Oil shelf life

[4runner423]

I just found a few quarts of -5-30 synthetic oil in my garage. It has been out there since last fall. The garage is not insulated and being in colorado it has def seen some temps below freezing. Oil looks fine. Is it safe to use or should I toss it?

 

[jgue467]

S/B good!

I'm thinking since they're sealed (probably even if not) they should be good to go. I've used gear oil that's over 5 yrs old (sealed though) and its just fine. Or if you still don't feel so good about it, reward the lawnmower engine! :decision:

 

[nevada]

I would think it would be fine.

I should hope so. I buy my oil 6 gallons at a time. with the quads and bikes, its nice to have it on hand. there will be several gallons sitting sometimes for a year or more.

ive never given it a second thought, whether it was still "good" or not.

 

[fourwd1]

Well since the crude oil it's made from is millions of years old, I wouldn't worry up much.

 

[blaniac22]

I wouldn't hesitate to use it. The oil in my truck has been there since last fall too.

:guitar2:

 

[05Rrunner]

This is a interesting topic, I was just thinking about the fact I bought some oil on sale and was wondering if it would ever go bad. As oil prices always seem to go up, could you buy say a 10 year supply without issue . I wonder

 

[blaniac22]

From ExxonMobil: Shelf Life on Opened Bottles of Mobil 1

Question:
What's the Shelf Life on Opened Bottles of Mobil 1?
I could not find an exact answer in the FAQs. I did read that Mobil 1 has a maximum shelf life of 5 years for un-opened containers. Is this true also for opened containers? I have a quart of Mobil 1 Extended Performance (15W-50) that is eight months old, kept in a cool dry place and was wondering if is still good to use and what is the shelf-life on open containers? Thank you very much!!
-- Eric Bush, Chino, CA

Answer:
An 8-month-old oil, even opened, should work well in your engine. As long as the bottle is capped and kept dry, the product is safe to use for up to 5 years. Keeping it cool and dry are the key conditions to control degradation and additive drop-out.

From Valvoline: http://www.valvoline.com/faqs/motor-oil/general-motor-oil/

Does motor oil expire? How long does motor oil generally last?

Valvoline motor oil does not have a documented expiration date. Under optimal conditions, the product is stable for an extended period of time and can be used as long as the American Petroleum Institute (API) rating on the label continues to meet or exceed the requirements listed in your owner's manual. If the rating is still current, shake the container before use to blend any additives that may have settled.[/url]

And lastly, a Bob is the Oil Guy discussion: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1590284

 

[4runner423]

thanks everyone. It's going in the truck

 

[fourwd1]

From ExxonMobil: Shelf Life on Opened Bottles of Mobil 1



From Valvoline: Valvoline.com > FAQs > Motor Oil Car FAQs > General Motor Oil



And lastly, a Bob is the Oil Guy discussion: Shelf life of motor oil? | Passenger Car Motor Oil (PCMO) - Gasoline Cars/Pickups/Vans/SUVs | Bob Is The Oil Guy

Don't confuse us with facts.

 

[blaniac22]

Don't confuse us with facts.

You're right. It's a lot more interesting to just throw opinions out there and debate them.