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Engine oil (motor oil) will catch fire if exposed to high temperatures.
This is typically between 300°F (150°C) to 495°F (258°C).
Are you concerned that engine/motor oil is combustible?
The brief answer is, technically, no. Motor oil is combustible. This classification means it’s somewhat less likely to catch fire than something “flammable.”
That said, engine oil will still catch fire if exposed to high enough temperatures. You should always store it well away from anywhere sizzling or anything likely to ignite.
In this straightforward manual, I will guide you through the dangers of fire from motor oil.
Table of ContentsShow
What Is The Flash Point Of Motor Oil?
The flash point of a liquid is the lowest temperature at which it emits vapors that could ignite.
The flash point of engine oil can be anywhere between 300 and 495 degrees Fahrenheit.
The accepted maximum threshold to be considered flammable is 199.4 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s evident that motor oil surpasses this.
Compare this to gasoline. Gasoline is considerably more flammable and has a flash point of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Motor oil, refined from raw crude oil, has an elevated combustion point. This is due to its lengthy hydrocarbon chains.
You could think of it as “denser” than most flammable liquids. Longer, heavier chains require more energy (heat) to vaporize.
Because of this, it’s substantially less likely to ignite (except in unusual circumstances).
Does Car Oil Burn?
Usually, motor oil doesn’t get too hot, about 300 degrees at most. But if something goes wrong with your engine, like the piston rings break or the head gasket blows, the oil could end up in the combustion chamber.
It will ignite and produce a cloudy smoke that has a blue/gray tint.
This is an urgent cause for concern. You should drive straight to your local mechanic.
In short, yes. The oil in your engine will burn if exposed to sufficiently high temperatures.
Is Used Motor Oil More Flammable?
Used motor oil isn’t any more likely to ignite than fresh oil.
Over time, used motor oil does lose its viscosity. It’s more susceptible to blend with gasoline fumes.
Still, the liquid has a very high flash point, meaning it will only catch fire under extreme temperatures.
Again, it’s technically accurate to refer to engine oil as “combustible” rather than “flammable.”
Is Synthetic Oil Flammable?
Synthetic oil (used in most cars these days) is slightly less likely to ignite than conventional oil, in general.
It typically requires high temperatures for combustion. As such, the flash point and fire point are raised.
All types of engine oil have a very elevated flash point. You shouldn’t worry about spontaneous combustion, although do maintain some essential common sense.
For example, storing motor oil next to a sizzling exhaust or wood stove wouldn’t be wise.
Can You Burn Motor Oil?
It’ll be exceedingly difficult to burn motor oil by itself. It’s more likely to burn if you soak another material in the oil (for example, a cloth). It’ll still be challenging to get it hot enough to ignite.
Although it’s possible, you shouldn’t ever burn motor oil. It’s polluting and harmful to your health. The smoke also contains a high carbon monoxide content.
Instead of incinerating oil, dispose of it according to local governmental guidelines. You typically need to take all waste oil to an oil disposal facility.
How Should You Store Motor Oil?
Follow a few basic principles to store your motor oil safely.
- Keep it well away from sources of heat or ignition (such as those mentioned above).
- Ensure the area is well-ventilated to remove vapors.
- Store it on a sump. Most official oil storage locations (like an auto shop) will store oil on a grate over a sump. If any of it leaks or spills, it’s safe.
- Clean up spillages immediately. Use granules or sawdust for this.
Is Motor Oil Flammable? Conclusion
While motor oil might not be combustible in technical terms, it can still catch fire. You should still store it carefully and not hold more than you need.
If you notice your car burning oil – which isn’t that uncommon, particularly on older cars – head straight to a mechanic. You might have a significant problem. The quicker it’s identified and remedied, the cheaper it’ll be.
Finally, don’t incinerate motor oil. It’s dangerous and toxic. Always dispose of it in the recommended, safe manner by heading to a recycling plant.
