How to Properly Store Motor Oil

Some drivers like to stock up on motor oil for their future oil changing needs. By storing motor oil according to its manufacturer’s directions, you can prolong its shelf life for up to 5 years. Typically, manufacturers recommend that you store the motor oil at a temperature between 40 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Although motor oils contain additives that keep them stable at temperatures below 0ºF or above 100ºF, extreme fluctuations can affect their viscosity or thickness and, therefore, their ability to protect your engine.

If the viscosity or thickness of the motor oil is too high, it will not be able to flow freely and reach all the components of the engine. On the other hand, if the motor oil viscosity is too thin, it will not be able to coat the parts of the engine effectively and prevent friction when the engine functions.

Precautions to take when storing motor oil

  • If the container or bottle of the motor oil remains sealed and unopened, it will last longer.

  • Store the motor oil in a dry environment. Moisture entering the container reacts with the oil and creates solid particles that contaminate the oil. Microbes can also form in the motor oil.

  • Protect the container from dust so the quality of the motor oil does not degenerate.

  • It is essential that you store containers away from sources of high heat and fire hazards. Motor oil belongs to the category of Class II flammable hazard. This indicates that it has a flash point of between 420 and 485ºF, making it susceptible to catching fire at high temperatures.

Keep in mind

  • If your motor oil contains rust inhibitors, it will have a shorter shelf life and you need to use it up within a short time.

  • Used containers have vacant space in them. At high storage temperatures, air exits out of the bottle of motor oil. At low temperatures, air is sucked into the container. Water condensing in the bottle as a result can transfer into the engine when you use the motor oil.

  • Undisturbed bottles of motor oil can develop some amount of sedimentation but that will not affect its usability or effectiveness.

Storing and disposing of used motor oil

Used motor oil contains several contaminants and impurities that can cause serious damage to the environment if not stored and disposed of properly. You can deposit the used motor oil at the appropriate facilities or service stations for recycling and refining. However, before you do, be sure to take the proper precautions when storing the containers.

  • Never allow motor oil to spill on the ground.

  • Store the used motor oil in clean, plastic containers or tanks after checking them carefully for leaks, or rust.

  • Make sure you label each container or tank carefully as “Used Motor Oil.”

  • If you’re storing used motor oil for a longer period, make sure you conduct regular checks on the containers for deterioration.

  • Never store used motor oil in containers that previously held food, beverages or any other chemicals.

  • Take care that the used motor oil does not mix with paint, solvents or antifreeze.

  • Make sure that the storage area is secure and does not present a safety hazard for people living or working around it.


Next Step

Schedule Oil Change

The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Oil Change. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews... LEARN MORE

SEE PRICING & SCHEDULING

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Recent Oil Change reviews

Excellent Rating

(28,142)

Rating Summary
26,601
957
209
107
268
26,601
957
209
107
268

Pardeep

22 years of experience
1277 reviews
Pardeep
22 years of experience
Scion xB L4-2.4L - Oil Change - San Jose, California
Pardeep was very professional. Finished all works in a timely manner. Will again avail of his services when the need arises. Highly recommended.
Ford Fusion - Oil Change - San Jose, California
Great experience. Of all the online services, this one makes sense. I got the oil I wanted and great service

Simon

28 years of experience
378 reviews
Simon
28 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 190E L4-2.3L - Oil Change - Washington, District of Columbia
He was on time, courteous, efficient, speedy, and advisable about certain things to be aware of for future service. Please send him every time, as he seems to be very much aware of the mechanics and engineering of my car more so than all the others who have serviced it...He pleases me utmost. in the professional service I requests.
Chevrolet Malibu - Oil Change - Washington, District of Columbia
EXCELLENT experience!!! Simon is friendly, courteous,and professional. Very customer oriented. He answered my questions with knowledgeable replies which made me feel comfortable. He also came out on his day off to work on my car. Which speaks volumes on how he strives to take care of his clients. Definitely will book him for any car problems or services I need in the future.

John

21 years of experience
650 reviews
John
21 years of experience
GMC Sierra 1500 V8-5.3L - Oil Change - Howey In The Hills, Florida
John was great, Knowledgeable, professional and got straight to work. He was on time and finished expeditiously.
Kia Sportage - Oil Change - Orlando, Florida
John was professional and very nice. He also explained some issues I was having with my car and what I should and should NOT do. He was able to wxplain it to me without being condescending in any way. I will request John every time going forward!

Shawn

13 years of experience
379 reviews
Shawn
13 years of experience
Nissan Altima L4-2.5L - Oil Change - King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Shawn was awesome!!!! Professional, knowledgeable, kind, courteous and very thorough. Please thank him for me.
Lexus IS300 - Oil Change - Norristown, Pennsylvania
Shawn is always professional, honest, easy to talk to and always on time. I've never had an issue working with him and will continue to book him as long as he's available.

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

When Should I Change My Oil?
Oil needs to be changed at specific intervals. With Mobil 1 synthetic oil, you can optimize performance and change your oil less frequently.
How to Replace a Low Oil Level Sensor
A low oil light sensor allows you to know when your oil levels are low. A bad sensor won't be able to alert you, causing wear and damage as you drive.
How to Replace Oil Cooler Lines on Most Cars
Oil cooler lines fail if there are bends in the hose, low oil levels, or oil visibly puddling underneath the car.

Related questions

my question is can a rear main seal leak spray oil up into the engine compartment on top of the valve cover area on passenger sid?
It may be possible since the oil can run down the oil pan and then get into the belts and slug up the passenger side of the motor. This is not as likely as the front of the engine crankshaft...
Car uses quart of oil every 2 days
Hello. If you are losing oil that fast it is because you have worn out piston rings or valve stem seals. Adding a little oil to the cylinder during the compression test will help you narrow this down. If the...
Leaking oil out of the front..not from the blow by hose
Hello there, many common faults will cause your 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 to leak puddles of oil while the engine is running. The most common causes are the oil pan gasket, front crankshaft seal, crankcase breather or valve cover gaskets....

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com