Expiration date of engine oil

londonTiger

Got a bottle of engine oil which has been left behind in the shed by my brother years ago. Don;'t know exact age but we're looking at least 5 years ago.

Wondering if this is still good to use? or would it expire now?

Picture of oil below got around 1ltr left.

Also what is the best way to dispose of used/spare engine oil?

Wig

It will still be good to use

Dispose of old oil using your councils local civic amenity site (dump)

google "civic amenity 'your town' "

You can also sometimes find oil recyling facility behind Halfords stores

A._Badger

Use it in the lawnmower or take it to the local council waste centre. They have recycling facilities for waste oil. Don't risk it in your car.

jaydeeuk1

Its hundreds of thousands, if not millions of years old, I'm sure 5 more won't hurt

londonTiger

A._Badger wrote: »

Use it in the lawnmower or take it to the local council waste centre. They have recycling facilities for waste oil. Don't risk it in your car.

You have been outvoted, prove your credentials or admit defeat.

andygb

A._Badger wrote: »

Use it in the lawnmower or take it to the local council waste centre. They have recycling facilities for waste oil. Don't risk it in your car.

It isn't wine you know - actually it may get better with age - definitely use it , and enjoy the smell and memories of that old, vintage black stuff.

Joe_Horner

londonTiger wrote: »

You have been outvoted, prove your credentials or admit defeat.

He's technically right, because oils DO have shelf lives (usually around 5 years). Over time, and especially with temperature cycles, some of the additives can drop out of solution and they can also degrade.

That said, with a litre left in there it's not like you'll be doing a full oil change with it, so as long as it hasn't developed obvious sludge at the bottom of the bottle, you'll be ok

Used to get lots of free lubricants at an aircraft workshop I worked at years ago because ignoring the expiry date wasn't an option with aircraft. They used to work just fine for all our cars though!