Motor oil shelf life
 

Does anyone know what is the shelf life for motor oil.

For example Quaker state 5w-30.

Or for Castrol oil 5w-30

Is it valid for 5 - 6 years, acceptable for use in your honda automobile.

Thank you

I would think it's fine as long as the rating is correct for the car. Like SF is great for my 50 year old Corvair, but not to be used in a modern car. What year is your Honda. Mine is a '14 and takes 0w-20.

Most producers will only guarantee their oil for two to five years if unopened. Other factors come into play as well, such as storage area humidity, type of container and room temperature... Manufacturers normally recommend an environmental temperature between 40 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

I've read an article where the author stated that he had used oil which had been stored for 15 years... I personally would not trust oil which had been on the shelf that long.

I have little doubt oil stored air-tight in its original container would easily last for 15 years, that said, just because it still meets the certifications of its era in no way means it is fit for use in a modern engine. Long story short, 15 year oil is easily two to three generations behind current specs.

info from an older co-worker (RIP) who had worked in a motor oil research laboratory.

If oil is kept away from UV (sunlight, even when indirect) the motor oil retains its qualities indefinitely to his knowledge.

If it's exposed to UV at all - like in a glass jar on a shelf in a lab with windows, even if not in direct sunlight,
the qualities are gone quickly, like in two yrs. he said.

So if keep oil away from sunlight, it'll still be good whenever.