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Is it possible to mix different brands of motor oils. Is it allowed to interfere with motor oils of different companies

Drivers disagree on whether it is possible to mix engine oils with different characteristics, will it affect the engine. Someone categorically denies such an initiative, believing that nothing good will come of it. After all, the stage of flushing the motor will be excluded. Someone, on the contrary, assures that there is nothing wrong with such "mixes". Both of these parties provide their arguments. Oils can be mixed, but this must be done following certain rules. Otherwise, you can cause serious damage to the motor, which will require costly repairs.

Mixing oils is acceptable, but extreme care should be taken.

As mentioned above, mixing engine oils is possible, but there are certain factors that require special attention. First, let's figure out what oils are:

  1. "Synthetics", it contains completely artificial chemicals.
  2. Mineralka. Made from natural ingredients, the main of which is oil. It can also be called organic.
  3. "Semi-synthetics". This oil combines the first and second types, representing their symbiosis.

Although mixing is allowed, it must be done, according to experts in extremely rare cases, in which there really is no way to comply with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Different types of oils and their combinations

If you have used mineral motor lubricant for your engine, then it is allowed to combine it with semi-synthetic one. Mixing with oils obtained from the hydrocracking process is also possible. Another option that is suitable for adding to "mineral water" can be "synthetics", the basis of which is polyalphaolefins (PAO).

Such types of synthetic oils as polyester, silicone and glycol can be poured into mineral, but there are certain nuances. Here it is necessary to take into account the chemical composition of a particular synthetic product. It is better to check this information directly with the automaker. There are times when the oil level has dropped sharply, and the necessary, as luck would have it, is not at hand, then in synthetic or sex synthetic oil you have to add a little "mineral water".

When oils of different high temperature viscosities are mixed, the final viscosity of the oil may vary slightly.

Synthetic oils and their blending

Many brands today design their oils to API (US) and ACEA (Europe) standards. This oil can be mixed with any similar oil from another manufacturer, also certified by API or ACEA. At the same time, the possibility of obtaining a negative result, in which negative reactions may occur (precipitation, foaming occurred), is minimized.

This suggests that if you used a synthetic oil for your engine that is certified according to API or ACEA standards, then, in case of emergency, you can safely fill in a fluid from another company. But at the same time, it must also comply with these standards. There will be no harm from this. But at the first station maintenance it is better to replace this mixture with the oil recommended by the manufacturer of your car, having previously flushed the system.

The result of mixing "semi-synthetics" and "synthetics"

Another option is mixing 5W40 and 10W40 fluids, where the first belongs to the synthetic type, the second to the semi-synthetic one. If the car is filled with "synthetics", and you are in the field and the level of the lubricant has dropped, but you only have a canister with "semi-synthetics" available, then there is a way out. You can easily mix two oils 5W40 and 10W40. The viscosity of the resulting mixture will vary from 6W40 to 8W40, depending on the ratio. The best option is to add more oil to the existing grease. high Quality, that is, semisynthetic 10W40 can be diluted with synthetic 5W40.

In critical situations, mixing synthetics and semi-synthetics is allowed

One brand engine oils

Oftentimes, different products from the same brand have a lot in common. Experts say that you can add to the engine “painlessly”, the main thing is that the manufacturer should be the same as the one actually filled in the engine. Even in spite of the previously considered classifications, such statements have a completely logical justification. All because oils from one manufacturer have a large number of common elements, that is, the differences in their chemical composition are minimal.

Simply put, oils are made on a common basis and contain a similar set of additives. Therefore, liquids from one manufacturer are allowed to be mixed in any proportion. It is useful to know that the same oil can be sold under different brands. In general, if you plan to move from one viscosity level to another, the best option there will be a transition within the line of one brand of oils. Have you ever thought about the fact that even with a complete oil change, 5 to 10% of the old fluid remains in the engine? Of course, this is a small amount, but still the possibility of additive conflict remains. Therefore, it is easier to use oils from one manufacturer, especially, as already mentioned, when changing to a different viscosity level. That is, having a semi-synthetic oil of the "N" company in the engine, the synthetic oil should also be purchased of the "N" brand.

Oils from different manufacturers

This is the most risky option and no one can guarantee a successful result 100%. This is due to the fact that each manufacturer uses its own technologies and formulations with different additives. This does not mean that a negative chemical reaction can occur and the oil will foam or precipitate. But there is no guarantee that the components of liquids different brands will not reduce the beneficial properties of each other when mixed. Such cases also occur, albeit rarely.

Oils of different manufacturers have different sets of additives, mixing can cause a conflict

What we get when mixing 5W30 and 5W40

The result of this reaction is a slight decrease in the high-temperature viscosity coefficient. For example, the engine oil level in the engine dropped sharply. In the store of automotive products you were told that at the moment "synthetics" 5W40 are not available, but there is a similar working fluid with the same marking, but of a different brand. In this case, you can take 5w30 oil from the same manufacturer. The mixing result will then not adversely affect your engine. If you are topping up a significant volume, then all that can happen is a non-critical drop in viscosity.

When a 5W30 or 5W40 multigrade working fluid is used, the motor can be started without problems at a temperature of 35 degrees. The result of mixing in this case will be a slight decrease in the coefficient of thermal viscosity (numbers after the "W" in the marking). This is also not critical and is only significant when the engine is operated at extremely high temperatures. We hope that the above information will help you figure out which engine oils can be mixed.

Many car owners have at least once found themselves in a situation when the oil level in the engine suddenly dropped below the permissible minimum, it is necessary to go urgently, and the same oil that is poured into the engine is not at hand, but there is something else. A natural question arises: is it possible to mix engine oils, and what is the threat?

This dispute has been going on for a very long time, and there are many opinions on it. So, manufacturers lubricants They declare in a categorical form that only the oil that has already been poured into the engine can be added to the engine, and there can be no talk of any mixtures. You can understand this point of view, because each of them is interested in the car owner, having chosen one brand of oil, to remain faithful to her for a long time.

In addition, in this way, manufacturers seek to protect themselves from possible claims from car owners due to engine malfunctions caused by adding the wrong oil. Automakers are of the same opinion.

Among some car owners, a completely opposite opinion is widespread, they say, "grease is also grease in Africa." The most important thing for them is that the level remains normal, and what kind of "pickle" is poured into the engine, they do not care much.

The truth, as usual, is somewhere in between. Engine oils can be mixed, but this is allowed only as a last resort, when it is not possible to continue driving in another way. The purpose of this article is not to appeal to pour everything that comes to hand into the engine.

Brief educational program

Before figuring out whether it is possible to mix oils, and how this will affect the condition of the car, you should figure out what they are.

So, engine oil is a mixture of a base and various additives. The base properties are determined by the base, which can be mineral, synthetic or mixed in a 70/30 percent ratio, of which the synthetic component accounts for a smaller part. Identical motor oil bases different manufacturers differ little from each other, i.e., all synthetic ones, be it Motul, Honda or Castrol, have the same basic properties.

  • Set performance characteristics motor oils are determined by additives.
  • Each manufacturer himself determines their composition and quantity, striving to obtain certain product qualities.
  • The chemical composition of the additives for different oil bases is completely different, for example, additives are added to the "mineral water" that provide a stable viscosity, which is not required for "synthetics".
  • When mixing various oils additives can react chemically, which adversely affect the properties of the lubricant.

Arguments Against Mixing: Is It Scary

From bringing the lubrication level to normal with what is at hand, car owners are stopped by several arguments. Below will be considered to what extent they are justified.

  1. Mixing of oils of different viscosity is unacceptable, because this will damage the motor.
  2. It is unacceptable to mix products from different manufacturers, because the additives they contain will react with each other with the most disastrous consequences.
  3. Mixing of different base oils is unacceptable, the reason is the same as in paragraph 2.

Mixing oils of different viscosities

Low viscosity oils

Modern engine oil in many engines is not only a lubricant, but also a hydraulic fluid. If the required pressure is not created in certain places, it will become impossible for some systems of the power unit to work, for example, the VTEC variable valve timing system in Honda engines.

Thus, requirements are imposed not only on the thickness of the film, but also on the fluidity. For this reason, many automakers, including the already mentioned Honda, recommend filling in oils with increased fluidity, viscosity 0w20.

Another requirement is imposed on modern engine oils: high alkaline activity. This is necessary to achieve good detergent properties, so that the lubricant is able to flush out dirt and wear products from “thin spots” (the same VTEC system).

Of course, if you constantly "feed" the engine with oil of insufficient quality or change it out of time, problems are guaranteed. However, fresh oil, even with a higher viscosity, will initially be able to provide normal work engine. The main thing is to replace this mixture in no more than 2000 km.

If we talk about mixing different viscosity in general, then, again, this procedure will not harm the engine, especially when it comes to products from one manufacturer. The resulting viscosity value will be some average value, depending on the proportions. For example, mixing 0w30 and 5w40 oils can end up with 2w34 or 4w38, depending on how much oil was added.

Mixing oils from different manufacturers

Mixing products of different brands is also perfectly acceptable. Of course, if you do not take into account very low quality oils. Despite the fact that all manufacturers add different additives and in different proportions, there will be no disaster when mixing them. Yes, they may well react with each other, but there will be no effects such as foaming of the lubricant or sedimentation.

In the worst case, the mixture will lose the proprietary positive properties of oils, but will remain quite suitable for the car to travel up to 2000 km. Of course, you need to drain it from the motor as soon as possible. If, after refilling products of another brand, the power unit fails, this only means that in any case it did not have much time left.

Mixing oils on different bases

Perhaps the most insoluble problem for car owners is whether it is possible to mix engine oils made on different bases. Again, the argument against is a different set of additives.

The operating aPI standards and ACEA require that engine oil produced in accordance with them be blended with any other certified to the same standards. Thus, if necessary, you can mix even a different base oil, and not ruin the engine. The main thing is not to "twist" it in the red zone.

Of course, if possible, you only need to top up the engine with the oil that is poured into it. If this is not possible, it is preferable to add products of the same brand. As a rule, within the same line, the composition of additives in oils of different viscosities does not differ much, and it is quite possible to drive on such a mixture until a scheduled replacement. It should also be noted that the same plant may produce oils under different brands.

If you cannot find a product of the same brand, you can add any other to the engine. The main thing in this case is to avoid high loads and replace the "grease" as soon as possible with a lubricant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

A little about gear oils

Mixing oils is not just a problem when it comes to a car engine. Much less often, but still there is a drop in the level of lubricant in the gearbox, and a similar question arises about transmission oils... Without going into theory, you can answer it in the same way as the one that was posed at the beginning of the article: transmission oils can be mixed, but with the same conditions as engine oils.

Between themselves, they have a similar composition: base plus additives. The mixture obtained after bringing the level to normal will allow several thousand kilometers to travel without damage to the gearbox, after which it must be drained. Of course, you should drive in a sparing mode, avoiding high loads on the gearbox.

The only thing that should not be done categorically is to mix engine and transmission oils, since they are designed for different areas of application, and the explosive mixture resulting from such manipulations will “kill” the engine with a much greater probability than a cocktail of ten types of engine oil.

A very popular question about is it possible to mix engine oils, do they differ in additives, what is the difference among motor oils, do they correspond to the viscosity of different manufacturers and in what proportions can be added.
Experts will answer such questions with a categorical “no” just in case, and they can be understood. It is unlikely that anyone would dare to find out the degree of the buyer's literacy, understand a specific situation and take the risk of a potential problem. But we, on our fingers and in an accessible form, will try to make out the basics of this science.

Things to consider when mixing engine oil in the first place:

  • What is the basis (organic, semisynthetics or synthetics)
  • Criteria ILSAC, ACEA, API, engine type and fuel type
  • Viscosity by SAE

Before placing an oil on the market, the manufacturer must conduct a miscibility test for this engine oil with other brands, provided they meet the stated criteria. The main task - this is to prevent conflict between additive packages and compliance with the degree of synthetic lubricant.
In small proportions, they allow mixing engine oils with the same viscosity from different manufacturers, eg:
Mix Shell 10w40 and Elf 10w40considering that they recommended for one type of engine (gasoline or diesel), target the same mode of transport (light or cargo), both engine oils are similar in composition - semi-synthetic. When mixing, pay attention to the second figure of the viscosity (example: x w40). If the oil is from one manufacturer, but there is no suitable viscosity, then it is possible to mix synthetic with a semi-synthetic base (5w40 and 10w40), or mineral and semi-synthetic. (15w40 and 10w40) but not 10w40 and 5w30.

We advise you to mix engine oils as carefully as possible, because it is easy enough to make a mistake that can lead to premature overhaul.

If there was still a refill, you should call the service as soon as possible and change the oil (after finding out the reason for the consumption of lubricant). This is exactly the case when it does not hurt to clean the system. flushing oilsince if in the process of adding unwanted products nevertheless formed, then it is worth getting rid of them as soon as possible.
We strongly advise against mixing engine oil based on different bases (synthetic and mineral). These additives are almost guaranteed to give an undesirable effect and the engine will fail!
Not so long ago, an article was published about the change in the properties of an oil when a similar lubricant is added to it. Several well-known brands participated in the test. The results were quite optimistic: chemical reactions nevertheless, when a foreign brand engine oil was added, there were still no cardinal changes in the properties, the additives did not conflict. The conclusion suggests itself: the difference among motor oils of the same type is not so great and is controlled by the relevant services.

And the most important thing. Avoid uncontrolled consumption of engine oil until such time that it does not have to be topped up and mixed. If the engine has begun to systematically demand topping up in excess of the norm, you need to take the shortest route to a service station and find out the reason.

Almost all motorists know that technical condition a car completely depends 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 different oils be mixed? 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 connection different oils 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 people 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 semi-synthetics. 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 manufacturers 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 you must carry out the first maintenance 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 synthetic oils and only semi-synthetic oils were available, you are saved. Products such as 5W40 and 10W40 can be mixed safely. This viscosity will range from 6W40 to 8W40. The best option is a combination of existing oil with a better quality. 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, it is possible to mix engine oils of the same brand. 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.
  6. 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. This mixing will result in small changes in the thermal viscosity coefficient. 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 filled 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

    It is possible to mix 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 of the 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 at the time of engine start. 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 powered vehicles.
    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, which allows protecting 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 because 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 that 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.

Is it allowed to mix different motor oils? This question is relevant to both novice motorists and experienced drivers... The main problem is that there are many greases with additives and additives on the market today. There are dozens of manufacturers, and the motor oils themselves differ in classes, categories and a proprietary set of additives in the composition.

What happens to the motor if you mix different lubricants? To this question, we can say that different oils can be mixed, but with some reservations.

Types of modern car oils

Oils for machine engines produced today include 2 components - a base fluid and an additive package. The base oil occupies at least eighty percent of the volume. Additive elements can occupy no more than twenty percent of the total lubricant volume. The base fluid can be mineral, semisynthetics, synthetics. The additive packages can vary, but not too much.

There are 4 types of car oils, each of which includes a base fluid and an additive package. Additives add special properties to the oil.

  1. Mineral. Produced from petroleum through selective refining. During the manufacturing process, the separation of paraffins and hydrotreating are performed. This creates the foundation. Mineral oil less synthetics and semi-synthetics.
  2. Synthetic. Manufactured through chemical synthesis. As a result of synthesis, hydrocarbon molecules of the same size are formed. The process is very complicated, because these lubricants are more expensive than others.
  3. Semi-synthetic. Combines an artificial product with a mineral one. The price of semi-synthetics is higher than that of mineral lubricants, but lower than that of synthetics.
  4. Hydrocracking. An intermediate option between synthetic and semi-synthetic car oils. These are mineral lubricants that have been hydrocracked. In terms of cost, such a lubricant is cheaper than synthetic.


Can different motor oils be added to the motor?

There are no officially established prohibitions or permits for mixing oilsthat belong to different categories / brands. On this score, there are only certain recommendations.

In the production of oils, there are general standards that must be met by all manufactured lubricants. API requirements apply in North America, ACEA in Europe.

They have a general requirement to resolve the issue of the permissibility of mixing lubricants. This clause states that manufacturers of lubricants for the sale of products must guarantee full compatibility of their own oils with petroleum products of other companies. Therefore, absolutely all engine oils can be mixed without fear that a reaction will begin and the oil will crystallize, which will lead to engine breakdown.

The above information can be easily verified. In view of this reasoning about a world conspiracy of car oil manufacturers, who specifically use various additive components that are not compatible with each other, are completely meaningless.

note

Despite the fact that all lubricants can be mixed with each other, this does not mean that it is possible to mix without any restrictions and it is not recommended to do this regularly. It is necessary to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the machine and fill it with engine oil, which is prescribed in the technical documents. This will ensure long-term operation of the motor without malfunction and the need for repair.

How and when to mix oils

1. Can oils from the same manufacturer be mixed? Within the brand, you can mix lubricants in any proportions. This is due to the following:

  • the same base;
  • the same filler elements affecting the viscosity of the oil product;
  • the use of additives that do not react with each other.

Of course, petroleum products will differ, but no reaction that negatively affects the engine will definitely start. It's not a secret for anyone, there are factories producing motor oils under different brands. In this case, the same base is used, the same additives. Thanks to this, the company increases its own profit.

The characteristics of these engine oils are identical. In view of this, when mixed, they will not precipitate, curl, or foam. However, the cost of such a lubricant varies considerably. Decide for yourself which is more important - brand or quality.

2. Is it allowed to mix engine oils different manufacturers? It is allowed to mix motor oils with similar properties from different companies - the additive sets in most of the oil products are similar in composition, do not react with each other. However, mix lubricants if you have a short trip, for example, you urgently need to get to the nearest car service.

3. Can synthetic oil be mixed with semi-synthetic oil? If you urgently need to add lubricant to an engine filled with synthetics, you can use a semi-synthetic oil product. 5W40 oil can be mixed with 10W40. In this case, you get an 8W40 car oil. However, it is much better to add synthetics to semisynthetics, for example, add 5W40 to 10W40.

4. Can motor oils of different viscosities be mixed? A common situation: you urgently need to top up the lubricant, there is oil of the required brand, but it has a different viscosity. You can no doubt purchase such oil and pour it into a car engine. For example, you can add 10W30 to 10W40. What will change in this case? The reaction between lubricants will definitely not start, because the additive components are used by the same manufacturer the same. The only thing is that the fluidity of the lubricant in the engine will increase. It will be possible to start the power unit only at a certain temperature (up to minus thirty-five degrees).

5. Can a lubricant designed for a diesel engine be mixed with a motor oil for a gasoline engine? It is necessary to separately talk about mixing liquids that are intended for different types power units... What is the difference between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine? Working temperature in piston groups his is completely different. Diesel is hotter because the pressure in the combustion chambers is quite high. In view of this, diesel lubricants are designed for operation in high-temperature conditions, and have a high viscosity coefficient. They also have high washing, antifriction and other characteristics. For example, diesel fuel produces a large amount of soot that must be removed continuously.

Oils for diesel engines it is possible to fill the engine with gasoline. To do the opposite is undesirable. Even multipurpose oils are mostly intended for old diesel engines, so you need to be careful here.

Let's sum up, according to what indicators it is possible to mix oils:

  1. Always pay attention to tolerances when mixing. They must be compatible.
  2. The car oil class must be the same. Do not use truck lubricant in your car.
  3. It is advisable to mix oils with the same viscosity and from the same manufacturer.
  4. It is necessary to increase the quality of the petroleum product. Add semi-synthetic lubricant to mineral water, and synthetic to semi-synthetic oil.

Something else useful for you:

Reduce the quality of the lubricant. Do not add semi-synthetic oil to synthetics.

  1. Mixing mineral water with synthetics. This is due to a noticeable deterioration in the properties of the lubricating fluid. Mineral water is less viscous than synthetics (not to be confused with SAE viscosity).
  2. The SAE indicator reflects the ability of oils not to change their own viscosity in a certain temperature range... The larger it is, the better the car oil performs its task. This is of great importance for modern engines with a turbine and high turnover.
  3. Do not mix fifty to fifty. It is recommended to add a volume of oil that does not exceed fifteen percent of the volume of the liquid already filled.

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