking the oil condition, such as changing it every six months, and not delaying too long. Especially with frequent driving or in hot environments, oil ages faster. Neglecting this could result in major engine repairs, with costs far exceeding simple oil change expenses. Developing a habit of timely maintenance is wise to ensure smooth and safe vehicle operation.
