Though it’s a simple question, the answer is complex. It’s because there are two thoughts that we need to clear. Some people think that it’s best to change the oil before storage. And some people don’t agree with it.
They believe changing the oil in the after-storage is best to avoid condensation. But what is the actual answer? When should I have an oil change before or after storage? Let’s learn the truth and more information in this article below. So keep reading:
When Should You Change The Oil, Before Or After?
After analyzing thousands of samples for tools and cars, it makes a huge difference. It will be best if you change your oil before storing it. Used oil contains acid-forming molecules. It has moisture, and dirty oil doesn’t sit in the pan and damage the engine part.
Notably, if the engine sits, your oil also sits in your bearing. These moisture and acid molecules start to eat your car bearing. Remember that most of the oil settles in the pan when a car sits for a long time. Therefore, there will be little benefit if you change it before.
The oil will degrade over several months and won’t do much to protect your engine components. Changed oil after storage will always contain more copper and other bearing materials than the used oil. And if you do it, it can shorten your bearing life.
Oil Change After Winter Storage?
The short answer is no. But you can find some things that you need to consider. Changing the oil before winter storage is best because it doesn’t break down and absorb moisture. If you’re due or almost due for an oil change, do it before you store the car. And go on your regular break when summer comes around.
In other words, you should change the oil once a year regardless of distance. It’s because a short trip can have a predominantly negative effect on the oil. Frequent cold starts mean increased fuel, combustion products, and moisture enter the oil.” So don’t change the oil after winter storage.
This valuable information should apply to all vehicles with similar driving conditions, regardless of manufacturer. You must use a quality oil filter and premium synthetic oil.
Should You Change Oil If Car Has Been Sitting?
Yes. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes thick or dirty, causing problems with your engine’s overall performance. A stored car with oil in it is a good thing. When you remove it from storage, only change the oil to protect your investment.
Old oil doesn’t offer the same protection as new oil, leaving your engine vulnerable to heat and stress. Changing your oil regularly ensures that your car runs efficiently. It’s recommended to change your oil every 3000-5000 miles at least once every six months. Nevertheless, some manufacturers may suggest oil changes more often depending on your car type and the oil type.
In addition, if your car has been sitting for a few months, you should change the oil before driving again. Oil can break down quickly if you use your car sparingly. That means you should change the oil to ensure the car’s long-term health.
Oil Change Recommendation After Winter Storage?
Most manufacturers recommend that you change your oil every 50-100 hours. You can do this in your petrol and diesel engine.
Many people would dispute that, saying they didn’t put enough hours into it during the season. Or, they will question why it should be changed to let it sit with new oil. Let’s see why it is a good practice to modify it before storing it.
Modern oils don’t wear out but accumulate dirt, combustion debris, and acids. It’s terrible to leave any of this to settle on your engine’s moving parts over the winter.
Every owner’s manual recommends changing the oil at the end of the season. It would help if you did it because of rust inhibitors, which allow you to extend the engine life.
Though the oil filter works hard all season, to remove residual acid and moisture is to change the oil. Leaving old oil in the engine during the winter can damage bearings and other motor parts. A fall oil change removes water before it separates from the oil, causing condensation and corrosion.
Change Motorcycle Oil before Or After Storage?
The common question about winter motorcycle storage is whether the oil should be changed before or after storage. Among enthusiasts, the disagreement is whether or not you should change your motorcycle oil before storage. However, there is a powerful argument for it. Normal combustion during engine operation produces several byproducts, including moisture and acid.
If you run your car regularly, these byproducts burn off before they settle. Nonetheless, when your engine has been cold for a long time, these byproducts can eat away and cause corrosion.
However, new oil is okay because this is fresh. Before storing your bike, if you change your old oil, you can protect your engine from any acid or damage. You can usually get up to 2,000 miles when riding again in the spring.
Some Other Winter Storage Tips For Vehicles
In addition to changing your oil before storage, there are a few other steps. Ergo, you can take it to ensure your car and motorcycle stay in good condition for the months it’s not used.
One is fuel stabilization. Like oil, gasoline also breaks down and oxidizes. Oxidized fuel creates difficulties inside your fuel compartment. As a result, your engine may have trouble starting in the spring, or it may not start.
To avoid it, you can add a fuel stabilizer just before taking the last ride. Adding it before the previous ride ensures that your stabilizer will be delivered entirely before storage.
Another tip to successfully store your motorcycle is to maintain the battery. If You do this, you can find two options. You can remove and store the battery somewhere it won’t freeze. The second option is to get a charger and keep it on a trickle charge during storage.
Final Word:
Before storing your vehicle, fill the fuel tank so there is no room for condensation. Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation and injector deposits during fill-up and months in storage. This will allow perfect performance after you return the vehicle to service.
On the other hand, we hope you get an idea about oil change before or after storage. Here we are trying to give a proper answer to you about this topic—best of luck.