Is it safe to leave oil outside?

[donjuan4690]

I have been reading up on oil shelf life. Should I be concerned about leaving brand new quarts of oil outside in my shed? I live in Michigan where it gets extremely cold.

 

[HyundaiAbuser]

Not unless you're storing it for years and years. Degradation of the container is what i would be concerned with most.

 

[Kuato]

In a shed, protected from sunlight should be ok. I'd have it off the ground, maybe on a pallet or shelf.

But...how long are you talking about storing it?

 

[FT92]

I've been keeping oil out in my unheated garage for years and years ..all is good

 

[donjuan4690]

In a shed, protected from sunlight should be ok. I'd have it off the ground, maybe on a pallet or shelf.

But...how long are you talking about storing it?

year or so? I buy oil when it's on sale and store it on a shelf in my shed.

 

[dubber09]

1-2 winters would be fine. Personally, I don't like having more than 2 years worth of oil stock, normally 12-18 months worth due to getting oil while on sale.

 

[carviewsonic]

If it gets very hot in the shed (e.g. metal shed) in the summer, you could have a problem with leaking containers.

 

[joekingcorvette]

It shouldn't be any problem at all. If it looks good use it. I buy lower unit outboard gear lube by the gallon and it sits in the garage for years. I still use it since my outboards do not take an entire gallon. The garage is heated in the wintertime. I wouldn't be afraid to use your oil.

 

[vwmaniaman]

It maybe sitting out in your crankcase right now.

 

[nascarnation]

I used plenty of 10 yr old Castrol "Magic Green from Belgium" that was stored in an unheated shed in Indiana. Worked fine.