Car engine operation is not possible without engine oil. In addition to the authenticity and quality of the oil, attention should be paid to its shelf life, as well as the conditions under which the liquid was stored. After all, the use of oil, which has lost its properties, can lead to failure of the power unit.
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There are several classification systems for engine oil:
The first two classifications are the most common.
In Russia, motor oils are also classified according to GOST, which divides them into viscosity classes and performance groups.
The viscosity of the oil can be:
And in terms of operational properties (applications) - for non-accelerated, un-accelerated, medium-accelerated and highly-accelerated gasoline engines or diesels.
Based on the basis from which motor oils are classified:
Minerals are noticeably inferior to synthetic and semi-synthetic in their properties, but they are also much cheaper. Such formulations are very sensitive to high and low temperatures and react with air.
Storage conditions - the main factor affecting the quality of automobile oil and its shelf life.
The most common today synthetic oils are stable and barely react with the environment, but in the case of them, certain conditions must be observed.
If we are talking about new oil stored in a sealed container, then storage conditions suggest:
When the container with oil is opened, the mandatory item is added to the above conditions - storage of motor fluid in sealed tightly closed containers.
The canister for storing engine oil can be either plastic or metal, but it must be original.
It is not advisable to transfer oil from the canister in which it was sold.but if necessary, use a container that is perfectly clean and must be made of the same material.
But the shelf life of the oil in the opened canister, even subject to the basic rules, is inevitably reduced.
The oil production date is usually indicated on the side of the canister.
How much oil can be stored? Manufacturers guarantee the safety of the oil for 5 years from the date of manufacture, but provided that the canister was not opened and all storage conditions were observed.
In this case, just mix the oil and pour into the engine.
If the canister has already been opened earlier, the quality of the oil must be meticulously studied before topping up or changing..
Remember! After opening the canister, synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oils are stored for no more than 3 years, and hydraulic and compression oils for no longer than 2 years.
To further reduce the shelf life of the oil and instantly bring it into an indecent state, the condensate formed in the canister can. It is formed, for example, as a result of a temperature difference or with insufficient tightness of the canister.
Even a drop of water falling into a two-liter can of engine oil can deprive it of all its properties..
You can understand whether the oil is overdue or not by carefully examining its consistency and appearance. If a solid precipitate has fallen to the bottom, the color has changed, or even slight turbidity is noticeable, the oil cannot be used.
But if no external changes are observed, and the oil has been stored for more than 4 years, it is better to refuse to use it and purchase a new one.
If you find the answer to the question, is there an expiration date for engine oil, and found that they had purchased an expired product, the next question will be - is it possible to return the purchase to the store? By law, the buyer has any product.
Of course, you should look in to determine if engine oil is to be returned.
However, the sale of expired goods is clearly a violation of trade rules and consumer rights. Therefore, the return of expired motor oil and replacing it with a similar quality product will not cause sellers a negative.
Ideally, if topping up uses the same oil that has already been poured into the engine, that is, oil of the same manufacturer and with the same characteristics.
It is believed that you can’t use another brand of oil when topping up.
There is an opposite point of view that in extreme cases, you can even mix synthetic and mineral, but certainly branded oils. The main argument is that all branded oils pass mandatory miscibility testing.
In real life, when it is not possible to add exactly the same to an already filled oil, you can add any other engine oil with similar characteristics (mainly viscosity indices). This will not harm the engine.
But it’s more correct to completely change the oil in such a situation. Each manufacturer adds different additives to the composition, making it perfectly balanced.
Mixing two oils with different compositions neutralizes the effect of these additives, resulting in only a lubricating fluid, devoid of unique protective properties.
Also it will be necessary to completely replace the oil, if it is not known which brand and name of oil was previously filled (a common situation when buying a used car).
Each oil has its own replacement intervals, as well as for each car model the manufacturer recommends certain intervals.
In any case, you will have to change the oil once a year.
If the car has stood idle for several months and the engine has not warmed up at least once a month, the engine oil will also have to be changed.
The fact is that with prolonged downtime, condensate or fuel can enter the engine oil, which will negatively affect its lubricity.
Fuel easily enters the engine fluid some time after a cold start, and condensation due to temperature differences. Also, the oil environment during prolonged shutdown often becomes acidic, which causes engine corrosion.
It can be determined for a long time with the viscosity of the oil, meticulously compare all the recommendations, carry out the most severe selection among brands, but if you overlook the expiration date, then all previous works are simply leveled from the inverse of the desired effect.
If the engine or transmission oil has a clear sediment, it becomes heterogeneous or changes color - this is a clear sign that it is necessary to get rid of it. In domestic conditions, it is impossible to restore the properties of such a lubricant, since the factory can withstand a cycle of procedures, including heat treatment. And hardly anyone wants to set up experiments on their car - pouring oil after home experiments.
Probably the most frequently asked question of motorists. The answer to it lies, as always, on the surface. 
We recommend that you follow, first of all, the recommendations from the factory and the logic. It is the recommendations of the car factory on the frequency of replacements, most optimally take into account the design features of the engine and the properties of the oil used.
By the period and storage methods, you have already become familiar in this article above. Well, and if, for example, you do not have time to roll 10 thousand kilometers per year, then in theory, you can continue to ride until the specified date. Although, the practice is such that few can tell exactly what chemical processes occurred with motor oil during this period? And not cheaper, and calmer to make a replacement? Of course you decide ...
Important!
Storing engine oil in the canister and in the car’s motor is not the same thing. Dates of aging and loss of properties are reduced significantly. The reason for this is the constant contact with the fuel and the reaction with old used oil, which inevitably remains in a small residue when changing.
What is the shelf life of engine oil? This worries many motorists. Most questions arise about this among novice drivers. This indicator is especially important, since it is believed that when the expiration date the engine oil gradually loses its properties, and its use is ultimately useless. Therefore, it is important to monitor the shelf life and quality of oil storage, so as not to harm your car. Using expired engine oil can lead to a major car breakdown.
Motor oil can affect driving speed, proper engine operation, and even the amount of fuel a car consumes.
According to GOST, the storage of oils for a car has its limitations. So, the shelf life of oils at a standard temperature of 20 degrees can be different:
With deviations from the temperature regime of 20 degrees, the shelf life of motor oils can be significantly reduced.
Recently, manufacturers have increasingly indicated that the shelf life of the oil is five years. This is directly affected by the conditions in which you store this product.
It's about factory packaging. She does not let in sunlight, keeps temperature. With such storage, the oil will last for 3 to 5 years, provided that there are no large temperature differences.
The shelf life of an open motor oil is significantly less than the shelf life of the same product in a closed, opaque container. For example, if you pour motor oil into a bottle or, using it, leave it in a tightly closed container, then the shelf life is reduced to two to three years. It should be borne in mind that for new engines only fresh engine oils should be used.
The most common types of motor oils include synthetic and mineral. The difference between synthetic oil and mineral oil is that it is synthesized chemically and does not change properties even under strong temperature extremes. The shelf life of synthetic oils does not exceed three years. The shelf life of mineral oils is no more than 2 years.
Many motorists are sure that using engine oil will not harm the car. In fact, it is worth abandoning the use of expired oil, this will inevitably lead to serious damage to the machine.
Signs of expired oil are sediment in the form of solid materials, turbidity of the oil or a change in its color. In some oils, mold may even form at the end of its shelf life.
For the smooth operation of the car engine is necessary quality machine oil. This common truth is known to every driver.
It reduces friction between contacting parts, which protects the most important unit from premature wear.
The first motor oil was patented in 1873. The author of the development was John Ellins.
Prior to this, he studied the possibility of using oil in medicine for 7 years and revealed that the fossil has excellent lubricating properties. His Valvoline became the first brand in the world under which this automotive product was produced.
All engine oils have different basis. Depending on its origin, they are mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic.
Mineralmotor oils are obtained from a natural product - oilwhich is distilled and distilled. Mineral oils are naphthenic, paraffinic, aromatic. They are characterized less chemical stability in comparison with a synthetic product.
