The ideal situation is when a car drives its entire operating period on oil from one manufacturer. In reality, it is impossible to achieve such an effect, different brands of car oils release new products, sometimes it is difficult to find the oil that you used, or the price for it becomes too high. In general, there are many reasons why it becomes necessary to fill in another engine oil. Let's try to figure out what it can lead to by adding another brand of oil to the engine.

Let's clarify right away: you can add up to 10% of the liquid from the total volume without tangible harm to the engine and changes in the characteristics of the filled engine mixture. When refilling large volumes, it is worth thinking about the interaction of oils. We will not consider the possibility of mixing different bases, for example, synthetics and semi-synthetics, in this article we are talking about adding another brand of oil to the engine, if the SAE marking and the base base are the same (oils are identical at first glance). In this example, we will argue that it is not possible to add another brand of oil, so consider mixing various oils from different base and viscosity makes no sense.

For the production of motor oils, different base bases are used, to which certain additives are added. Experienced drivers, believe that it is absolutely harmless for the motor to add a mixture of another brand with a similar base. This point of view is well founded, but it can be questioned for two reasons:

1. The base base of various brands is made from different raw materials using a specific processing technology.
2. Automotive oils trade marks use additives of different chemical composition.

The base oil can be synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral. Synthetic mixtures are obtained using the synthesis of hydrocarbon compounds. They are the most resistant to change. temperature regime... Their composition can vary greatly due to the possibility of synthesizing various compounds. The basis for such motor fluids can be:

• polyalphaolefins (PAO);
• esters;
• polyorganosiloxanes;
• glycolic compounds.

Depending on the base base, additives are selected that will interact with it, ensuring the protection of the power unit. Mixing different synthetic bases is acceptable, if you do not take into account the additives in them, plus the formula of the processed oil must be the same. Compliance with these conditions is possible only if adding oils from one manufacturer, mixtures of a different brand, could be obtained from raw materials of different quality, plus the scheme for its processing could be different. Therefore, in a liquid from another manufacturer, even if two synthetics are mixed, there may be a different chemical composition that does not lead to the interaction of motor mixtures. Some qualities of the oil can improve as a result of adding another brand of motor fluid to it, while others vice versa. It is impossible to predict how the mixed product will behave at high temperatures.

Another nuance makes one think about the possibility of mixing synthetic bases of various brands - there are manufacturers who pass off hydrocracking products as pure synthetics. In terms of viscosity-temperature parameters, synthetics and hydrocracking oils do not differ, their main difference in the processing scheme. Hydrocracking mixtures are obtained in the process of processing the mineral base. For synthetic fluids, some additives are used, the features of hydrocracking products require other chemical elements that are part of the additives. Adding hydrocracking oil to synthetics will impair the properties of the engine fluid.

Mineral little, can be obtained by distillation of oil, there are several degrees of its purification from oil fractions, therefore, in terms of the composition of mineral water different manufacturers may differ.

Semi-synthetics are created by mixing a certain amount of a synthetic base with a mineral base. The ratio of the mixing products can be different (it is not regulated). If we take into account that synthetics can have a different origin, and mineral water of various brands differs depending on the degree of purification applied, then what product you will get, if you pour semisynthetics of one brand to another, it is impossible to predict, since it is impossible to answer whether it will cope with protective functions of the power unit against wear.

Mixing illustration motor oils different brands can be viewed in the video:

What additives were used?

Car oil manufacturers claim that their products are unique due to the blend of additives used. They develop a patent-pending chemical composition for motor mixtures. The average buyer does not know what additives (their proportions) were used, but it is quite clear that different brands have different qualitative and quantitative composition. Having made the decision to add a motor mixture of one brand to another, be prepared for the additives used in them to enter into chemical reactions that will accelerate as the temperature rises. This may result in:

• formation of carbon deposits on the drive elements;
• rapid aging of the motor fluid;
• foaming of oil;
• slagging of the power unit;
• increased viscosity;
• the appearance of knocking in the drive and so on.

