How Long Does Oil Last in a Car Not Driven?

A car might be one that you haven’t driven in quite a while. It might be a question of whether the engine oil can still be used. Do you need to replace the oil? With normal use, conventional oil lasts approximately 5000 to 7500 miles. Synthetic oil lasts about 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

It is possible to wonder how long your engine oil will last without being driven for a lot. In this article, we’ll discuss this more in depth. Let’s first understand why oil should be changed even if you’re not driving.

If your car has been sitting, should you change oil?

Even if your car isn’t used a lot, you should change the oil in the engine. The oil in your engine loses its viscosity over time. Because of moisture invasion and air, sludge may build up in the oil. Air bubbles can build up in cold engine oil, making it milky.

These air bubbles usually burst during engine operation. Moisture can also evaporate from the car after long drives. After 6 months, oil may lose its lubricating qualities if it isn’t driven for a long time. The engine will eventually need to be drained and refilled with new oil.

Spot changes are another reason to look for change. condensation in the oil. This can cause rust buildup and further damage to other parts of your engine.

What is the oil life expectancy of an idle car?

Even if your car is not being driven, it is important to change the oil. The oil change interval varies depending on several factors. It can range from 6-12 months.

What was the oil like before you stopped driving your car?

This has a significant impact on how long the engine oil lasts when it isn’t being driven. It is very likely that the oil would be inoperable within a few months if it was not used. 

Old oil and metal particles can cause oil to be more easily damaged by moisture and air. It should last at most 6 months if the oil was fresh when you stopped driving.

Which type of oil do you use?

You can also determine how long your oil will last by the type of oil. Synthetic oil can last between 2,500-3,000 miles longer than traditional oil. If the vehicle is not used, synthetic oil should last between 6-12 months. Synthetic oil has additives that help prevent sludge accumulation, which makes them last longer. 

Low-viscosity oils can last longer in cold environments. This is because low-viscosity oils are thin and can burst easily. They also don’t need to be stored in cold environments.

Is oil good for longer than six months in an undriven car?

We’ve seen that oil can be left in a car for six months without any problems. If the oil is fresh, it’s likely that it will be in good shape after six months of sitting. 

Oil age is affected by many factors such as moisture, air, and other contaminants. The expiry date for engine oil is up to 5 years. Oil may stay in the engine longer than that, however, there are still chances of it leaking into the exhaust. Engine oil that has expired will be required to be flushed out.

However, oil should not have expired.

How can you tell whether the oil in your engine is bad?

These are some ways to determine if engine oil is good or bad.

1. On the dipstick, the new engine oil is transparent and light brown. It is likely that the engine oil has clogged or is old if it is dark brown.
2. Rub the oil onto the dipstick between your fingers. If the oil becomes thicker or smells burning, it may be contaminated and not usable.
3. Start the engine. If the engine makes a clicking sound, the oil light comes onIf your engine oil has become contaminated, it must be replaced. 

FAQ’s

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Conclusion

The oil in your car’s engine will start to degrade as it sits. The engine and oil should be driven at least once per three weeks. Oil can last up to 6 months if it is not used. 

Because the car is not being driven, the engine’s oil lubricating ability may be affected by moisture, air, and contaminants. This can lead to friction, overheating or noises in engine components, which can result in wear and tear. Check the oil after you have been driving for some time. You should replace the oil if you notice any changes in its thickness or color.