The reason for this is the peculiarities of production. Mineral oil is subject to waxing and oxidation. This type of product is commonly applied. on cars older than 10 yearsbecause it has a high viscosity.
Syntheticengine oils are produced by chemical reactions. These lubricants form the same type of molecule, without any impurities. For production, basic components such as hydrocarbons and ethers are used.
This car product is more often used when the vehicle is experiencing heavy loads.
Semi-synthetic Transmission motor oils are created by adding synthetic mineral oil.
They are combined in a proportion of 50/50 or 70/30, respectively. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain a product that has best featuresthan mineral oils, at a price much lower than that of "synthetics".
Storage of automotive engine oils is 3-5 years. The fewer components are included in the composition, the longer the product is stored. In this case, do not confuse the storage of oil before pouring into the enginewhen it is stored in factory packaging, and the period of its stay in the lubrication system of a car.
Even if the vehicle not used, it is in contact with air and the environment. This leads to its oxidation and the loss of valuable qualities. Therefore, such oil before using the car after a long downtime need to replace. The service interval at the end of which the used oil must be replaced is 8–20 thousand kilometers.
Typically, motorists use oil and after the expiration datedesignated by the manufacturer. The main requirement in this case is compliance with storage rules.
Terms and conditionsthat contribute to the deterioration of this, according to independent experts, are:
Manufacturers themselves claim that engine oils do not change their structure and viscosity. The reason for their limited shelf life is plastictare. As a result, the product may interact with plastic or other material from which the dishes are made.
If the oil remains unused in the factory container, it overflow into a container of approximately the same volume as the remaining agent. If left in the factory canister, then formation is possible condensatethat arises from temperature differences.
In order for the tool to be used in the future, it is necessary to observe manufacturer's recommendations regarding storage conditions.
Before pouring oil into the engine, it must be shake.
To determine poor quality, first you need to find on the packaging date of manufacture and shelf life. It must be remembered that we are talking about packedmeans. But even if the period has not expired, non-compliance with the conditions of its storage can cause a loss of physical and chemical properties. How to identify past dueoil or stored in violation, stated above.
To detect falsification in-house a blank sheet of paper is required. Engine oil is poured onto it (approximately one cork in volume). The sheet is kept under a slight bias. After the product spreads over the surface of the paper, it should not remain on it dark dots.
But if they are noticed, then this indicates the use of substandard additivesthat could harm the engine. Visually, the liquid should be amber color. If it is dark, then this indicates low quality product or that the oil is processed.
When it comes to low-quality engine oil, it can only be done after expertise in the laboratory, as a result of which an expert opinion is issued. It will also be needed if the shelf life not expired, and due to improper storage, consumer qualities are lost.
It will help to install:
The examination is carried out at the expense of the seller after presenting him a statement of non-compliance.
But you need to remember that if it turns out to be quality, then coststhe buyer will bear the expertise.
Usually motor oil is classified "household chemicals"therefore, if the product is of high quality, it can be exchanged to the store or exchanged for the right type of oil only if seller loyalty. For example, when the engine needs synthetic oil, but bought mineral, ask to make
The car is complex and potentially dangerous mechanism. Therefore, its service must be approached very responsible. At least this will save your family budget, at most - save life to you and your loved ones.
Therefore, to avoid problems with a return in the future, make sure that when buying warranty period for storage of goods has not expired. If in doubt about the contents of the container - check it back in the store.
And although the manufacturer allows the use of the product after the expiration of its storage, don't risk it better. Despite the assurances of the manufacturers, independent experts still believe that after this period the product can change the dynamic and kinetic viscosity.
Remember: avaricious usually pays twice. Sometimes the fee is too high. And expired oil can always be used - for example, lubricate it with door hinges or try to improve the work of other equipment.