When deciding to pour different brands of motor oils into one motor, keep in mind that additives can be used in oils up to 30% of the total volume. At the same time, filling in mixtures with the same base and viscosity, of different brands, you can change the qualitative composition of the additives. When they react, they can form new chemical compounds, this will lead to an increase or decrease in the viscosity of the engine mixture. Viscosity affects the protection of the power unit from overheating at high temperatures, the formation protective filmreducing friction and wear of motor elements. Also, this parameter affects the start of the engine without warm-up. An incorrectly selected viscosity will reduce the life of the motor.

Also, additives, if their ratio is incorrect in the oil, can lead to an increase in carbon deposits, precipitation. An increase in detergent additives can provoke clogging of the engine channels and the lubrication system.

The last argument

Car manufacturers, knowing about the various chemical compositions of engine mixtures, trying to reinsure themselves, have developed tolerances for motor oils. Giant automobile factories conduct tests of various types of motors and lubricating fluids, the passage of testing is evidenced by the presence of appropriate tolerances on the oil canister. Based on this, oils of different brands must not be poured into the engine. Pay attention to the tolerances if the previous arguments are unconvincing for you: not all synthetics, on which a certain viscosity and marking according to API and ACEA are indicated, are suitable for all types of engines, it follows that the fluid of one brand cannot be added to another oil that distinguishes the brand ... Unless, of course, we are not talking about force majeure, when the engine fluid level has dropped, and there is no corresponding oil to top up. In such a situation, you can add oil from another manufacturer to power unit (at least some kind of lubricant is preferable than dry friction of the drive parts) to get to the service station or garage and replace the engine fluid.

When you get to your destination, change the "cocktail" from car oils to another oil recommended by your car dealer, because it is not known how the product of mixing two or more brands will behave after several thousand kilometers.

The disputes of car owners about the possibility of mixing engine oil in the engine have not subsided for many years. Someone assures that there is no harm to engines in this case, while other car owners or engine repair specialists argue that it is prohibited to mix grease. Let's talk in more detail about whether it is possible to mix different car oils.

The engine of a car is a unit with a complex design, inside which there are numerous moving elements; in the process of operation, heating moving units are subject to increased wear. To protect such moving parts, prevent premature wear and to cool the motor, special automotive oils are used. Currently, it is customary to distinguish between three types of such automotive engine lubricants:

Mineral oil is a natural product that is obtained through appropriate oil refining. The cost of such a mineral oil is at an affordable level, but in terms of its performance characteristics it is significantly inferior to synthetic samples.

Synthetic oil made using a special technology from a variety of chemical components. Such a grease is resistant to temperature extremes, does not oxidize and retains its performance characteristics for a long time. The only drawback of this synthetic oil - this is its high cost.

Semisynthetics is an intermediate lubricant that contains both synthetic and mineral components. Such semi-synthetics are superior to inexpensive mineral oils in certain parameters, but at the same time they are somewhat inferior to pure ones. synthetics.

High-quality oil will provide the necessary engine protection, preventing its premature wear. Also, the lubricant is responsible for cooling the internal moving parts and parts, the temperature of which can increase significantly during engine operation. Today, high-quality technical fluids are capable of retaining their performance characteristics for a long time. And yet, after 8-10 thousand kilometers of mileage, the oil loses its characteristics, which makes it necessary to carry out appropriate service work, within which the lubricant and filter elements are changed. Performing such a service on a regular basis, it will be possible to prevent the occurrence of engine breakdowns, the elimination of which will cost the car owner a round sum.

In the recommendations of the automakers and oil manufacturers themselves, you can find conflicting recommendations for such a mixing of grease. It should be said that there are certain oil standards that characterize the chemical and physical properties of a lubricant. In the event that such standards differ significantly, for example, as for synthetics and mineral compositions, then it is not recommended to mix such a lubricant. But is it possible to mix in a motor, for example, semisynthetics or synthetics from different manufacturers and with different viscosity values \u200b\u200b- there is no single answer.

Today, these oil manufacturers use different chemical formulas, which allows them to produce a quality product that provides complete engine protection during its operation. Moreover, even oils that belong to the same category and which have the same viscosity parameters can use different chemical components that react with each other and neutralize or degrade their characteristics. Accordingly, when mixed inside the engine, there may be a significant deterioration performance characteristics grease, as a result, premature wear appears and the engine may soon require serious repairs.

If in some cases it is allowed to mix semi-synthetics and synthetic oil, then add to the engine mineral oilwhere synthetics or semi-synthetics are filled in is strictly prohibited. The different chemical composition of these lubricants will cause the oil to curdle. As a result, the oil channels will be clogged with sediment, and the pistons will completely coke. Such an engine, after mixing the oil, will require serious overhaul.

In some cases, in case of any breakdowns on the road, the car owner is faced with a dilemma, whether it is possible for him to pour another oil into the engine, mixing it with the existing lubricant, or whether he should turn off the car engine and take the car to the service on a tow truck. It should be said that safe short-term operation of the engine on mixed oil... In this case, you can only mix lubricants of the same category, that is, mix semisynthetics with semisynthetics, synthetic oil with synthetic and similar mineral compositions. Remember that this is only a temporary measure in order to get home or to the car workshop, where the engine will be repaired and the subsequent oil change with a new high-quality lubricant.

IN emergency situations a ten percent topping-up is allowed in the engine with an oil of similar characteristics, which will not lead to changes in its characteristics. Remember that even with a normal engine oil change, it may not be possible to completely drain the lubricant. 10-15 percent of the lubricant may remain in the engine, and, filling in new oil, we, willy-nilly, mix such technical fluids. That is why, in an emergency, adding 10% of oil, even with slightly different characteristics, will not lead to any serious engine problems.

If, for whatever reason, you add oil to the engine, remember that it is not recommended to mix oil from different manufacturers and with different characteristics. The chemical composition of such a lubricant can differ significantly, which will lead to the occurrence of undesirable chemical reactions and losses technical characteristics and oil inside the motor. As a result, increased wear will appear, and the engine will soon require complex and expensive repairs.

findings

Mix oil from different manufacturers and with different characteristics in the car engine, however, should not. This can lead to serious problems in the operation of the motor, as a result, an expensive overhaul... That is why we can recommend that you purchase engine oil with a small margin and carry a canister of several liters with you constantly, which will allow you to refill the engine in the event of unforeseen extreme situations quality oil, avoiding any difficulties with the operation of the power unit.

Any motorist sooner or later wonders if it is possible to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics. In the course of using a car, a similar dilemma often arises before drivers. And she stands up edge when there is no finance to buy a really high-quality and expensive product, and you have to go to various tricks. Here the problem is not only the oil change itself, but also the combination of two completely different fluids.

What is synthetics

Today, this type of oil is the priority choice of any motorist. This liquid is obtained artificially during processing or through molecular synthesis. In order to ultimately obtain a quality lubricant, it is necessary to conduct a number of specific chemical experiments through complex organic synthesis.

The fluid that can be obtained is not susceptible to destructive action, which is the fault of the leakage of performance and many other types of lubricants, as well as various malfunctions in the fuel processing system.

Such a lubricant does not come into direct contact with the technical components of the motor. It leads to an increase in the volume in the engine part, facilitates the starting of the mechanism under the influence low temperatures... For lubricating fluids, this is one of the best solutions.

However, this lubricant has its own nuances. Its price is quite high, which is why the product automatically goes into the ranks of expensive ones. This is due to the fact that the technique for creating such a liquid is rather complicated, and its constant operation is not available to average citizens.

Another fairly significant proof is that the operating waste of the lubricant is too high when compared with other types of this product. Therefore, synthetics are poorly suited for operation in an outdated engine. Of course, such an essence cannot spoil the engine in any way, but it will not be of any use either.

Using a vehicle with such a means will be many times more expensive, therefore, natural products or semi-synthetic products are in priority.

