If your car has been parked for a while, you might wonder whether the oil sitting in the engine is still good. Maybe you’ve only put a few hundred miles on it since your last oil change, or maybe it hasn’t been driven at all. While oil doesn’t exactly “expire” like food, it does degrade over time. And when it sits too long, it can cause just as much trouble as driving too long between oil changes.

Why Time Affects Oil, Not Just Mileage

Oil is designed to protect the engine by reducing friction, carrying away heat, and preventing metal parts from wearing down. But even if the car isn’t being driven, the oil inside is still exposed to air, moisture, and temperature changes. These things break down the oil’s chemical structure. Over time, it loses its ability to lubricate and protect engine components the way it’s supposed to.

What Happens to Oil When a Car Sits

When a car sits for weeks or months, the oil begins to settle. Heavier additives sink to the bottom of the pan, and the lighter components may evaporate slightly. If the car is stored in a place with humidity, moisture can build up inside the crankcase. That moisture mixes with the oil, and over time, it can lead to corrosion on internal engine parts. Starting the engine occasionally doesn’t fully burn off that moisture unless the car is driven long enough to reach full operating temperature.

Oil That Sits Too Long Can Get Sludgy

Old oil can thicken, especially if it contains moisture or fuel contaminants from short trips. Once the oil starts to break down, it can form sticky deposits that cling to metal surfaces. These deposits restrict flow and reduce the oil’s ability to reach tight areas like camshaft bearings and hydraulic lifters. If you’re seeing sludge under the oil cap or on the dipstick, that’s a clear sign the oil has been sitting too long or was overdue for replacement before the car was parked.

Why Low Mileage Doesn’t Always Mean Clean Oil

It’s easy to assume that if you haven’t driven much, your oil must still be in good shape. But oil breaks down based on both mileage and time. That’s why most manufacturers include a time limit on oil change intervals, usually six months to a year, even if the vehicle has been driven very little. Oil that’s a year old or more, even with low mileage, may not protect the engine the way it should.

When to Change Oil on a Car That Doesn’t Get Driven Much

For cars that only get used occasionally or are stored during certain seasons, it’s still a good idea to change the oil at least once a year. If the car is only driven short distances where the engine doesn’t fully warm up, you may want to do it even more often. Starting the car and letting it idle for a few minutes isn't enough because the oil needs to circulate at full temperature to keep everything clean and prevent condensation buildup.

How to Tell If the Oil in Your Engine Has Gone Bad

You can check the dipstick for signs that the oil is past its prime. If it looks dark and thick, smells like fuel, or has a gritty texture, it should be replaced. If the level looks milky, there may be moisture mixed in. Even if it looks okay, old oil often loses its additives and viscosity over time. If it’s been six months or longer since your last oil change, or if the vehicle has been sitting, it’s safer to replace it rather than guess.

Oil Service in Virginia That Fits Your Driving Habits

Whether you’re driving every day or only once in a while, keeping the oil fresh is one of the best ways to protect your engine. Sticking to time-based intervals is just as important as tracking miles. An oil change is inexpensive compared to what it costs to deal with engine wear or sludge buildup.

Get Timely Oil Changes at Chahel Automotive in Virginia

At Chahel Automotive, we’ll check your oil condition, replace it with the right type for your engine, and make sure your vehicle is ready for the road, even if it hasn’t moved in a while.

Schedule an oil change in one of our five locations today and keep your car protected, no matter how much you drive.

• 2084 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA 22182
• 102 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180
• 2961 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124
• 12080 Glade Dr, Reston, VA 20191
• 545 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180