How long does oil last in a car that isn't being driven?

If you don't drive your car very often, you may be wondering how long the oil will last in your engine. Oil plays a vital role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly, lubricating the moving parts, reducing friction, preventing rust and corrosion and cooling the engine. But oil can also deteriorate over time, particularly if your car isn't being driven regularly.

In this blog, we'll look at how long oil lasts when your car is not being driven, what factors influence its lifespan and how you can tell if you need to change your oil.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it all depends on factors such as type of oil, quality of oil, storage conditions, and driving habits.

 Generally speaking, oil in an idle car can last anywhere from six months to a year.

 

 Why does oil degrade over time?

Over time, oil undergoes three main types of degrade:

1.       Oxidation (changes in viscosity and colour)

2.       Thermal breakdown (decreases in lubrication)

3.       Contamination (absorption and wear).                                                                                                  

1. Oxidation is the reaction of oil to oxygen in the atmosphere, which can alter its colour, viscosity and performance. It can also cause sludge, varnish and acid to form which can damage engine components.                                                                                                                                         

2. Thermal breakdown occurs when oil is exposed to high temperatures and causes it to deteriorate. It can also lead to deposits and carbon in the oil.

3. Contamination occurs due to accumulation of dirt, dust, metal pieces when the oil filter becomes clogged or the oil is not changed regularly. Moisture, on the other hand, can dilute the oil's lubricating properties, cause corrosion, and rust. Moisture can happen when the car is in humid or rainy weather, or when the engine isn’t running for long enough for the water vapor to evaporate during combustion.

 How do I know if I need to change my oil?

To know if you need to change your oil, you should check the oil levels and condition on a regular basis. The best way to do this is to use a metal rod called a dipstick. This rod measures the quantity and quality of the oil in your engine. Engine oil level should be between minimum mark and maximum mark in dipstick.Oil level below the minimum mark of the dipstick indicate that its time to change the engine oil. Deep black coloured oil also indicate to change the engine oil.

How to Use a Dipstick:

  

Park your vehicle on a flat surface. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle in the pan.

Look for a dipstick that is marked with a colour or a symbol like an oil can.

Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back in the oil tube.

Look at the dipstick tip and compare it to the oil level.

If it's too low, add some oil. If it's too high, drain more oil. The oil condition can be determined by looking at the colour, texture and smell of the oil.

Generally, fresh oil is amber or light-brown in colour, smooth and free of odours.

On the other hand, old oil is dark-brown or black in colour, thick and has a burnt smell.

If the oil appears dirty, gritty or milky in colour, it needs to be changed. Another way to determine if your oil needs a change is to look for signs and symptoms that your oil is degrading, such as decreased fuel efficiency, increased engine noise, reduced engine performance, engine overheating, oil pressure warning light, oil change reminder light, etc.

How to change your oil?

If you choose to change your oil on your own, you’ll need the following tools and supplies:

• A new oil filter

• A new oil drain plug (drip plug) washer

• The correct amount and type of your car’s oil which is recommended by car manufacturer.

•  A wrench or socket

• A drain pan

• A funnel

• A rag or paper towel

• one pair safety gloves and google

In order to change your oil, follow the following steps:

1. start by parking your car on a flat surface and turning off the engine. Allow the oil to cool down for a few minutes.

2.Open the hood and find the oil cap, usually marked with the oil can symbol. Remove the cap and put it aside.

3. Then, jack your car up and secure it with a jack stand. Find the oil drain plug which is a bolt located at the bottom of your oil chamber. Put the drain pan underneath the plug and loosen the plug. Don't get burned with the hot oil, let the oil drain completely. Then, tighten the plug with the new washer.

4. Next, locate the oil filter which is a metal or plastic device connected to your engine. Loosen the filter with the wrench or socket and take it out. Make sure you don't spill any oil. Clean the filter mounting area and lubricate the gasket of the new filter with some oil. Finally, screw in the new filter and tighten the filter by hand. Get your car on the ground and take off the jack and the jack stand.

5. Use a funnel to pour the new oil directly into the engine through oil cap. Use the dipstick to measure the oil level and adjust it as needed. Put on the oil cap again and seal the hood.

6. Start the engine and allow it to run for a couple of minutes. Make sure there are no leaks or noises coming from the engine. Once the engine is running, turn it off and repeat the oil level test. Make sure to properly dispose of the old oil and filter.

