OK to use old oil?

[Herr Squid]

Slightly goofy question here:

I have about a half case of 5W30 that's been sitting in my garage in unopened bottles for something like 12-15 years. Is there any reason I shouldn't use it?

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[Free Agent]

Good question. Frankly I'd be hesitant to do so even though it may be fine. If I HAD to use it, it would be in something like a riding lawn mower or some other small engine. Not sure if I'd want it in my brand new car. I'd say don't cheap out and just go buy some new oil and save that stuff for some sort of old small engine. Plus oil today is probably better than oil of a decade and a half ago.

 

[m6pwr]

This question has been asked a number of times on the BITOG oil forum, often to the lube mfrs. The consensus seems to be the longest shelf life of an auto oil is 5 years. I'd agree with Free agent: the oil is so old it doesn't meet any of the current performance specs (maybe even for lawn mowers!) anyway. I would dispose of it safely through your trash disposal service.

 

[Herr Squid]

OK, cool. I'll recycle it rather than risk the engine. Thanks!

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