MAXIMIZING SHELF LIFE OF AMSOIL PRODUCTS

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are designed to retain their original performance after a reasonable period of time in your storeroom. Proper storage ensures the freshest, most effective products possible.

From fresh fruit to batteries, most consumable products have a shelf life. Synthetic lubricants are no different. AMSOIL engineers products that retain their original performance for as long as possible. While a general, concrete timeline is difficult to predict, creating the right storage conditions can extend a lubricant’s shelf life. Here are a few suggestions to maximize the time products may safely be stored.

Protecting Your Investment Products should always be stored in their original containers and, when possible, in a clean, dry, moderately temperate area. Lubricants should be stored away from solvents and cleaning agents.

Shelter from the Storm Lubricants should be stored indoors to avoid the higher potential for damage from environmental contamination and temperature fluctuations that comes with outdoor storage. Follow these best practices if outdoor storage is your only option:

• Protect containers from the elements (direct sunlight, dirt, water, snow, rain, etc.).
• Keep containers off the ground by storing them on pallets.
• Store unopened drum-packaged lubricant containers horizontally (except grease).

First-In/First-Out

To reduce the possibility of extended storage, use the first-in/first-out (FIFO) method to ensure the the oldest inventory is used first.

AMSOIL Product Shelf Life

Product shelf life varies significantly depending on product design, environmental contamination, chemical contamination and temperature. Most liquid lubricants can last five years if you follow these suggestions and properly store your products. Because grease can harden or lose its oil content over time, it generally has a storage life of two years. If you have questions or require technical guidance on another topic, call AMSOIL Technical Services at (715) 399-TECH or email us at tech@amsoil.com.

 

FACTORS THAT AFFECT SHELF LIFE

CONTAMINATION

Water intrusion and the migration of water vapor, along with the introduction of foreign materials like cleaning agents and solvents, can cause a lubricant to degrade, resulting in reduced performance.

TEMPERATURE

The ideal storage temperature is 32°F (0°C) to 85°F (29°C) – temperatures out of this range can promote water migration, cause additive separation and reduce the effectiveness of additives over time.

STORE DRUMS HORIZONTALLY

Keep the bung caps at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions and the lubricant covering both entrances. This reduces the chance of water vapor migration through the bung due to the thermal expansion and contraction of the air head-space.