We monitor quality and efficiency: what are the terms and rules for storing gear oil?
Transmission oil is a special technical fluid that is used to lubricate gearbox components. Its task is to extend the life of parts by reducing friction.
Like other technical liquids, it has a limited shelf life and maintenance requirements.
If they are violated, the lubricant may lose its declared qualities and will not be as effective in protecting vehicle components during operation. We will discuss the storage periods and conditions for transmission oil below.
Content
How long to store?
The product packaging contains all the necessary information, including composition and production date. The oil may contain special additives that can affect the shelf life.
All technical fluids for transmissions are divided into 2 groups:
- For manual transmissions - MTF.
- For automatic transmissions (automatic transmission) - ATF.
Before opening
The shelf life of gear oils from most manufacturers is 5 years from the date of packaging. This is how long the product can be stored before the container is opened and the seal is broken.
After
After opening the package and using part of the contents, the container must be tightly closed again to prevent air from entering.The shelf life in this case is reduced to six months.
Conditions of detention
A number of factors influence the characteristics of the oil and its performance. Among the basic requirements for the conditions storages are as follows:
Keep at room temperature (+10-25°C). Significant deviations, both downward and upward, are not desirable. Freezing is unacceptable.- Being in a dark place. It is also recommended to use opaque packaging whenever possible. This will protect the contents from exposure to light, including direct sunlight.
- Container tightness.
Packaging with oil should not be stored near a heat source and the conditions of storage should not be allowed to be violated, as this can accelerate the aging of the technical fluid with a decrease in its characteristics.
Which container is best to store it in?
For storing transmission oil It is recommended to choose a container made of opaque material that does not react with the lubricant. A very important requirement for packaging is tightness.
The lid should not allow air to pass through. No matter how suitable the container is, it should be stored in a dark place.
Factory packaging
Storing the oil in the container in which it was purchased is the best option. It protects the contents from light, is sealed and inert towards the product.
Plastic
If you need to choose a container for short-term storage of oil, you can use a plastic one. Since the container material may react with the contents, this choice is not the best.
Metal canisters
If the canister has a reliable lid that meets all tightness requirements, it can be used for transmission fluid.
This choice of packaging is also more focused on short-term storage, since metal can react with oil and additives that are part of it.
Glass
Glass doesn't react with transmission fluid that comes into contact with it, but the clear material does a poor job of protecting the contents from light. Even if you choose a container made of dark glass, protection from sunlight will not be sufficient.
How can you tell if a product is spoiled?
In some cases, even before the expiration date, the product may be spoiled. The reason may be a violation of the storage conditions of the product.
Damage can be determined by the following signs:
- change in consistency;
- change in viscosity;
- the appearance of sediment, impurities;
- change in color to lighter or, conversely, to darker;
- change in smell.
If the oil has been stored for a long time, but you plan to use it, you must first check its quality. To analyze the condition of the product, it is recommended to carefully pour it into a transparent container.
Conclusion
Transmission oils have a limited shelf life. During this entire time, the product must be kept in suitable containers and under appropriate conditions. Only compliance with all these rules will maintain the effectiveness of the product.
