Does oil lose its viscosity over time?

Over time, your oil can also lose viscosity.

How long does oil viscosity last?

Simply put, the shelf life of conventional motor or "lube" oil is up to five years. It's not something that goes bad in a couple of months. It's impossible to predict exactly how long motor oil shelf life is because petroleum stability (how well it resists change in its properties) is situation-dependent.

Does oil viscosity break down over time?

Over time, it becomes less viscous thus less efficient in maintaining proper lubrication between moving components. Your motor oil might eventually break down depending on the oil type and the additives contained in the lubricant.

How does oil lose viscosity?

Oils operating at extreme high temperatures can begin to crack thermally. The high temperatures can sheer/crack the oil molecules into smaller molecules, which causes a decrease in viscosity.

Does engine oil get thinner over time?

Nope – other way around! Motor oil gets thinner as it's heated, but to prevent it from getting too thin at higher temperatures, additives (viscosity modifiers) are used so that it behaves like a thicker grade oil at higher temps.

7 Engine Oil Myths Stupid People Fall For

Will synthetic oil last 2 years?

On average, synthetic oil lasts about 6 months to 1 year or 7,500-10,000 miles before needing replacement.

Does motor oil degrade if not used?

Generally, unopened motor oil (both conventional and synthetic blend) will last for an extended time as it is in a sealed container. Motor oil stays good in the oil bottle until its expiry date when unopened. This will give you about 2-5 years before unused oil becomes unfit for consumption.

Does oil get thinner when warm?

Motor oil gets thinner as it's heated, but to prevent it from getting too thin at higher temperatures, additives (viscosity modifiers) are used so that it behaves like a thicker grade oil at higher temps. It's still thinner with heat, it's just… you know, less thin.

Should I change my oil viscosity?

So long as you do it right, it is perfectly fine to change oil type and improve your engine's protection against friction and overheating. Many people also change oil viscosity to a lower weight for cold wintertime travels and hot summertime heat.

Does oil viscosity change with temperature?

A lubricant's viscosity will change with changes in temperature. As lubricants get hot, their viscosity drops; as they get cold, their viscosity increases.

Does synthetic oil break down with age?

Your motor oil is the only thing providing a protective element between those moving parts. Unlike synthetic blends or conventional oils, fully synthetic oils won't break down and will protect your engine for longer—sometimes as much as 250,000 miles.

Do I need an oil change every year?

However, engine oil also degrades with time, so it's just as important to change your oil when the time-based interval has been reached. The general recommendation is to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three to six months, with twice a year being the minimum.

What happens if I put 10w40 instead of 5w30?

Your vehicle does not use 5W-30 oil. The recommended oil viscosity for your vehicle, according to Kia documentation, is 10W-40. If you drive the vehicle in exceptionally cold weather, well below 32 degrees, you can use 5W-30 oil but even 10W-40 is still perfectly OK to use if outdoor temperatures are below freezing.

Is 5w30 thicker than 10w30?

So both the oils 5W–30 and 10W–30 have exactly the same viscosity (SAE 30) when your engine is running, and will perform in the same way. However, the 10W–30 oil will be thicker (higher viscosity) than the 5W–30 when it is cool.

Does oil get thinner when cold?

Viscosity of Motor Oil

Certain motor oils are designed to be thinner (less viscous) when cold and more viscous (thicker) when hot.

Does motor oil get thicker with age?

As the oil oxidises, there are two parallel problems arising. Firstly, as a result of the oil molecules reacting and joining together, the oil becomes thicker and darker. The heavier the molecules become, the heavier, or thicker, the oil gets to be.

At what temperature does oil lose its viscosity?

Measuring engine oil viscosity

The number preceding the “W” (winter) rates the oil's flow (viscosity) at zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8 degrees Celsius). The lower the number, the less the oil thickens in cold weather.

Is synthetic oil thicker or thinner?

It is true that synthetic oil is thinner than conventional oil and therefore flows more easily. If there is a spot where oil could leak out in your engine, then synthetic oil is more likely to leak than conventional. However, synthetic oil would not cause the leak.

How long is oil good in a car?

Car makers recommend different oil change intervals for different cars; typically between 5,000 and 7,500 miles or between 4 and 6 months, whichever comes first for normal driving conditions. Recommended oil change intervals for severe driving conditions are usually shorter: 3,500-5,000 miles or 3-4 months.

How long can conventional oil last?

It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!

How long is unused motor oil good for?

Unused, unopened, and stored in its original container out of extremes of temperature, motor oil will last for an “extended period”. They then go on to suggest that the oil shouldn't be used after a few years; the exact period varying between 2 years (according to Total) up to 5 years (Mobil).

Is it OK to change oil once a year?

For those who drive only 6,000 miles or less per year, Calkins said manufacturers typically recommend changing the oil once a year. Moisture and other contaminants can build up in the oil, especially with frequent cold starts and short trips, so owners shouldn't let it go more than a year.

What are the disadvantages of synthetic oil?

A few disadvantages of synthetic oil to be aware of include: Probably the most glaring downside of synthetic oil is the cost. The price of synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions.

How often should you change oil in car if you drive very little?

Oil Change Interval for Low-Mileage Vehicles

Ideally, an oil change is recommended after your vehicle is driven for 3000-5000 miles. In case the vehicle has not reached the mileage threshold, then you may begin to wonder whether you still need to get the oil changed. The answer to this pressing question is yes.

Will thicker oil damage my engine?

Using oil that is thicker than recommended may lead to a decrease in fuel economy, a higher load on your engine, and even a shorter life for your engine. Conversely, using thinner, lighter-weight oil than recommended can cause excessive wear and shorter life.