Almost all motorists know that technical condition a car depends entirely on the quality of the engine oil and the frequency of its replacement. According to the instructions, every 7-10 km the car needs it. A newly purchased car is sold with a pre-filled service center with oil recommended by the manufacturer and ideally suited to the power unit. At the same time, the product of one brand at the service station is changed without preliminary flushing, since it is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and does not cause concern. This scheme is the best for maintaining the "health" of the machine. But in practice, everything looks different.

Whether to mix with different technical characteristics? Can engine oil be mixed or not? Will this affect motor performance? Can oils from different manufacturers be mixed? Eternal questions on which there are constant disputes among motorists.

Some believe that this categorically cannot be done, since the stage of flushing the motor will be completely excluded. Others assure that there is nothing wrong with this, and this will not affect the operation of the motor in any way.

Both sides are right in their own way. In fact, oils can be mixed, but wisely, following certain rules. Otherwise, there is a possibility of harm to the motor, the result will be its repair.

Can I mix different oils? Reasons why this is allowed:

• Forced need to top up oil.
• Lack of the desired brand of product.

Can oils from different manufacturers be mixed? What do experts think about it?

• Mixing is permissible only for oils of one category. This is the only way to avoid negative consequences from the internal combustion engine.
• Mixing is permissible only if the driver does not plan to drive for a long time.

The main point of this procedure is the formation of a new chemical composition, the effect of which is impossible to predict.

When mixing oils from different manufacturers, it should be remembered that even with a thorough removal of the oil, some of the waste remains. The result is combining it with a fresh lubricant with which they are not fully compatible. Many car enthusiasts fear that this formula will not provide 100% engine performance.

Mixing theory

As mentioned above, the combination of different oils is possible, but only taking into account certain factors that need to be treated with special attention. In order to understand this issue in more detail, you should know what types of oils are.

Synthetic

It is an oil based on artificial chemicals.

Benefits:

• low volatility;
• good fluidity at low temperatures;
• viscosity reacts little to temperature fluctuations;
• high durability;
• requires fewer additives.

Mineral

Its most important component is oil. Some call this species organic.

Benefits:

• Environmentally friendly - the amount of chemicals is kept to a minimum.
• The budgetary cost, which is sometimes the decisive factor when choosing.
• Versatility.
• Availability. Available in all car dealerships.

Semi-synthetic

The name itself suggests that this is a combination of the first two types of oils.

Benefits:

• Low cost. The price is second only to mineral oils.
• Compatible with vehicles running on any fuel.
• Low volatility.
• Prevents the formation of limescale.

Permitted oil combinations:

1. Mineral water with semisynthetics. If a mineral lubricant was previously used in the motor, then mixing with semi-synthetics is permissible. Synthetics with a polyalphaolefin base are also suitable. Also, the following types of oils can be poured into: polyester, silicone, glycol. In this case, one should take into account such a nuance as the chemical composition of a synthetic product.
2. Synthetics and blending. Can the oil be mixed with other oils when it comes to synthetics? Almost all of today's commodity producers develop products in accordance with European standards. This allows them to be mixed. But it is not a fact that the result will be positive. In some cases, the following troubles may occur: precipitation, the appearance of foam. They are simply kept to a minimum compared to other types of oils. The minimum number of imperfections indicates that you have purchased a high quality product. Before mixing the oils, it is necessary to take into account that the first maintenance should be carried out with the oil recommended by the manufacturer, flushing the system in advance.
3. Mixing synthetics and semisynthetics. If at the time of the drop in the oil level in the car you had synthetics filled in and only the floor was available synthetic oilsyou are saved. Products such as 5W40 and 10W40 can be mixed safely. This viscosity will range from 6W40 to 8W40. The most the best option a combination of an existing oil with a higher quality oil is considered. In other words, semi-synthetic oils can be diluted with synthetic oils. Mixing synthetics with semisynthetics is allowed only in critical cases.

