Motor oil and lubricants cool, lubricate, and clean the many parts of your engine. Depending on the age and model of your car, it might require an oil change anywhere from every 5,000 to 15,000 miles. If you keep motor oil and lubricants at home, you may want to know how to properly store them. Here's how to make sure these products stay effective for their intended shelf life.

How to Store Motor Oil

1. Create a Storage Area

Many people store their motor oil and lubricants in a crowded corner of the garage where the products can easily be knocked over and damaged. Read the storage instructions on the product; most call for a cool, dry environment. 

Pick or install a shelf in a shady part of your garage and keep them there. You might label the area and tell others to return oils to the right place after using them.

2. Keep It Sealed

In a rush to put your motor oil away, you might fail to seal it properly. As a result, dust, dirt, and other contaminants will adversely impact its quality. Moisture might also enter the container and react with the substance to create solid particles that make it unusable. 

To avoid this, consider transferring the fluid to a sturdy plastic container that’s less prone to breakage and has a tighter seal. Write a reminder on the bottle telling users to shut it tight or else the product will be wasted.

3. Know the Shelf Life

Motor oil can last for up to around five years. However, over time, you might lose track of the best by date for the product or it might get rubbed off the bottle. 

After you purchase it, record the shelf life and store the record near the container. Store the product in use at the front so that you don't accidentally open a new one. When a product is past its shelf life, dispose of it or it might clog up key components of your engine and lead to avoidable repairs.

For quality motor oil and lubricants to keep your vehicle on the road, contact Bradigan’s Incorporated in Kittanning, PA. For nearly 70 years, this petroleum company has provided fuel delivery services, petroleum hauling, and a range of Gulf Oil® products to customers throughout Armstrong and the surrounding counties. Stop by one of their six stations to refuel your vehicle. Call (724) 548-7654 to speak with an expert about which products are best for your vehicle. Learn more about their available motor oil online.