Motor oil can only last for a certain period of time. That's why it comes with an expiry date. For this reason, oil goes bad with time just by sitting in the engine. Over time, it becomes less viscous thus less efficient in maintaining proper lubrication between moving components.
Even in a car that's rarely driven, oil doesn't enjoy an infinite lifespan. The rule of thumb is about six months—despite oil's typical shelf life of five years.
Yes, motor oil does degrade if it is not used. Unused motor oil will start to break down and lose its effectiveness after a certain amount of time. How Long Can Motor Oil Sit? Once opened, motor oil will be good for 2-5 years.
Should I change my oil if my car has been sitting?
The answer to this pressing question is yes. As engine oil degrades with time, getting it changed at recommended intervals is imperative for maintaining the overall condition of the engine and your vehicle.
You might be thinking, “I don't need an oil change, I haven't put any miles on my car.” Contrary to popular belief, sitting for too long can be worse for your oil composition than driving. Oil rapidly loses its cooling and lubrication property when left dormant.
Bobby Likis: How Often to Change Oil When Car Is Rarely Driven
What happens to oil that sits?
Oil degrades over time. The longer it sits, the less viscous it becomes and thus, the less effective it will be at keeping various engine components properly lubricated.
Good oil will last about a year after opening, but lower-quality oil will only last a few months. If you're skeptical that your oil is still good, it's best to toss it.
What happens if you don't change your oil for 2 years?
Complete Engine Failure – If you go long enough without an oil change, it could cost you a car. Once the motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer removes heat from the engine. This can lead to a complete engine shutdown that will require a brand new engine – or a new ride – to fix.
“On a full-synthetic oil change, some manufacturers say that those can go up to 7,500 miles or six months without an oil change. At Joplin Transmission and Auto Center, we always recommend doing them between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, or every six-to-twelve months,” said Ruhl.
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.
If the oil has a strong, pungent aroma that is unpleasant, it is likely that it has gone bad. Another sign is if the oil has a strange taste. If it tastes off or has a sour or bitter flavor, it is probably no longer good to use.
Don't let your vehicle sit idle for more than two weeks - at least get your vehicle started and get it running for a while. You'll end up saving yourself time and money on repairs, and you'll ensure that your vehicle is ready to go once you need it again.
Can I change oil every two years? No. Almost no automaker recommends that oil should be left in the crankcase for more than one year—no matter the mileage.
What happens if you change the oil but not the filter?
The purpose of the oil filter is simple: to clean the oil that flows through your engine, keeping it free of dirt, debris, and other harmful particles. Without a functioning oil filter, these impurities can build up in your engine over time and cause damage or even complete failure.
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.
Why can't you go back to regular oil after synthetic?
Myth: Once you switch to synthetic oil, you can never switch back. This is one of the most persistent myths about synthetic oil—and completely untrue. You can switch back and forth at any time. In fact, synthetic blends are simply a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils.
Note that if you do not put many miles on your car, most automakers recommend an oil change every 12 months, even if the maintenance reminder has not come on.
Go long enough without an oil change, and it could eventually cost you your car. Once motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer draws heat from the engine. The engine might overheat and either blow a gasket or seize up. The milky white exhaust of a blown head gasket will force you directly to the side of the road.
This is because modern advancements with engine design have drastically contributed to the longevity of oil; therefore, modern engines no longer require an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles.
The short answer to this question is yes. Many people mistakenly believe that oils last forever. However, expired oils can make people sick depending on how they break down. All cooking oils have shelf lives and will eventually go bad, but how quickly depends on the oil's type, use, and conditions.
While rancid oil may taste bad, it probably won't make you sick. Rancid oil does contain free radicals that might increase your risk of developing diseases over time.
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.
If used, heat damaged oil could potentially cause harm to the vehicle's engine. 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.
Is it OK to change oil once a year with low mileage?
Even if you don't drive very often and you are not nearing the recommended oil change interval in terms of mileage, it's best to get your oil changed at least every 3 to 12 months. That means at least once a year but ideally twice depending on how often you drive and the driving conditions.