   

4. Products of one manufacturer. According to many experts, mix engine oils one brand is possible. This statement is true because oils from the same manufacturer are very similar in chemical composition. In other words, they have the same base, and their chemical composition contains the same set of additives. Based on this, mixing oils of the same brand is perfectly acceptable. In addition, motorists should be aware that sometimes there are situations when the same oil is sold under different brands.
5. Oils from various manufacturers. Can oils from different manufacturers be mixed? One of the risky mixing options, as no one guarantees 100% efficiency due to different manufacturing processes. But this does not mean that the result will immediately be negative. It happens that when such oils are combined, minimal foaming and an imperceptible sediment are observed. Unfortunately, this rarely happens.



Mixing oils 5W30 and 5W40

5W30 and 5W40 oils can be mixed. For example, if you have a sharp drop in the liquid level on the road and there is no supply of 5W40 synthetics, but there is a similar liquid with a similar label and markings, but from a third party manufacturer, in this case your manufacturer's 5W30 oil will help you. When adding the specified fluid to the engine, there will be no problems with engine operation. The most that can happen is a slight drop in viscosity. When using 5W30 or 5W40 multigrade fluid, the engine starts at a temperature of 35 degrees. The result of this mixing will be small changes in the coefficient of thermal viscosity. This result is also not critical, since negative side will be visible only when the motor is running at a high temperature. The driver will just have to take care of the car a little and not overload it.

1. It is recommended to top up the engine only with the oil that was originally poured into it.
2. If it is possible to use this type of liquid, products of a similar brand should be used.
3. When buying a product, it must be borne in mind that one and the same manufacturer is capable of producing oils under different brands.

Is it possible to mix oils from different manufacturers in emergency cases? Critical cases involve the use of other types of products. In this case, it is necessary to minimize the number of loads and correct the situation as soon as possible by replacing it with the recommended oil.

Little tricks about gear lubricants

Can be mixed transmission oils or not, let's take a closer look. This problem occurs only when the conversation is about the car's engine. This rarely happens, but it happens when the lubricant level in the gearbox decreases. The answer is simple enough: transmission fluids can be mixed, but only under the conditions specified for engine oils. They should be similar and practically identical in chemical composition. Such a mixture will allow any motorist to safely drive several thousand kilometers on a sparing mode. After the end of the path, the liquid will have to be drained and replaced with the one recommended by the manufacturer.

It is strictly forbidden to mix motor products and transmission products. Ignoring this recommendation will result in loss of engine performance. You will learn a killer mixture.

In any case, for efficient engine operation, after mixing the oils, you will have to return to the oil recommended by the manufacturer. Before this, it is necessary to carry out the procedure for flushing the engine:

1. Drain the obsolete tool. Give the car an opportunity to settle a little so that it merges to the maximum. If possible, tilt the vehicle alternately to both sides. This will drain more liquid.
2. Install a new filter and fill with the manufacturer's recommended oil.
3. Try not to overload the machine for three days while the motor gets used to a different type of product.
4. The next procedure for changing the oil should occur after 10 thousand km.

The motor flush procedure is complete. If you are in doubt about the cleanliness of the engine, shorten the service interval and take the car to a service station.

Consider the characteristics of motor vehicles from different manufacturers.

Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3 / B4

Castrol oil is widely known to motorists for its high degree reliability and quality. Most high-speed cars use oils of this brand.

When operating a car, motorists should remember that a large percentage of engine wear occurs as a result of starting it. A3 / B4 oil protects it right from the start.

Simple oil, when the engine is inoperative, does not linger on it, thereby exposing the most important parts power unit... Oil Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3 / B4 flows around every engine particle, covering it with a heavy-duty oil film, which is an additional protection when the engine starts. The result of its use is to minimize the risk of engine wear.

Where are Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3 / B4 oils used?

1. Gasoline and diesel fueled cars.
2. Engines in which the manufacturer has approved the use of this type of oil.

• envelops and lingers on the smallest details of the engine;
• forms a dense oil film that protects the motor from the first to the last minute of starting, thereby reducing its wear;
• when combined with synthetic technology, protects the engine at different temperature conditions;
• 100% engine protection regardless of operating conditions and types of driving;
• the funds of the specified brand are demi-season;
• it cannot be counterfeited, since the manufacturer has taken care of the protection.

A distinctive feature is the glow in the ultraviolet spectrum. This development of the manufacturer allows consumers to easily distinguish the original from the fake.

"Lukoil Lux SN / CF 5W-40"

Synthetics, all-season. Belongs to the premium class.

