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How long can oil sit in an engine?
My car has been in storage while I was traveling overseas. I’m back now and I’m wondering if I can just drive it or if it needs a special tune-up first since it was parked for so long. How long can oil sit in an engine?
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! Oil can sit in an engine for no more than six months, give or take.
While the shelf life of unused motor oil is between five and eight years, the actual lifespan of motor oil inside an unused engine is about six months.
Old oil can dry out—and dry oil cannot lubricate your engine safely. This could lead to a situation where your engine overheats and seizes up.
Not sure how long your car has been sitting unused? Examine the quality of the engine oil. If you notice a dark color or gritty texture, you definitely need an oil change. You may also notice the Check Engine Light, knocking in the engine, reduced fuel economy, or even vapor coming from the tailpipe.
You should never add new oil on top of old oil. Instead, it’s best to get a complete oil change from your local mechanic.
If you just returned from overseas, you should take a look at your
car insurance
coverage to make sure your policy still fits your needs. A new zip code or a new job could change your eligibility for discounts, for instance. Use Jerry
, the trustworthy super app
to compare rates and quickly find a policy.Hope this helps!
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- Gregory R.
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