 

 Conclusion:

 Oil is an important fluid for your car's engine, but over time it can start to deteriorate, especially if you don't drive your car as often as you should. Oil in an idle car can last anywhere from six months to a year, depending on a variety of factors such as the oil type, the quality of the oil, storage conditions, and how you drive. You can determine if you need to change your oil by using a dipstick to check the level and condition of the oil, or by looking out for the signs of oil degradation. If you want to change your oil yourself, follow these simple steps, or take your car to see a professional mechanic. Changing your oil regularly can help your car's engine last longer and perform better.

Thank you🙏

FAQ:

How long does oil last in a standby car?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it all depends on factors such as type of oil, quality of oil, storage conditions, and driving habits. Generally speaking, oil in an idle car can last anywhere from six months to a year.

Why does engine oil degrade over time?

Engine oil degrade over time automatically due to three main reason: 1. Oxidation(changes in viscosity and colour) 2. Thermal breakdown(decreases in lubrication) 3. Contamination(absorption and wear).

What is Oxidation of engine oil?

Oxidation is the reaction of oil to oxygen in the atmosphere, which can alter its colour, viscosity and performance. It can also cause sludge, varnish and acid to form which can damage engine components.

What is thermal breakdown of engine oil?

Thermal breakdown occurs when oil is exposed to high temperatures and causes it to deteriorate. It can also lead to deposits and carbon in the oil.

What is mean by contamination of engine oil?

Contamination occurs due to accumulation of dirt, dust, metal pieces when the oil filter becomes clogged or the oil is not changed regularly. Moisture, on the other hand, can dilute the oil's lubricating properties, cause corrosion, and rust. Moisture can happen when the car is in humid or rainy weather, or when the engine isn’t running for long enough for the water vapor to evaporate during combustion.

How do I know if I need to change my oil?

To know if you need to change your oil, you should check the oil levels and condition on a regular basis. The best way to do this is to use a metal rod called a dipstick. This rod measures the quantity and quality of the oil in your engine. Engine oil level should be between minimum mark and maximum mark in dipstick.Oil level below the minimum mark of the dipstick indicate that its time to change the engine oil. Deep black coloured oil also indicate to change the engine oil.

What is dipstick?

Dipstick is a stick which is used to dip in the engine oil chamber of a vehicle for measuring the oil level in the engine.Generally it is attached to the engine oil chamber with a cap.

How to Use a Dipstick:

Park your vehicle on a flat surface. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle in the pan. Look for a dipstick that is marked with a colour or a symbol like an oil can. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back in the oil tube. Look at the dipstick tip and compare it to the oil level. If it's too low, add some oil. If it's too high, drain more oil. The oil condition can be determined by looking at the colour, texture and smell of the oil. Generally, fresh oil is amber or light-brown in colour, smooth and free of odours. On the other hand, old oil is dark-brown or black in colour, thick and has a burnt smell. If the oil appears dirty, gritty or milky in colour, it needs to be changed. Another way to determine if your oil needs a change is to look for signs and symptoms that your oil is degrading, such as decreased fuel efficiency, increased engine noise, reduced engine performance, engine overheating, oil pressure warning light, oil change reminder light, etc.

How to change your oil?

1. start by parking your car on a flat surface and turning off the engine. Allow the oil to cool down for a few minutes. 2.Open the hood and find the oil cap, usually marked with the oil can symbol. Remove the cap and put it aside. 3. Then, jack your car up and secure it with a jack stand. Find the oil drain plug which is a bolt located at the bottom of your oil chamber. Put the drain pan underneath the plug and loosen the plug. Don't get burned with the hot oil, let the oil drain completely. Then, tighten the plug with the new washer. 4. Next, locate the oil filter which is a metal or plastic device connected to your engine. Loosen the filter with the wrench or socket and take it out. Make sure you don't spill any oil. Clean the filter mounting area and lubricate the gasket of the new filter with some oil. Finally, screw in the new filter and tighten the filter by hand. Get your car on the ground and take off the jack and the jack stand. 5. Use a funnel to pour the new oil directly into the engine through oil cap. Use the dipstick to measure the oil level and adjust it as needed. Put on the oil cap again and seal the hood. 6. Start the engine and allow it to run for a couple of minutes. Make sure there are no leaks or noises coming from the engine. Once the engine is running, turn it off and repeat the oil level test. Make sure to properly dispose of the old oil and filter.