Purpose:

• diesel-fueled vehicles;
• supercharged gasoline engines, which are installed in cars, vans and trucks.

Domestic oil "Lukoil Lux SN / CF 5W-40" refers to synthetic. Judging by the reviews of motorists and tests, this is today one of the most reliable lubricants in its price category.

It is an officially registered Russian product. Provides the highest level of protection and meets all the required specifications.

• prevents the formation of lime deposits in the cylinder and piston at high temperatures;
• prevents sludge formation at low temperatures;
• has a beneficial effect on seals;
• the chemical composition of the oil makes it easier to start the engine in extreme conditions.

Education protective film on parts contributes to maximum protection when starting the engine.

Advantages of Lukoil Lux SN / CF 5W-40:

• reduces fuel consumption;
• minimizes the presence of noise;
• is an better protection engine in any conditions;
• prevents the formation of deposits on the motor.

Oil "Lukoil Lux API SL / CF 5W-30"

Main area of \u200b\u200bapplication - cars and light cargo vehiclesfor whom the use of low-viscosity lubricants is recommended. Designed for engines of cars "Ford", "Renault". Positive characteristics similar to the previous brand.

Conclusion

And in conclusion, it is worth noting that the purchase of motor lubricants must be carried out in a proven specialized store, which, at your first request, is able to provide a document that guarantees the quality of products. And it is best to do this in stores with car gas stations... For the quality of products bought on the market or just by the side of the road, hardly anyone will answer you.

So, we figured out if synthetic oils can be mixed. We hope you find this information useful.

Many novice car enthusiasts are interested in: is it possible to mix oils of different manufacturers, categories and viscosity grades? Let's figure it out.

If the oil from different manufacturers

Any oil consists of a base and a set of additives that give the base its individual qualities. The first problem lies in the possible incompatibility of the bases of different manufacturers. Different manufacturers have different technologies and methods of production of the base, which in the end may have different properties (this is especially true for synthetics).

Due to different bases, there can be problems when mixing the same synthetic oils, but from different manufacturers. This happens because a more serious factor comes into play - additives!

Let me explain: in order to achieve the same viscosity and temperature indicators, manufacturers solve different problems, determined by the properties of their own base. The set of additives, which ultimately solves their problem of bringing them to the standard, can turn out to be radically different. When these two different sets of chemically active elements, which are additives, begin to interact with each other ...

If we mix oils of different categories

For example, mineral and synthetic. One of the problems: mineral oil, unlike synthetic oil, does not have a stable viscosity. It requires the use of an appropriate additive. It is not known how it will affect the synthetic component of the blend. Moreover, it is unclear how the additives will interact with each other over time.

• Engine contamination - ring coking, slag deposits, etc.
• Precipitation of some of the additives or a decrease in their effectiveness
• Increase in the viscosity of the oil up to its complete folding and clogging of the oil channels

The result can be deplorable - the need for overhaul of the engine or approaching it by leaps and bounds.

Why mix?

• Sometimes a situation of hard choice arises: there is no way to urgently top up the same oil, so they risk it and top up another one.
• Globalization and harmonization can have a positive effect: bases and especially additives are produced by a small number of manufacturers. This significantly reduces the problems of their compatibility, moreover, manufacturers are aware of this problem and are gradually trying to level it.
• Positive examples of drivers who did not (or did not notice) negative consequences increase the influence of the factor of amphibious asphyxia (easier - the toad strangles), if somewhere half a canister of good oil was lying around.

• Never mix oils of different types (mineral and synthetic, for example)
• As a last resort, you can mix fluids from the same manufacturer, but of different types (for example, Mobil 5W30 synthetics and Mobil 5W40 synthetics). It is advisable to change it and the filter later.
• Topping up to 10% of a similar oil should not affect its properties (approximately so much remains in the engine when changing)
• Different oil and different manufacturers - only as a last resort.

What happens if you mix car oils in one engine? This question arises for many motorists in situations where the level of the engine mixture has reached a critical value, and there is no appropriate liquid for topping up.

