Hi guys, Im guessing its good to use but thought Id check first...

I have a number of 5l bottles of oil in the shed with only 1.25 litres remaining in them - left overs from previous services over the last four years. Are they ok to combine (all identicle oil) and use for doing the next oil change? I guess what Im asking is - would they have broken down or deteriorated having sat for four years in the shed or are they good to use? Thanks in advance.

Shelf life on sealed motor oil is indefinite, even if the container was not sealed it still fine, condensation would be an issue with numerous heating and cooling cycles such as in an engine not stored in a garage. The oil container will deform a bit to compensate for cooling and heating contraction and expansion, its not sucking in any air so no moisture can get in, mineral oil is stable to 425 degrees F, synthetic to over 500 F. The only issue is the SAE rating, they keep improving the additive packages all the time.

I've adopted a similar approach over the years, but mind you that's in my old Fellys!

Not quite so sure with the modern range of VAG engines & I've always advocated 'if in doubt chuck them out'! 5L of oil isn't that expensive.

Not worth it mate, call me picky or what ever you like but a £30 bottle of oil or several £££££ for a new engine.....

I was told by a Castrol rep a few years ago that most oils have a shelf life of 3 years [unopened].

Unopened, so sealed against condensation, not a problem.

Half filled, unsealed and continually condensing, forget it and take it to the recycling centre.

personally I'd just whack it in - even if there is a little water in it by running the engine it will evaporate out

afterall the byproducts of combustion often get into the oil that way

only time i would is if oil is dirty - ie dust etc had got in

Thanks for the responses. I'll keep the last two litres for top ups, use new stuff for the change and then dispose of the older stuff. Thanks again. :-)

Thanks for the responses. I'll keep the last two litres for top ups, use new stuff for the change and then dispose of the older stuff. Thanks again. :-)

Sounds like a plan