Should You Take the Leftover Engine Oil After Maintenance?

[Cameron]

You should take the leftover engine oil after vehicle maintenance. The engine oil added during maintenance usually comes in 4L containers, while most vehicles only require 3-3.5L, leaving 0.5-1L unused. Therefore, it's advisable to take any remaining oil after maintenance. Firstly, it can be used to top up if the engine runs low on oil. Secondly, it can be used to supplement other machinery at home that requires engine oil. Some vehicles use turbocharged engines, and engine oil typically has a shelf life, especially once opened, which significantly shortens. Vehicle owners need to pay attention to the usage timeframe of the oil. Half a bottle of leftover oil should not be used if it's over a year old. Opened engine oil generally has a shelf life of only six months, with higher-quality fully synthetic oils lasting up to a year. If half a bottle of oil is over a year old, its anti-wear and antioxidant properties are greatly diminished. There are also specific storage requirements for engine oil: it should be kept in a dry, cool indoor area away from direct sunlight. Additionally, engine oil should be stored away from fire sources to prevent safety hazards.