There are several reasons why car oils have to interfere with each other in one engine:

• with a planned replacement, up to 1 liter of the used mixture remains, which is mixed with new oil;
• replacement of fluid from one manufacturer to another;
• an increase in the mileage of the power unit, an increase in gaps in friction pairs - the need for a thicker fluid;
• force majeure situations leading to oil leakage, while there is no similar liquid for topping up.

Answering the question: “What will happen if you mix motor oils in one engine?”, You first need to familiarize yourself with the composition of motor fluids, understand the differences in the base base and additives of different car mixtures.

The base can be:

• synthetic;
• semi-synthetic;
• mineral.

Synthetic oils are manufactured using a reaction to synthesize carbon compounds with polyalphaolefins (PAO), ethers or glycol compounds. Mineral liquids are a product of oil refining. Polysynthetic motor mixtures are obtained by mixing mineral and synthetic fluids in a certain ratio, which is not strictly regulated: each manufacturer can choose his own proportions to create semisynthetics. The base base cannot adequately protect the engine from wear, therefore chemical elements are added to it - additives that provide the oil with certain properties to protect the power unit.

Each manufacturer of car oils develops a unique composition of additives for their products. It can interfere with the base base up to 30% of various additives that do not enter into conflicting chemical reactions with each other.

We mix correctly

Within the same brand, it is allowed to mix PAO-based synthetics with mineral or hydrocracking mixtures. Hydrocracked products are produced by processing a mineral oil base.

Synthetic polyester, silicone, glycol oils may only be mixed with mineral water after receiving mixing permission from the dealer of the specified product.

It is allowed to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics, taking into account the viscosity of the product. For example, if you add 10w - 30 to a mixture of 10w - 20, then the high temperature indicator of the motor oil, which is responsible for protecting the power unit from overheating, will change. At the same time, the fluidity of the fluid will decrease, take this fact into account, especially if the oil in your car also acts as a hydraulic mixture. An increase in the thickness of the engine oil can lead to the fact that it cannot penetrate into the friction units of the drive elements and will not protect the motor from wear, plus hydraulic system will cease to cope with its functions.

If, on the contrary, a more fluid mixture is poured into a sufficiently thick liquid, the oil film formed by the mixing product will not be dense enough and will rupture with increasing load or temperature - this will lead to dry friction of the drive parts. Based on the foregoing, after mixing synthetics with semi-synthetics, it is better not to use the mixing product for a long drive, but when you get to your destination, replace the engine oil.

Products of various brands

Mixing oils from different manufacturers is a rather risky undertaking that can lead not only to a major overhaul of the engine, but also send it for disposal. The fact is that different brands get a basic base from different raw materials using different schemes its processing. For synthetics, there are many compounds from which a synthetic motor oil with good characteristics... Mineral mixtures are purified from oil fractions in several ways; different manufacturers can choose the most cost-effective schemes for their production. When making semisynthetics, manufacturers can choose different proportions for mixing synthetics with mineral water. Obviously, it is impossible to predict the qualitative composition of the mixture obtained by mixing, since it is also impossible to say how much it can protect the engine from wear.

Greatest danger when mixing oils different brands represent additives added to the base stock. Each brand uses its own composition of additives, therefore, when mixing motor fluids, they can enter into reactions - this will lead to the following consequences:

• increase in carbon formation;
• foaming the engine mixture;
• a change in viscosity to a critical value;
• rapid aging of the oil;
• plugging of the channels of the motor and lubrication system.

In addition, there are hydrocracking products on the market, which manufacturers sometimes pass off as pure synthetics. Mixing it with a synthetic base of another brand, you cannot be sure about the compatibility of fluids: some additives are used for synthetics, others for hydrocracking oil.

Conclusion

If you need to mix engine oils, follow these rules:

• mix liquids of the same brand;
• choose oils for mixing, the difference in viscosity of which is not critical;
• be careful when mixing synthetics, the basis of which is not PAO;
• upon reaching your destination, drain the engine fluid and fill in the oil recommended by the car manufacturer;
• topping up without noticeable harm to the engine can be up to 10% of the volume of the entire engine mixture;
• use certified products that have proven themselves in the market trade marks, with appropriate markings on the canister.

