How long can I leave oil in my car?

[Lightsilver]

I'm retired, and am driving much less than when I was working. I have a 2005 Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix, 1ZZ-FE engine) that has 44K miles on it. In the last year, I've only put 1600 miles on my car. Normally, I would change the oil every year, late in the fall. I used to drive 3k to 4k per year. I live in the upper Midwest, where the winters are very cold. I avoid short trips, especially in the winter. I always make sure the engine reaches full operating temperature, every time I drive it.

My question is: can I leave the oil in my car for two years? I use 5w30 Castrol dino oil, always. Puralator oil filter. The oil is so clean looking, it's only a shade or two darker than when I put it in the engine, last fall.

 

[LubeLuke]

Read the manual as the manufacturer would likely recommend that you change the oil more often than 2 years.

As far as oil is concerned. Most engine oil will be fine after 2 years of storage.

 

[CharBaby]

Some folks(members) will tell you YES! Others will tell you to keep with your once/year!

The Firebird FORMULA in my signature gets an OCI(high mileage-MaxLife) about every 2-3 years(1500 miles). I do keep an eye on the oil level and color. But color IS NOT an indicator of condition.

My "BIRD" is 35 yrs old and I bought it new. The engine runs perfectly and the internals are clean. I've opened her up...valve covers & oil pan to remedy some leaks/drips. So, I trust what I am doing!

 

[AKhan87]

I rebuild these engines, I'm on my 47th one now since starting July of last year myself.

I recently did a 04 Celica GT, which by the way doesn't have the updated pistons as most commonly told on the internet, issue was fixed on the 05+ 1ZZ-FE.

This 04 celica engine saw full synthetic every 10k OCI, regardless of time and this was one CLEAN engine, I ALWAYS have to clean them up, it wasn't necessary on this engine at all, oil return holes, though lacking the updated piston's quantity, were still completely open after 145k miles, I have rebuilt 1zz-fes with a lot less miles and they had completely clogged oil return holes.

IN SHORT: use any full synthetic and change whenever it's convenient for you, my personal recommendation would be the known brand name full synthetics at 10k OCI.

 

[toneydoc]

I bet you can leave it in for 3 or more years without any oil degradation.
If you really want to know for your personal peace of mind, send off a sample for analysis after 2 years. My bet is they tell you it is still good, serviceable oil.

 

[bigt61]

2 years, 3000 miles on dino should be no problem. 4 years, 6000 miles on synthetic should also be doable. Keep it topped off.

 

[Lightsilver]

Originally Posted By: bigt61
2 years, 3000 miles on dino should be no problem. 4 years, 6000 miles on synthetic should also be doable. Keep it topped off.


My car doesn't use ANY oil. After 3K or 4K miles, I can't see any consumption on the dip stick. So far. I check the oil regularly, anyways.

 

[Bud]

I am in the same boat. Only putting about 2700 miles a year on my truck, but all short trips. I change the oil and filter once per year. Plan on using an Ultra next change and will leave that filter on for 2 years. I might be able to go longer, but for the cost of oil analysis to see if I could, I can do a change.

 

[virginoil]

When u store a car engine oil is not the only consideration.

There other fluids coolant, brake, transmission, air con, battery, to be maintained as well.

 

[Whimsey]

I ran 2 full years with PP 5w30 and a Mobil 1 oil filter for 8800 miles. The UOA came back with the oil showing little contaminants and a TBN of 2.6. Now this vehicle is driven mainly in the "non winter weather", that can make a difference as far as oil change intervals.

Whimsey

 

[Lightsilver]

Originally Posted By: virginoil

When u store a car engine oil is not the only consideration.

There other fluids coolant, brake, transmission, air con, battery, to be maintained as well.


I am a car maintenance fiend. Especially with this car, which I want to last many more years, as I am retired now. I just changed the coolant, replacing 5 year rated Peak after 5 years and less than 15K miles. I change the brake fluid every other year, and bleed it every fall, on the off years. I have drained out as much of the ATF as I can (about half of it) and replaced it with fresh Toyota T-4 ATF 3 times in the last 10yrs/42K miles. I have a R-134a refrigerant kit. I've only had to add R134a once, so far. I buy a new battery every 4 years. Because Minnesota.

There are two electric heaters on the engine I can turn on from inside my house in the winter: one engine block heater, and an oil pan heater, as well. In cold weather I always use them. If it's below freezing, but not too cold, I just use the oil pan heater.

I try to take REALLY good care of my cars. They are expensive. When I do finally sell one of my used cars, there are always 3 - 4 people who want to buy them, because they know how well I take care of them.