Open Fluid Shelf Life Question

TopGear

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 5, 2004
Posts
106
Reaction score
0
Location
NH
So cleaning out the garage and interested in what chemicals if already opened can be used or should be disposed of.

Synthetic Engine Oil
Synthetic Transmission Oil
Rear End Axle Oil
Antifreeze coolant
Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid

All been opened well over 2 Years ago.

Thank!

:eater:
 

bluesrt

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 17, 2008
Posts
5,011
Reaction score
3
i dont think any of it is hurt, brake fluid absorbs 2% moisture a year , but in the can im shure its fine
 

am.mscl

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 4, 2011
Posts
288
Reaction score
0
Location
Austin, TX
Brake fluid over a week old of being open = trash it. That is my policy.
Other fluids should be fine.
 

Tom F&L GoR

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 3, 2000
Posts
4,984
Reaction score
7
Location
Wappingers Falls
So cleaning out the garage and interested in what chemicals if already opened can be used or should be disposed of.

Synthetic Engine Oil
Synthetic Transmission Oil
Rear End Axle Oil
Antifreeze coolant
Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid

All been opened well over 2 Years ago.

Thank!

:eater:

The engine oil, trans oil, axle oil, coolant, and power steering fluid will be fine. Mineral or synthetic oils are unlike water and don't attract it. It would be the air (oxygen) exposure that causes deterioration and in reality, only if they were hot.

The brake fluid is hydroscopic and will absorb moisture, sometime even through the plastic containers they come in. Unlike the other fluids, which will be able to boil off and vent any water accumulation, the brake lines are closed systems and water vapor will produce the "spongy brake" feel just when you don't want it. Toss the brake fluid, it's cheap.
 

Leslie

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 5, 2005
Posts
4,525
Reaction score
0
Location
Indiana
I am picky about my brake fluid, as soon as I get it I keep it in my house and use it right away! ...but I also track my Viper and want fresh fluid every month:)

The other fluids I have kept in my garage for years and used from opem containers without any problems!
 

Latest posts

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
153,644
Posts
1,685,209
Members
18,220
Latest member
ROIII
Top