Engineers from API and ACEA have developed engine oil classifications. If absolutely necessary, you can mix liquids that have the appropriate marking of these organizations without tangible harm to the power unit. At the same time, pronounced conflict reactions will not occur between the oils, but no one claims that labeled engine fluids according to API and ACEA have full compatibility, how the mixing product will behave after several thousand kilometers is unknown.

Motor oil choice: synthetic or semi-synthetic?

This question has been plaguing many motorists for many years, and the information on this issue is contradictory. I started looking for an answer when I was on a business trip. I needed to add oil to the engine, and there was no brand that suited me at the gas stations.

The ideal situation is when your car has been working with one brand from one brand all its life. But reality is far from ideal. New brands of higher quality at attractive prices are constantly appearing on the market, or a proven variety disappears from the shelves.

Even automakers themselves are changing the recommended brands for new car models due to fierce competition and the supply of consumables with minimal margins. Hence, there are many reasons why it is not clear whether motor oils of different brands can be mixed. For example, there was a malfunction in which the level quickly leaves and there is no other way out how to top up oil and get to the maintenance station. In such a situation, you will be ready to fill the car with anything just to get to the place.

Therefore, for a start, it is worth getting basic knowledge about automotive oils... Exists different types oils. Any lubricant consists of a base and additives that affect quality characteristics. The basis can be of two types:

• synthetic;
• mineral;
• semi-synthetic.

There are other distinctive features:

1. Viscosity grade (indicated by SAE symbols, can be from 0W-60 to 15W-40).
2. By the type of engine (gasoline, diesel, truck, passenger, commercial, etc.).
3. API classification.

Any of the oils is tested for compatibility with other brands before entering the market. To obtain a certificate, conflicting components are excluded from it. There are some “benchmarks” against which any new product is compared. This helps you know which engine oils you can mix. In addition, any lubricant should not harm the rubber and metal parts of the machine.

What shouldn't be mixed?

Now I propose to figure out whether it is worth the risk of mixing synthetics with semi-synthetics and oils from different companies. Remember, this is far from ideal. In any case, you harm your car. The production of the base can be radically different for any manufacturer. The whole reason is in the use of additives due to which the desired properties are achieved.

It is because of the diverse composition that many experts say that engine oils can be mixed, but they do not guarantee safe work... No one knows what kind of mixture will turn out in the end, and how it will affect the operation of the units, plus there are many manufacturers on the market with individual formulas. The main thing is not to use grease from different manufacturers at the same time, without making sure personally or from trusted sources that this is allowed.

Many professionals answer that it is absolutely impossible to mix different oils. The first example when refilling is prohibited is an attempt to combine a synthetic base with a mineral base, because their composition is completely different. In addition, the additives that are included in them simply cannot dissolve properly or behave in an unknown way. The consequences of improper mixing can be as follows:

• slagging of the engine: sediment, ring coking and deposits;
• some of the additives may precipitate;
• the viscosity will increase, it can curl up and clog all the channels;

Personally, I was wondering which engine oils allow mixing synthetics with semi-synthetics, because I mostly pour Castrol. It was possible to find out that the composition of the base of "synthetics" is heavy vegetable alcohols, and oil products are used in semi-synthetics. If you combine such options, then the mixture can work for about 500-1000 km. This is a backup option on the road, when there is nothing to add to semi-synthetics besides synthetics. It is possible that with longer driving, the engine will have to be given for serious repairs or even scrapped.

We mix without harm

Now I will give examples where mixing practically does not harm the engine. This is the safer option. Oils from different manufacturers with the same base can have similar viscosities and also be designed for the same engine. But it's better to get to the workshop where you can fill in the right material.

No need to use "synthetics" different viscosity even from one manufacturer, it is better to select the same indicators. I found out which engine oils can be mixed of different makes from my dealer to get to the parking lot. If something happened to the car on the road, be sure to pick up the telephone receiver and call the dealer. We get necessary information and act on the basis of the situation. This is necessary in order not to pay for repairs in the event of a breakdown.


I was filled with synthetic from Castrol 5W-40. The first figure shows the viscosity at subzero temperatures outside the window, and the second is the viscosity to a hot medium. For Russia, this is an acceptable option. Some people buy 10W-40. It is not very different from the option I bought, but it is not recommended to combine it due to differences in viscosity parameters.

I will continue. Unfortunately, at that time I did not find 5W-40 in stores. I had to buy "synthetics" from Mobile with the same viscosity. I did not even buy semi-synthetics from Castrol with other viscosity characteristics, so as not to harm the car. Of course, if you have "mineral water" filled, then you need to top up the same. When using a mineral base, it will not be possible to save yourself with another option.

Even in my version, I understood that it was impossible to drive like this for a long time, only to the service station. There you need to drain the resulting cocktail, flush the engine and then completely replace the lubricant. Here is a list of the steps I took after pouring synthetics with the same viscosity.

1. I went to the store for flushing oil. Can be used for washing and some kind of additive.
2. I prepared a container for draining.
3. I drained the resulting cocktail.
4. Filled in the engine flushing oil... Attention! Remember that flushing should only be used in serious situations when you have violated the rules for using the car. For example, in my case it is a combination of synthetics with semi-synthetics. It wasn't the first time this happened to me, so I decided to flush the engine. Below I will tell you when you should not use a flush.
5. After washing, the residues were drained.
6. Filled in new, high-quality oil.

Guys, never rush to follow these steps. Flushing should be done in extreme situations. If you are not an expert in this matter, please contact us for a question. The fact is that the oils themselves are able to clean the engine, the main thing is to change them more often.

Now I always carry a spare canister with me just in case - it's cheaper. Life experience teaches that it is better to buy a couple of canisters in reserve. Here are some more rules for mixing oils:

• after practice with a "cocktail" you need to change the oil a couple of times ahead of schedule due to residues in the engine;
• the main thing is to choose the same characteristics no matter which manufacturer;
• black color of "working off" indicates the need to replace filters;
• know the volume of oil in your machine in order to control the work of the masters when replacing (ask to open the drain after pumping out).

Greetings to blog readers! Imagine this situation: you are driving yourself calmly about your business and suddenly the oil pressure check came on. Naturally, no one wants the engine to knock, so we drive at a fast pace to the nearest gas station or auto shop. We arrive at the place, look at the display case and do not find the liquid that is poured into the car. There are such brands, but the manufacturers are all different. And the first question that comes to mind to a car enthusiast is whether it is possible to mix oils from different manufacturers? And if you mix it, how the engine will react to it. Let's figure it out.

What are the opinions

In fact, pouring or not pouring is a rather delicate question and baffles even experienced motorists. Moreover, opinions on this matter are radically different. Some strongly advise against mixing, others say that if you mix, nothing bad will happen. But is this so and what will happen if you do mix?

All existing opinions can be divided into three groups:

1. Mixing engine oils is not allowed... Manufacturers lubricants, use different petroleum products, and most importantly, different additives. It is the additives that can conflict with each other. As a result, the mixture may foam or precipitate. So - overhaul engine.
2. Mixing oils is allowed... Moreover, it can be anything, i.e. you can, for example, add Castrol 15w40 mineral water to shell synthetics 5w30 and everything will be fine. What can I say? It is better not to carry out such experiments - your engine will definitely not appreciate it.
3. You can stir the oils, but only given certain rules. This is much closer to the truth. Why - we'll figure it out soon.

But this is mostly theory. In practice, it may be otherwise, the driver in a hopeless situation takes risks, mixes "immiscible" liquids and the engine works normally. And you can buy good oil and in addition to get problems with the car. Therefore, the first rule is that you cannot save on lubricant.

What manufacturers say

It would seem - who knows better whether it is possible to mix engine oils than manufacturers of fuels and lubricants. But, concerns that produce lubricants prefer to remain silent ...

Why is this happening? Everything is simple here - well, who would recommend buying from competitors? On the contrary, each manufacturer says that his products are the best, technological, efficient, etc., while hinting that all other brands are much worse.

Is it possible to mix different oils in the engine

To be specific right away - yes, you can mix. But, you can't do this thoughtlessly. Immediately it is necessary to stipulate that we are talking about adding oil. Those. adding 10-15% liquid from one manufacturer to another is one thing. And to make a mixture in a ratio of 50 to 50 - here no one can guarantee that there will be no problems with the engine.

In confirmation, there are several facts:

• Exist semi-synthetic oil ... And this is just a mixture of mineral (50-70%) and synthetic (30-50%) products.
• The engine has such a conceptas a non-drained residue. Depending on the car model and the oil change method, the remainder of the mining can reach 10-15% of the total. By the way, if flushing is used when replacing, it also remains in the engine.
• This issue is governed by international standards for manufacturers of fuels and lubricants.

In fact, an outright ban on mixing oils different manufacturers and stamps are nowhere to be found. But this can be done only in extreme cases. It is best to mix liquids with the same viscosity.

What international standards say

The world is dominated by globalization and standardization. Everything that is produced and sold on international markets must comply with established norms and standards.

What does interchangeability mean for lubricating fluids? Two points can be highlighted:

• there are not so many manufacturers of additives - in fact, they are the same in the composition of many different fluids;
• almost all lubricants contain anti-foaming additives. Why is this done - read on.

Now comes the fun part. Everything modern oils manufactured in accordance with two standards:

• API - American standard;
• ACEA is a European standard.

They give a clear answer to the question - is it possible to mix different oils in the engine. The standards say that a certified oil has full compatibility with any other certified brand of lubricant of the same class. Moreover, mixing should not entail any negative consequences. If the liquid does not meet this requirement, it will simply be banned from selling. For this, anti-foaming additives are used.

Thus, having mineral water in the engine, you can easily fill in any other certified liquid, for example, synthetics. Of course, with such a cocktail under the hood, it's not worth driving for a long time. You need to completely change the oil and change the filter. But the fact remains.

Different brands belonging to the same concerns

It's no secret that many manufacturers produce products from the same line under different brands. Why is this done? The answer is obvious - this is how companies make more money.

For example, the Total and Elf brands have one owner. Or the Exxon-Mobil concern, which produces Esso, Mobil and Comma oils. By targeting brands to different price segments, companies increase their profits. In fact, these oils have the same base, they are made from the same petroleum products and have similar properties. Therefore, you can mix them without any problems.

Car manufacturer approvals

But this is a very important criterion. European automakers have long introduced a system of tolerances for lubricating fluids. What does it give the motorist:

• the corresponding marking on the canister means that this brand has passed the internal control of the automaker and is recommended for their use;
• tolerance has the greatest influence on the choice of top-up fluid.

Let's take an example. The engine is filled with synthetics with a viscosity of 10w40. There is a choice for refilling:

• the same synthetics from another manufacturer without approval;
• synthetic oil from another manufacturer with a viscosity of 5w40, but with a tolerance.

The choice is unambiguous - the liquid is "approved" for use in a car by a permit. And the final viscosity of the mixture will be about 8w40.

Examples of tolerances:

• VW 504.00 - for volkswagen carsthat meet the Euro-6 standard;
• Ford WSS-M2C913-D - for diesel Fords produced after 2009

Pay attention to these markings first.

Mixing rules for different oils

So, let's summarize and deduce the rules to follow when mixing different liquids from different manufacturers.

How to mix correctly:

1. First of all, we pay attention to the tolerances.
2. The oils must have the same class. Those. Class A / B fluid (light petrol and diesel) does not need to be refilled with class E (for freight diesel engines).
3. It is advisable to mix oils of the same viscosity.
4. It is better to mix brands belonging to the same concern.
5. Improve quality. For example, add semi-synthetics to mineral, and synthetics to semi-synthetic.

How not to mix:

1. It is allowed to add 10-15% of other liquid. You cannot mix them in a 50 to 50 ratio.
2. There is no need to lower the quality, i.e. pouring into synthetic semi-synthetic oils.
3. It is best not to mix synthetics and mineral oil.

These rules can be followed for two-stroke engines... The main thing to consider is ash content.

Hydraulic fluids for power steering

When mixing hydraulic oils, follow these rules:

• Do not mix green oil.
• It is strictly forbidden to mix mineral water and synthetics.
• You can mix green and red liquids.

Of course, in order for the power steering to work without problems, it is best to pour the original fluid.

And the most important rule is that after adding another oil to the engine, you need to completely change it and change the filter. And this should be done as soon as possible. Although there is no prohibition on mixing different brands, no one can give a 100% guarantee that different oils will not harm the engine.

That's all, do not forget to leave comments on the article and read other blog articles. All the best.