What is the general shelf life of motor oil in a car?
2 Answers
Motor oil in a car generally has a shelf life of 2 years. Motor oil, engine oil, or engine lubricant is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade oil viscosity index improvers. The main functions of motor oil are to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine. It also neutralizes acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improves the sealing of piston rings, and cools the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts.
I previously conducted specialized research on the shelf life of engine oil and found that many people tend to overlook the time factor. The shelf life of engine oil in a car is divided into two main states: unopened oil containers typically indicate a shelf life of 4-5 years, but once opened and added to the car, it's a completely different story. After the engine runs, the oil continuously absorbs moisture, fuel, and metal debris. Even if you haven't driven the car all year, the oil will start to oxidize and degrade in about six months. I personally experienced a long-term parked vehicle where the oil filter was clogged with sludge when removed. Nowadays, it's recommended that car owners change the oil every six months, not just based on mileage, especially for those who frequently take short trips. If the engine doesn't reach operating temperature, it's more prone to sludge buildup and moisture accumulation.