Oil pan leaks or troubles with the engine might mandate you add some additional lubricant to the engine. Do not assume, however, that the quart of oil you left in the garage for the past two years is still any good. Storing spare quarts properly and checking the oil prior to putting the fluid in the engine reduces the chances the lubricant does more harm than good.
Keep a Quart in Your Home
Putting a quart of oil in the trunk of your car for emergencies is a smart move, but do not assume such storage conditions are ideal. Keeping a quart in the trunk for emergencies is advisable, but do not rely on that oil exclusively. Store another one in your home. For roadside emergencies, you have no choice but to use the quart in the trunk. When home, you have the option to use the quart safely stored somewhere on your property.
"Somewhere" does not mean "anywhere." The conditions in which the oil is placed always factors heavily in the maintenance of quality.
Control Storage Temperature
Storing motor oil in a garage or shed is not advisable unless the temperature can be controlled. A temperature range of 40 °F to 85 °F is considered safe. A poorly insulated storage environment could expose the oil to frigid conditions and poor ventilation could turn the interior into a sauna. Neither environment is good for the lubricating capabilities of the oil.
Check the Condition of the Oil
Unless you are in an emergency situation and positively must drive the car, do not put any oil into the vehicle that fails a reliability inspection. Putting a little bit of oil in a small glass helps you determine the condition. Keep a glass in the trunk of the car in case you are not at home when the need arises for some extra oil. Upon pouring the oil into the glass, see if the oil is both black and gritty. The combination of both traits is a bad sign and the oil is likely in poor shape.
Some might be aware of the fact black motor oil without grit might not be so bad. The problem here is, unless you are able to clearly examine the motor oil for grit, you might put the bad oil into the engine. Dabbing the oil on a rag is not sufficient. This is why you should have a small glass on hand to effectively check the fluid. Talk to experts like Bradenton Fuel Oil for more information.
Share23 March 2015
When it comes to ordering industrial equipment for a new business or big project, it can be tough trying to keep track of everything that needs attention. Not only do you have to make sure that your new equipment is in proper working order, but you need to learn about the warranties and insurance plans that come with them in case of an accident or breakdown. You also have to make sure that employees are properly trained about how to manage and maintain the new equipment. There is no need to invest in costly training programs for successful implementation of your new equipment – you can use the tips and tricks on this blog to get the job done.
