Topic: Is it ok to use?

[Jayb]

I've just found a can of engine car oil lurking in the depths of the shed, I've no idea how long it has been there, could be several years. Is it still ok to use in a car? If not can it be used for something else or should I disposed of it?

[Ellen K]

OK I'll take a shot at this ..... if it is still sealed / unopened, I'd use it to top up the engine if it was low on oil.  But if it has been opened, I'd worry about water that might have condensed in during cold weather, or it might have got contaminated with dirt or something, and I'd be a bit hesitant.  When you think about how hot engine oil gets in your car, a few years at environmental temperatures shouldn't cause it to degrade.  However, if it's ancient, or some cheap no-brand, I would toss it.   

Disclaimer: I know nothing.

My allotment neighbours use used engine oil to paint their sheds, must admit I wouldn't do that when you can buy proper Ronseal stuff for a few quid if you keep your eyes open for it.

Edited to add:  you know, I think it may have been quite a while since engine oil came in cans Jayb.

[Digeroo]

You could give it try.  But if it ruins your car you will know it was a mistake. 

Not worth the risk.   Its guarantee must has run out by now.

[Jayb]

Lol, I'm showing my age. I wrote 'can' but it's in a 5 litre plastic container, slightly more modern? It is sealed, but I've really no idea how long the stuff last.

When I was a kid the guy next door used to mix creosote and old engine oil to paint his wooden fence. He said it worked out a lot cheaper by mixing it and he swore by it, saying nothing would touch the wood with that mix on. I have to say his fence always looked very smart, a lovely dark colour and it did last ages longer than our fence. But toxic or what!

[RobinOfTheHood]

If it's decent quality it almost certainly won't have deteriorated whilst stored in a sealed container and should be fine to use in your car, assuming it's the correct grade for the car e.g. 10/40, 20/50 etc.

If it's a cheap and nasty budget oil it still should be ok but I wouldn't put it in a car, although it would be fine in something less stressed such as a lawnmower or rotavator.

ex mechanic

[Jayb]

Cheers all. I'll go and check what make it is, I don't think it would have been a cheapy cheap one.

RobinOfTheHood thanks and a good point about the grades. Another question, would you use fresh cheap budget oil in your car or is it best to buy a bit better?

[goodlife]

Cheers all. I'll go and check what make it is, I don't think it would have been a cheapy cheap one.

RobinOfTheHood thanks and a good point about the grades. Another question, would you use fresh cheap budget oil in your car or is it best to buy a bit better?

Disclaimer; don't know much at all about cars or their engines 

All I can say that using good quality oil on chainsaw and its petrol mix does make big difference...and since with cars we talk lot more money, it would make sence to spend that extra few pounds and get some 'good stuff'.
 But what do I know...OH's job is to look after our cars.. what I have listened of his mumblings and managed to memorize of it, I'm sure he has been talking about how he did go that 'extra mile' to get some particular 'better' oil to our cars.
I'm trying to be good wife and listen him....

[ACE]

It's been under the ground for a million years, a few years in a sealed can ain't going to hurt it. The bigger problem is synthetic or mineral? some engines only run on certain types. Then at the correct grade. But if you are going to put it in a Nissan Micra (spit) then water it down with vinegar.

[Jayb]

Maybe, but I've no idea what they do to it once they get it above ground and by the time the fiddle with it and push it to the limits to cut costs...  not sure if it's synthetic or mineral, I'll have to take another look!

I think you protest too much and are either a secret owner driver of one or you are saving up to buy one for yourself!

 

All I can say that using good quality oil on chainsaw and its petrol mix does make big difference...and since with cars we talk lot more money, it would make sence to spend that extra few pounds and get some 'good stuff'.
 But what do I know...OH's job is to look after our cars.. what I have listened of his mumblings and managed to memorize of it, I'm sure he has been talking about how he did go that 'extra mile' to get some particular 'better' oil to our cars.
I'm trying to be good wife and listen him....

Yes that's pretty much my view.

I think your OH would be quite chuffed you are quoting him whilst giving advice on a forum 

[RobinOfTheHood]

Personally I'd never run a car on budget oil, but neither would I pay top whack for the 'posh' stuff i.e. magnatec etc. All motor oils have an API rating, just make sure that the one you put in your car has at least the minimum grade stated in the owners manual and is of the correct grade, see here for an explanation http://www.api.org/~/media/files/certification/engine-oil-diesel/publications/mom_guide_english_2013.pdf
Synthetic and mineral is not so much an issue as you might think as all manufacturers are bound to ensure that they can be mixed without ill effects, so putting synthetic into a car that already has non-synthetic or vice-versa won't really hurt.

[theothermarg]

It's been under the ground for a million years, a few years in a sealed can ain't going to hurt it. The bigger problem is synthetic or mineral? some engines only run on certain types. Then at the correct grade. But if you are going to put it in a Nissan Micra (spit) then water it down with vinegar.

Scuse me but I love my Micra  and never have to top it up between services and wouldn't swop it for a Porsh ( and only having a small lotty it is plenty big for my harvest :D
marg

[theothermarg]

On original subject (well close) what can I do with some petrol? It's been in the garage since before OH died (over 5 years) and was prob a mix for petrol strimmer which I got rid of cuz it was too heavy for me. you can take oil to the recycling centre but I don't believe petrol. Before someone says use it to light a fire I am in a smokeless zone and I do value my life somewhat anyway
marg