Are Dates important on oil

[Blanes]

I have just found some VAG 507000 oil - it was in the garage but has what seems like a best before date on it which says 2006.... It is castrol 5w 30 and Im hopin to use it in my VW PD engine..

It is completely unopened....

So, question is, is it okay to use it?? as I say its never been opened?

cheers

[vRS Carl]

Im no expert but i would suggest oil that has been sat in a garage for 3 years being subjected to lots of diff temp changes will not work as well as say a new can.

HTH

Carl:thumbup:

[P13SST]

It is a best before, not a use before. However there will be a certain degree of packaging breakdown which could contaminate the oil. I would say it would be fine.

[MoggyTech]

Is it worth the risk? New oil £35 new engine £2300

[expostmanpat]

Are you sure it is a best before date, most oils have a fill date on them rather than a use or best before date, In the past I have been told by garages that oil should be used within a couple of years of fill date but others have said for a top up it should be fine; after a quick search

Our resident expert from Opie gives this recommendation http://briskoda.net/general-technical-guides/oil-advice-recommendations-here/22016/2/#post302582

Edited 11 October, 2009 by postmanpat

[Stormchaser]

Probally a manufactured date.Didn,t think oils have a use by date and certainly never seen it :confused: