Car enthusiasts may not even think about the rules for storing motor oils. But this product has clearly defined storage conditions and expiration dates.
If the fluid does not meet all the requirements, it can harm the engine and other components of the car.
We will talk about the terms and rules for storing automobile oils below.
Content
How long to store?
Engine oils are used to reduce friction between moving parts of engines, as well as for cooling. The product consists of basic oils and special additives.
When purchasing, be sure to examine the packaging. The canister label indicates the product's expiration date and composition.
Mineral oil from almost any manufacturer should be used within 3 years, semi-synthetic and synthetic oil - on average within 5 years. After opening the canister, the shelf life is 3 years if all storage conditions are met.
For oil diluted with gasoline, the shelf life is no more than a year. But it is advisable to use it earlier - 3-6 months in advance. Transmission, as a rule, has a shelf life of 5 years.
After the expiration date, even if the original packaging has not been opened, the liquid changes its chemical properties. Its use may negatively affect the operation of equipment and is not recommended by experts.
The oil expiration date established by the manufacturer is a way to protect the consumer from possible engine breakdowns, premature wear and, as a result, expensive repairs.
The video will tell you about the shelf life of oil:
9 basic rules
Following the rules will allow you to preserve engine oil without compromising its performance characteristics.
The main measures of product content include the following:
- Protecting the product from foreign objects, including dust and dirt.
- Maintaining temperature conditions.
- Storage in a closed container. This will avoid not only the accidental ingress of foreign objects, but also oxidation upon contact with air.
Protection from exposure to sunlight. Even though the canisters the product is sold in have sun protection, they still need to be kept in a dark place.- Protection against contact with water. When water gets into the engine oil, the chemical process of formation of insoluble compounds starts.
As a result, the product becomes unusable and must be disposed of.
- It is not recommended to subject the packaging to vibrations.
- The storage container must not be damaged.
- The room chosen for storage must be ventilated.
- There should be no heat sources nearby.
Motor
Motor oil is one of the types of engine oil. At its core, it is a lubricant. When used correctly, it prevents strong friction between parts.
They can be of 3 types:
- Synthetic.
- Mineral.
- Semi-synthetic.
The permissible temperature range at the storage location is from +18°C to +40°C, the optimal value is around +22°C. With a significant decrease in temperature, and even more so during freezing, the structure of the oil begins to change. If the canister has been in a cold place, it is recommended to shake it before use.
Product diluted with gasoline
Storage of oil diluted with gasoline must be organized in accordance with the rules.
The container should be:
- reliable,
- tightly closing,
- impervious to air and light.
The mixture should be kept in a dry and cool room with good ventilation. The air temperature should preferably be around +20°C. Since this is a flammable substance, it is necessary to observe all safety precautions when working with it.
For transmissions
Transmission oils are oils used to lubricate:
- steering mechanisms,
- transfer cases,
- gearboxes, etc.
They:
- Protect components from corrosion.
- Prevents wear of components.
- Lubricate rubbing parts.
- Reduce shock loads.
It is advisable to keep such technical fluid in its original packaging without opening it until it is needed.
Like other special lubricating fluids, gear oil requires compliance with storage conditions.
The main requirements are:
- dryness of the room;
- protection from light;
- air temperature within 10-25°C;
- tightness of the container.
Avoid exposure to negative temperatures.
Spent
Oil requires periodic replacement. Over time, it begins to lose its performance qualities - its lubricating effect decreases.A scheduled (once a year) replacement is required even if there were not many trips and the mileage was less than 10,000 km.
Once drained from a vehicle, it does not necessarily need to be disposed of. The oil may be processed or it can be used as a lubricant, for example, for:
- garden tools,
- door locks,
- sewing machines,
- and also as an anti-corrosion agent to protect the thresholds of your car from rust, etc.
Regardless of planning further use, already drained technical fluid requires precautions during operation. This is due to its toxic properties and easy flammability. If the car is serviced at a car service center, then the service station will take care of the problem with used oil.
Conclusion
To prevent engine oil from deteriorating before the expiration date, it is recommended to follow all storage rules. It is advisable to purchase only a quality product, and use all technical fluids strictly for their intended purpose.
