In daily life, we often encounter situations where some vehicles need to change the oil. However, there are times when we may store the oil for a long time before using it for various reasons. So, can the oil that has been stored for seven or eight years still work?
First of all, we need to understand the role of motor oil. Engine oil lubricates, cools, cleans, and protects the engine and is essential for the proper operation of the engine. However, motor oil can also gradually oxidize and deteriorate over time. As a result, oil that has been stored for too long may have the following problems:
1. The viscosity of the engine oil increases: long-term storage will cause the components in the engine oil to oxidize, resulting in an increase in the viscosity of the engine oil, poor fluidity, and inability to fully lubricate all parts of the engine.
2. Failure of additives in engine oil: Many additives are added to engine oil, such as antioxidants, detergents, etc., which may fail after long-term storage, reducing the performance of engine oil.
3. Increase of impurities in the oil: The oil may be affected by the moisture and oxygen in the air during long-term storage, resulting in an increase in the impurities in the oil, affecting the cleanliness and protection effect of the oil.
Therefore, we do not recommend continuing to use oil that has been stored for seven or eight years. If you continue to use such an oil, it may cause damage to the engine and affect the performance and life of the vehicle.
So, what should we do with engine oil that has been stored for too long? First of all, we need to confirm whether the oil has gone bad. You can make a preliminary judgment by observing the color of the oil and smelling the smell of the oil. If the oil becomes dark or smells, it means that the oil has deteriorated and needs to be replaced with a new one. In addition, if the oil has been opened or filled into the engine, it is not recommended to use it again due to contamination and oxidation.
In order to avoid damage to the vehicle caused by the oil stored for too long, we recommend that car owners pay attention to the following points:
1. Try to use fresh engine oil: Try to choose freshly produced engine oil and avoid buying engine oil that has been stored for too long.
2. Change the engine oil regularly: change the engine oil regularly according to the provisions of the vehicle maintenance manual, and do not extend the replacement cycle because of cost savings.
3. Store the oil properly: Store the oil in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight and humid environments. In addition, make sure that the storage container is well sealed to prevent air and moisture from entering.
4. Check the shelf life of the engine oil: carefully check the shelf life of the engine oil before use, and do not use expired or deteriorated engine oil.
In short, in order to protect the performance and life of the vehicle, car owners should pay attention to the maintenance and replacement of engine oil. Try to use fresh oil, change oil regularly, store oil properly and check the expiration date. If you find that the oil has been stored for too long or the oil has deteriorated, you should replace it with a new oil in time to avoid damage to the vehicle.