does unused engine oil go 'off'

[Rob_T]

came across a 5 litre bottle of engine oil in the garage at the weekend. seems almost full. it's about 5 years old. is it still good to use in the car? does engine oil 'degrade' or do anything random over time that means you should best avoid putting in the car?

[Bluebarge]

It goes "off" after about 4-5 years. Best use it for the lawnmower or an old banger.

Edit - 2 years was too short - can't remember where I heard that from. Manufacturers say 4-5 year shelf life if unopened. There will be a production date on the side of the bottle. If it's already 5 years old then it's a bit marginal unless you are planning on changing it again in the next 6 months. IMHO.

Edited by Bluebarge on Monday 1st November 11:35

[bullitinhead]

surely if its in a sealed container it'll be fine, after all its been in the ground for a million years whats the differance in it being in the cubboard for a few more years. and they dont have a best before date on it. I know brake fluid goes off if open, but this is due to it being hydroscopic, oil is not though as far as I know.


bullit

[E30M3SE]

bullitinhead said:

surely if its in a sealed container it'll be fine, after all its been in the ground for a million years whats the differance in it being in the cubboard for a few more years. and they dont have a best before date on it. I know brake fluid goes off if open, but this is due to it being hydroscopichygroscopic, oil is not though as far as I know.


bullit

EFA

[Ullevi]

What about synthetic oil eg mobil 1.

I presume that hasn't been in the ground for millions of years.

Can that be kept in an unopened container for a long period of time?