The motor oil consists of various components that are helpful for the engine’s health. Generally, these motor oils are safe and ready to use for at least five years.
This stability of synthetic oil shelf life varies according to the contents and manufacturer’s instruction. It is always advised that one must keep the check on the date of expiration of the engine oil.
After passing that date, one must refrain from using that synthetic oil as it may have some consequences. There are different kinds of synthetic oil like multi-graded oil, synthetic blend motor oil, etc. available according to the needs of the vehicles. These different engine oils have different stability and storage requirements. Here, we have come up with the information you require regarding the shelf life and expiration of the synthetic engine oils.
Composition of the synthetic oil
The factor that is responsible for varying stability and shelf life of engine oil are its components. These synthetic engine oils are developed according to the needs of the different kinds of motor vehicles. There are various kinds of petroleum and non-petroleum chemical compounds present in these synthetic oils for enhancing their quality and functionality. Going a bit more scientific, these synthetic oils have hydrogen molecules evenly spread in them. These chemical compounds facilitate it to become basic or alkaline to keep it functional and stable at low and high temperatures.
Due to the omission of paraffin wax in its constituents, the synthetic oil is free from pollutants and any other substance that may cause harm to the engine. The appropriate composition of these synthetic oils facilitates increasing the life and enhancing the performance of the engines.
How to identify usable motor oil?
Generally, the motor oils that are kept in cool and dry places and haven’t passed the expiration date can be used without any giving any second thought. One can always have a check on its consistency if any doubt arises. The motor oil that is thick and sticky with semi-solid or gel-like particles should not be relied on and used in the vehicle. The additive may lose its effectiveness and get separated from the oil forming its layer in such cases.
This type of oil will not be safe to use in the vehicle. The color of such contaminated or expired oil may appear slightly different. The synthetic oils that are ready to be used have a clear and fresh appearance. Spotting any haziness or milkiness in these synthetic oils can be a sign of water contamination. The change of appearance can also indicate the ineffectiveness of the oil.
Synthetic Oil Shelf Life Engine Oil
The synthetic motor oils perform a great job while in use inside the engine. The expiration of these oils depends upon the constituents that engine oil includes. Several kinds of additives are used in synthetic oil that has a different durability and expiration period. Sometimes, there is a formation of sludge or a layer of contaminated soil can be observed if the oil is not handled properly.
This includes the contact of moisture and other natural factors affecting the oil due to its improper packaging or broken seal. The contact of water with the motor oil can form an insoluble mixture in the oil that deteriorates its quality. There can be microbial growth in the lubricant if it comes in contact with the moisture.
One must always follow the storage instruction for appropriately storing these synthetic engine oils. These oils are advised to be kept in a cool and dry place with normal room temperature. Keeping the oil at a temperature less than 0 degrees Fahrenheit and more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit can deteriorate the oil and make it ineffective. Keeping the oil at a very low temperature can for sediments in the oil.
This may result in the separation of additives from the oil. The recommended temperature for appropriately storing the synthetic oil is 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The dust and moisture remain the constant threats to the health of the engine oil.
When the oil container is packed and not opened, the oil inside remains durable, potent, and ready to use. Storing these oils in tight containers at appropriate places may increase their durability. The design and material of the container can also affect the quality and health of the synthetic engine oils. The containers that are made up of copper, iron, etc. can cause damage to the quality of the oil due to the process of oxidation.
Additives for increasing the shelf life
There are several kinds of additives used in synthetic engine oils for their outstanding functionality. These additives boost the qualities of synthetic engine oils. These additives have various benefits when added to the engine oil. This all adds up to enhanced performance and better engine life of the vehicle. The characteristics and other benefactors of the additives in the engine oil are –
- If the viscosity of an oil decreases, it will not be able to provide the expected lubrication and service to the engine. The viscosity of the oil helps in preventing the parts of the engines from excessive friction and maintains smoothness while the rigid metallic parts of the engines are rubbing over one another. The additives used in the oils are used for maintaining a high level of viscosity while keeping them stored for a longer period.
- Additives such as pour point depressants are used in synthetic engine oils to lower the freezing level.
- The additives like dispersants and detergents help in keeping the oil clean and away from several kinds of pollutants. It also eradicates the formation of sludge and a layer of impurities in the oil.
- Oil stability is important for the continuous and disturbance-free functioning of the engine. The additives such as oxidation inhibitors help preserve the stability of the oil.
- The rusting and corrosion inside the engine can result in the functional breakdown of the engine due to damage in parts and disturbed functioning. The rusting and corrosion also lead to the presence of metal shavings and particles in the engine oil that may become another serious issue for your vehicle. The corrosion and rust inhibitors are used to keep such problems away from the engine.
- The foaming of oil deteriorates the quality and effectiveness of the oil. With the help of the best defoaming additives, the engine oils are protected from foaming.
- For keeping an accurate TBN value, alkaline additives are used for better neutralization of acids. The full form of the TBN is the Total Base Number. Keeping the TBN between 4 to 8 with the help of required additives helps in better acid neutralization.
- Another essential additive that is used to prevent oxidation and formation of sludge inside the engine is the calcium additive. The formation of sludge can be a sign of danger for the engines.
These additives are some essential components of the synthetic engine oil that help in keeping the health of the engine up to the mark and eradicate the chances of a functional breakdown. With these additives, the engine oils can be stored comfortably for a certain period.
Storage recommendations
The storage of the engine oil is not a big deal. Storing these oils with caution will benefit your pocket in the long run. Some of the best storage recommendations of these oils are –
- The first recommendation for storing the engine oil with safety is to always keep the oil away from heat and moisture at a cool and dry place like a shelf or drawer. This will always keep the oil stable and free from disturbances.
- The storage of different synthetic engine oil depends upon the type of additives present inside the oil. For example, the oil that contains the additives helpful in keeping away rust and corrosive impurities does not have a long shelf life.
- The unopened containers of synthetic oils have more shelf life than the ones opened and stored. The opened containers have a risk of corrosion and oxidation of oil if the container is not sealed properly. Seepage of oil from the container after some days of storage can be a sign of the deteriorated quality of the oil due to improper storage.
With the best storage facility like dedicated shelves or drawers in the garage, one can easily save the stored engine oil from getting affected by various deteriorating factors around us.
Conclusion
With better storage and care, the engine oil can be kept and used for a longer period. The quality of the engine oil depends upon the way it was stored. These engine oils are the protective shield against wear and tear inside the engine due to metal shavings, rust and corrosion, inadequate viscosity, temperature changes, and various other problems regarding the engine’s health. With sufficient additives that are required to tackle several problems of the engine and enhance its performance, one can enjoy safe and comfortable rides without any hassle.