Aging is an inevitable process and it concerns both living matter and inanimate. In a certain sense, time can only play into the hands of port wine from Portugal. It becomes better and more expensive, but also has its own shelf life. Unfortunately, motor oil does not improve and does not restore its properties over time, therefore, it has a hard shelf life. Almost all manufacturers, all the world's most famous brands, Motul, Mobile 1 (Mobile), Shell (Shell) call the figure - five years. Other, more cautious, Esso (Esso), as well as some special oils for cars GM, Toyota and Mazda, talk about a period of three years. With what it is connected and whether it is possible to fill in expired oil into the engine, we will find out right now.
In the photo - motor oil, the expiration date of which is affected by density and specific gravity
The criteria by which the expiration dates of the oil are determined should mainly affect the ability of the lubricant to maintain its quality over time. These qualities cannot be ignored when it comes to shelf life. First of all, it is specific gravity and density.
All oils are classified by viscosity, which is indicated on the label (SAE). Specific gravity is an exclusively laboratory concept, and in real life it is rarely used, but its density is strictly related to the viscosity of oil. The pour point of the oil is another important parameter, and we define it as winter and summer oil, but in the laboratory this parameter also has a slightly different meaning. The ash content of automobile oils shows the amount of combustible ash in their composition and this indicator may change under improper storage conditions. Detergents and anticorrosion additives, as well as antioxidant additives, may not change their qualities throughout the entire storage period if the oil does not work in the engine. If we talk about the storage of lubricating oil products, the basic indicators for the storage of oils are the following:
High temperatures, above 40 ° C, and also low, below 18-20 ° C, most of all affect the stability of the composition of oils. Both heat and cold at critical values \u200b\u200bcan damage the oil quite quickly. At high temperatures, oil quickly oxidizes, a precipitate forms, and viscosity changes. At low - paraffin deposits form quickly. And the zero temperature threshold is a direct way to the formation of condensate inside the package. Consequently, most manufacturers store their oils at temperatures from 0 to + 20 ° C.
Video information on choosing engine oil
Under the influence of light and sunlight, engine oil loses its transparency, there is a chance of precipitation, color changes, so you need to store the material in its original factory packaging - in plastic or metal containers.
Water, reacting with the chemical elements of engine oil, forms insoluble particles and this process is irreversible. There is also a high probability of the formation of microorganisms and bacteria in a water-oil environment. This affects the ash content of engine oil and the formation of combustible ash during operation, which leads to a reduction in the working life of the lubricant.
Engine oil must not be stored open. There is no guarantee that airborne silicon microparticles will not enter the oil and form an abrasive slurry. Oil is stored only in tightly closed containers.
The surrounding air contains oxygen and hydrocarbon. Reacting with lubricants, they lead to a change in the passport viscosity and consistency. To a greater extent this applies to mineral oils than synthetic oils, but both must be stored in tightly closed containers.
The shelf life of the oil also directly depends on the engine in which it will operate. Despite its ideal storage conditions, oil that has stood for several years may not be suitable for some types of new engines. Some manufacturers give clear recommendations, for example, Lukoil and Castrol (Castrol) directly talk about the undesirable use of old types of oils for new engines, because the operating conditions of the oil change and guaranteeing the working life of the lubricant in this case is quite problematic.
Based on storage conditions, the shelf life of motor oils is generally no more than 5 years, but the manufacturer can stipulate this period if necessary and indicate this on the package. Transmission oils can be stored for no more than 2 years, like other fluids for automatic transmissions, hydraulic boosters and hydraulic couplings. When buying oil, it is necessary to focus on the date of its release and the expiration date on the package, and an opened canister automatically removes responsibility from the manufacturer for the quality and characteristics of the product. Visually expired engine oil can be determined even without laboratory tests.
Any turbidity and precipitate, a change in color, transparency and the smell of oil indicates a change in its properties, so the use of such a product as intended is extremely undesirable. It may work for some time, but its resource will remain a mystery even to the manufacturer. It is not in vain that they recommend replacing the lubricant in the engine once every six months, even if the car has not been used and if the nominal shelf life has not expired. Regardless of whether synthetic oil or mineral oil, if it has already been poured into the engine, the area of \u200b\u200bits contact with air and the degree of oxidation increase exponentially, so every six months it is necessary to change the oil, regardless of the vehicle mileage.
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