Does Old Oil Go Bad? Testing Oil that Has Been Sitting for 20 Years

TLDRLearn how to test if old oil is still good for use. Pour the oil into a clear container and check for separation or haziness. Also, aerate the oil to see if the foam collapses. If the oil is clear, without separation or haziness, and the foam collapses, it is still good.

Key insights

🧪Oil does not go bad on its own, but the additives in oil can degrade over time.

❄️Cold storage can cause separation of additives in oil, making it unfit for use.

🌡️High temperatures can also degrade the additives in oil, reducing its performance.

🕰️A general rule is to not use oil that is more than 5 years old, as the additives may have deteriorated.

🧴Synthetic oils tend to have better additive solvency than mineral-based oils, reducing the chances of separation.

Q&A

Does oil go bad if it is unused?

No, oil does not go bad on its own. However, the additives in the oil can degrade over time, leading to reduced performance.

How can I test if oil is still good to use?

You can test oil by pouring it into a clear container and checking for any separation or haziness. Aerate the oil to see if the foam collapses. If the oil is clear, without separation or haziness, and the foam collapses, it is safe to use.

How long can oil last without going bad?

A general rule is to not use oil that is more than 5 years old, as the additives may have deteriorated. However, proper storage and maintenance can extend the life of oil.

Can cold storage affect the quality of oil?

Yes, cold storage can cause separation of additives in oil, making it unfit for use. It is important to store oil in a controlled temperature environment.

Are synthetic oils better than mineral-based oils in terms of longevity?

Synthetic oils tend to have better additive solvency than mineral-based oils, reducing the chances of separation. However, both types of oil can degrade over time if not properly stored.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the topic of whether old oil goes bad and the importance of testing it for use.

01:15Explanation of the first method to test old oil: pouring it into a clear container and checking for separation or haziness.

03:39Demonstration of pouring a brand new oil and comparing it to old oils to check for separation and haziness.

05:00Explanation of the second method to test old oil: aerating the oil and checking if the foam collapses.

07:15Demonstration of using a frother to aerate the oil and observing if the foam collapses.

09:16Cutting open the bottles of old oil and examining any separation or residue at the bottom.

11:04Discussion on the reasons behind oil degradation, including temperature and additives.

12:51Conclusion and tips on determining the usability of old oil.