Engine Oil is vital for a car’s performance, but what if you leave your car idle for a long time? Does the engine oil go bad?
In this article, we’ll investigate these issues and more.
Photo Credit: carmudi
Does engine oil go bad?
Yes! Engine oil goes bad if the car is not used often.
If the oil is left for a long time without being used, it loses its effectiveness.
But how long can engine oil remain in your car before there’s a need to change it?
While the traditional advice is to change oil every 3,000 miles, advancements in oil technology now allow for intervals of up to 10,000 miles.
However, this poses a challenge for those who don’t drive much.
The recommended solution is to change the oil at least once a year, or even every six months, regardless of the mileage.
This ensures that the oil stays in good condition, even if the car is not frequently driven.
How long can engine oil last without being driven?
How long can oil endure in a car that’s parked more frequently than it’s driven?
You might be surprised by the answer. Oil does not last forever, even in a car that is rarely driven.
The general guideline is approximately six months, despite oil typically having a shelf life of five years.
Nevertheless, this timeframe can be influenced by various factors, including the type of oil, storage conditions, and environmental elements.
Essentially, your car’s engine oil operates like a countdown clock, indicating the days until its next necessary change.
While mileage is a common benchmark for scheduling oil changes, it’s not the sole factor determining oil lifespan; time is equally crucial.
External elements, such as climate, can affect how fast oil goes bad over time. For example, engine oil can go bad quicker if a car is kept in a hot, humid climate.
Additionally, the type of oil matters, with synthetic oils lasting longer than conventional ones.
The vehicle’s condition and how it’s stored during periods of inactivity also play a role in the oil’s longevity.
Motor Oil’s Shelf Life
As per information from reputable oil companies, motor oil stored in an unopened container under normal temperature conditions can maintain its quality for a period ranging from two to five years.
It’s essential to note that inappropriate storage practices can decrease the shelf life of motor oil.
Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that the shelf life of motor oil is also influenced by its specific type.
Photo Credit: AutoChimps
What happens if you don’t change your oil regularly?
Failing to change your engine oil regularly can result in various complications, potentially causing significant harm to your vehicle.
Additionally, not changing your engine oil often enough can cause lower performance, more fuel use, and possible engine damage.
Therefore, regular oil changes are important for your car’s lifespan, performance, and overall health.
If you don’t replace engine oil regularly, it gradually breaks down, losing its ability to lubricate effectively and causing various mechanical problems.
Sludge Formation: One of the main problems with old engine oil is the sludge that forms. As the oil gets older and the additives in it wear out, the oil starts to get thicker and turn into sludge. This material can block your engine’s internal parts, obstructing oil passages and stopping the proper flow of oil in the engine.
Engine Damage: New engine oil makes sure that all the moving parts in your engine are well-oiled, lowering friction and avoiding damage. However, old engine oil becomes less effective at lubricating these moving parts, causing more friction and early damage of engine parts.
Overheating and Possible Engine Breakdown: With inadequate oiling, there is more friction, which can cause overheating. In severe cases, this could make critical engine parts bend, crack, or lock up, possibly leading to total engine breakdown – a very costly problem to solve.
Lowered Fuel Efficiency: Good engine oiling also helps in keeping your car’s fuel efficiency. When the engine’s parts can’t move as easily due to poor oiling, your engine has to work more, leading to more fuel use.
Increased Emission Levels: Old, polluted oil can cause higher emission levels. This is because old oil makes incomplete combustion, which then causes an increase in exhaust emissions. Over time, this can damage your car’s catalytic converter, a key part of the vehicle’s emission system.
How To Check If Your Motor Oil Is Expired
Here are some clues that can help you detect if your motor oil has gone bad. Let’s see some immediate signs:
- Modern cars will alert you if your motor oil has gone bad.
- The check engine or oil change light will turn on automatically.
- The engine will make noise like ticking or knocking.
- The oil will appear dark and filthy.
- Bad oil will have a foul odor to it.
Avoid making any engine errors; ensure a comprehensive oil checkup is conducted to fully assess the oil’s condition, identify contaminants, and more.
When inspecting your motor oil for potential expiration, start by checking the expiration date.
If your motor oil has reached its five-year shelf life, exercise caution for the sake of your engine and consider acquiring new motor oil.
Now, utilize your dipstick and a cloth. Insert the dipstick into the oil, wipe it on a cloth, and inspect your motor oil.
Does it appear cloudy? This indicates the presence of water or excessive condensation in the motor oil solution.
Look for other indicators, such as the separation of oil additives.
Has your motor oil transformed into a solid mixture? Does it exhibit a sticky consistency?
If any of these signs are present, it is advisable to dispose of the oil.
Conclusion
Yes, Engine oil does go bad over time, even if the car is not driven frequently.
This can have negative effects on the engine’s performance, fuel efficiency, emission levels, and lifespan.
It is therefore important to change the oil regularly, following the manufacturer’s recommendations or the general guidelines of six months or 3,000 miles.
By doing so, you can ensure that your car runs smoothly and safely for a long time.
Also Read: