{"id":2894,"date":"2023-04-30T08:29:31","date_gmt":"2023-04-30T08:29:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.driversadvice.com\/?p=2894"},"modified":"2023-09-19T09:47:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T09:47:38","slug":"how-long-does-oil-last-in-a-car-when-not-driven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.driversadvice.com\/how-long-does-oil-last-in-a-car-when-not-driven\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does Oil Last In A Car When Not Driven?"},"content":{"rendered":"

How long does oil last in a car when not driven?<\/p>\n

The car\u2019s oil is important for the function of its components. As friction is a constant problem for these components, the lubricating function of oil is extremely important. Failing to supply the car with proper lubrication hampers the vehicle. As oil sits in our car, it loses potency, which is why it\u2019s good to know how long does oil last in a car when not driven.<\/p>\n

How long does oil last in a car when not driven?<\/h2>\n

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No matter if you are driving a car actively or not, oil changes should be done every year. By doing this you will prevent bigger engine problems.<\/mark><\/p>\n

After a certain amount of time, the oil will start breaking down. The oil acts with compounds around it when left alone for too long. The general heat of sitting in the car will also affect the car, breaking it down even further.<\/p>\n

The time oil takes to break down differs greatly. How the car is stored, the conditions of the storage area and the amount of oil present all affect the required time.<\/p>\n

However, a few months is bound to make the oil break down too much to be useful.<\/p>\n

Of course, the type of oil we use will also affect how fast it degrades. Conventional and synthetic oil doesn\u2019t last the same in the car\u2019s circulation either, first breaking down after 5,000 miles while the other oil type lasts for 10,000 miles, so it makes sense that one degrades slower than the other. [1<\/a>]<\/p>\n

Storing a car for a few months with either will hamper its functionality but conventional oil is bound to degrade faster. Especially if your car is stored in a place where more compounds for the car to react with are available.<\/p>\n

Sources of degradation<\/h2>\n

There are multiple sources of oil degradation we can encounter when leaving the car unused. Some are harder to isolate from than others, but reducing the impact of outside factors on our cars as much as possible is smart. Preserving oil that would otherwise quickly deteriorate is equally as fruitful.<\/p>\n