Can you store engine oil in freezing temperatures?
To make sure this doesn't happen, avoid storing oil in a place that experiences either extreme heat or cold as both can affect oil viscosity. Furthermore, enclosed spaces with little airflow should be avoided as moisture and humidity can cause oxidation.
Additionally, please keep in mind that in a home or garage, the recommended storage temperature for motor oil is between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to make sure it is not kept in a location where it can get too cold or too hot to maintain the lifespan of the motor oil.
Motor oil doesn't crystallize as it gets cold so it doesn't meet the technical definition of freezing. It does get thicker as it cools, losing its viscosity and its ability to circulate and lubricate while cold. The paraffin waxes in oil do crystallize and can cause circulation problems.
Motor oil becomes permanently thicker with exposure to northerly winter type weather. This is more of a problem to mineral based oils. Waxes form. This is why it is a bad idea to even store a bottle of oil in a cold garage.
To keep your car in the best possible shape this winter, you should get an oil change. Freezing temperatures can cause your oil to flow gradually or not at all. As a result, it can put a lot of stress on your motor engine. After an extended period, your vehicle's engine can start having problems.
When you turn off your engine and it starts to cool down, the metals contract, which can open gaps between seals and mating components. The result is a leak that only occurs when the engine is cold. Fun?
So, a 5W-30 or 0-W30 will give better protection in winter weather than, say, a 10W-40 or a 20W-50, while still providing solid high-temperature protection. You should also consider asking for a synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil.
The expiry date is simply the point at which the motor oil starts to degrade and lose its effectiveness. How long does motor oil last then? On average, conventional motor oil lasts about five years on the shelf in unopened containers. Semi-synthetic and synthetic motor oils will last seven to eight years.
While your motor oil bottle will indicate an oil life of about 2-5 years, this is mainly for unused oil. Once you open the bottle of oil, it will start losing its effectiveness. Half-opened bottles of fresh oil are best used within one year of opening.
If you're stuck where it happens to freeze, you can always try to store your car in a climate-controlled garage or use an engine block heater to help keep your oil from turning into a solid.
Car engines will freeze overnight if it's 10-15 degrees outside. The core plugs - "freeze plugs" do nothing to protect them, the ice will open them up the block like a can of sardines.
It will not be obvious when this begins to happen, so you must be vigilant and check your engine oil at least once a month. To do this, remove the dipstick and wipe it off before returning it to the oil tank. Now take it out a second time. If you cannot see the dipstick through the oil, it is time for an oil change.
Some plastics can become brittle, cracked, or discolored upon prolonged exposure to motor oils. Always opt for plastics that are compatible with motor oils, such as nylon, polypropylene, or certain types of high-density polyethylene.
Answer: If your car uses conventional motor oil, such as 5W30 or 10W30, we recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months. If your car uses synthetic oil, we recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles or 6 months. You can push that to 6,000 or 6,500 miles if you almost always drive on the highway.
The caps will effectively protect the top of the drum. However, the best and safest alternative is to store oil drums horizontally. This type of storage is effective because moisture and liquid cannot build-up at all. Remember never store open or used containers outside, and follow a FIFO routine strictly.
If you hardly drive (less than 15 000km or 10 000 per year) then high quality synthetic expensive oils can safely be in the engine for 2 years. I would say that if it's warm, not damp, it's possible to extend that to 3 years (like keeping in garage or good climate). But no more than 3 years.
Castrol's full synthetic 0W-30 motor oil has been liquid engineered to flow like 0 Weight oil in winter temperatures, but to have the viscosity of a 30 Weight engine oil once full operating temperature has been achieved. This ensures a high level of engine protection from the moment you turn on the ignition.
Synthetic base oils have a very good viscosity index, which means that their viscosity isn't significantly impacted by wide temperature swings. Synthetics are actually pivotal in the formulation of winter grade engine oils such as 5W-30s and 5W-40s because they perform very well under extremely cold conditions.
The first number of a multi-grade oil designates the ability for the oil to be pumped and flow at colder temperatures; the “W” stands for winter. Thus, a 0W oil will be able to flow faster and get to critical engine components better than a 5W or a 10W oil; especially in extreme cold conditions and at engine start-up.
Can I drive with a oil leak if I keep putting oil?
An oil leak can be a sign of a more serious issue, so if you notice oil leaking from the engine, it's best not to drive the car. As the oil continues to leak, a low oil level could damage the engine. If you must drive, keep your trips to 10 miles or less.
Engine oil leaks can be caused by several things, including a faulty gasket or seal, a cracked engine block, or an improperly installed oil filter. Sometimes, an oil leak may not be serious and can be fixed with a simple repair. However, if the leak is severe, it may require expensive engine repair.
Left unaddressed, a small oil leak can grow into a larger, much more expensive repair. Plus, if the leak worsens while a vehicle is in operation, it can cause the engine to seize.
What does it sound like when there is no oil in the engine?
If you hear grinding, clunking, or knocking noises from your engine, your engine may run without enough lubrication, leading to metal-on-metal contact. If you notice these sounds, it's important to stop driving your car immediately and have your engine checked by a professional.
