Does chain lubricant expire?
Bicycle chain lubricants don’t have expiration dates.
However:
Lubricants, in general, have a manufacturer recommended storage-life of 1-10 years
In reality, if the lubricant is stored in a sealed container and is not exposed to extreme heat, the storage-life is well over 100 years for any type of lubricant
The longer your chain lube has been stored, the longer you need to shake it
What is the Storage life once opened?
Once the container has been opened, the storage life depends on how many additives are in the lubricant.
As far as bicycle lubricants are concerned:
A typical bike chain lube is a fairly simple formula with minimal additives
For example, bike chains operate under normal temperature conditions, which means no high temperature regulating chemicals need to be added
The base of any lube is stable….it’s the additives that stratify, oxidize or evaporate
You can keep using your bike lube for years after opening, if:
You store your lube out of direct sunlight
The cap was nice and snug
Avoid storing in extreme heat
And don’t forget to shake before applying
What does bicycle chain lube consist of?
“A typical commercial lubricant contains a blend of base oils and several categories of additives including antioxidants, detergents, dispersants, friction modifiers, anti-wear and/or extreme-pressure additives, and viscosity modifiers”
Oil or a grease base (biological, mineral, or synthetic)
Additives (such as thickeners, fillers, wax emulsifier (shorter storage life)
Mineral oils are the most commonly used chain lubricant and are petroleum-based. They are very stable and will last for years as they have already been in the ground for eons.
A typical chain lubricant is 95% base stock and 5% additives. Car lubricants, by comparison, are closer to 80% base stock and 20% additives, which results in significantly shorter storage life.
Final Thought
Bicycle chain lubes are mostly comprised of a synthetic or petroleum base. This base is very stable. As long as you store your lube with the cap tightly snug and indoors, the lubricant will be good for years.
Regular cleaning and lubing of your drive-train are critical. Unless you forgot about a bottle of lube in your garage, you should never have to worry about a bottle of lube expiring.
Jesse is the Director of Pedal Chile and lives in La Patagonia (most of the year). Jesse has a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Hobbies: Mountain biking, cleaning & lubing my bike, reading non-fiction, and sampling yummy craft beer.