Description of semi-synthetic fluid

This product contains synthetic elements and mineral components. There are no strict guidelines for setting the percentage of synthetic oil and mineral components. Each brand must determine for itself the percentage of the individual component.

It should be noted that the properties of semi-synthetic fluids are much worse. This is due to the fact that their viscosity level is much lower, and oxidative processes are higher. When it is cold outside, it is much harder to start the engine into operation, and the lubricant needs to be changed several times more often. All this creates extremely negative emotions and brings a lot of problems.

However, semi-synthetic materials are much less expensive. Many drivers are ready to put up with a lot of inconveniences in order to save money. Indeed, for such products, you will have to give it a lot of money.

Semi-synthetic lubricants also have a significant advantage. They have a lower carbon content and are used on older engines. Due to the fact that many vehicles are second-hand and have a decent mileage, this serves as an additional motivation for purchasing semi-synthetics.

Let's finally see if it is possible to mix synthetics with semi-synthetics.

Combination of different oils: opinions "for" and "against"

On the question of whether it is possible to mix synthetics with semi-synthetics, there are completely different opinions and arguments. This action has its fans and ardent opponents. The latter are guided by the fact that different types of lubricating fluids were invented for a reason. These products initially have the required chemical formula that does not need to be changed.

Adherents of the opposite opinion argue that there is nothing wrong with such manipulations, and the curious question of whether it is possible to mix synthetic oil with semi-synthetics is answered exclusively positively.

The point is that semisyntheticsIs originally a combined product based on a mineral base. Therefore, there is nothing supernatural in adding more properly processed and high-quality synthetics.

In most cases, motorists, when asked whether it is possible to mix synthetics with semi-synthetics or not, answer positively, but with certain peculiarities.

How to correctly combine liquids

Not all oils can be combined with each other. It is likely that there will be no serious negative consequences, but this is completely undesirable action. It will not be superfluous to observe certain principles when combining these funds.

Is it possible to mix synthetic oil with semi-synthetics different brands... It is best to combine products from one manufacturer. This is due to the same formula. Such oils will not compete with each other and will be able to serve well until further replacement.

Therefore, it is better to use materials from one company. But due to the fact that due to a shortage of products, this issue becomes relevant quite often, modern brands have found a way out of this situation.

Many brands today accept the option of combining different oils and sell their products with specific standards to allow fluid matching.

This is how it is possible to exclude the appearance of negative consequences when using your motor, but this method can only be used in rare cases.

What happens if you mix synthetics and semi-synthetics different viscosity? Trademarks do not advise doing such an action, but if there is nothing without it, then it is necessary to give preference to the same manufacturer as in the past.

What can be the consequences

Stopping their choice on respectable trade marks, you do not have to worry about serious problems in the functionality of the engine. If you bought a product and have doubts about it, then be sure to do the following. When combining liquids in small volumes, it is recommended to warm them up, after which it is necessary to track the reaction. If sediment or foam appears, it is absolutely unacceptable to combine such products.

If there is no violent reaction to the components, then it is permissible to combine these two components. What happens if synthetics of a different viscosity are added to semisynthetics?

It is permissible to combine such components with each other, but your attention should be focused on one manufacturer. When mixing the products, practically average liquids will be obtained.

If you decide to mix oils different classesthen you end up with a lower quality product.

What negative consequences can arise

Differences in formulas in oils sometimes lead to some problems. Even when you combine a small amount of one oil with another, this does not mean that in the end there will be no problems.

If you have a dilemma of whether it is possible to add synthetics to semisynthetics, then in the absence of options, this can really be done, but later experts advise using one type of product.

Can synthetic oil be mixed with semisynthetics many times? It should be noted that as a result of this action, deposits can form. This will lead to premature failure of the engine and significantly reduce the period of operation.

The trading network offers big choice motor oils from various global manufacturers. There is a certain rule that is suitable for creating ideal conditions: the engine oil must be filled into the crankcase in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of the particular car.

Many drivers are wondering if engine oils can be mixed and what will happen to engine performance internal combustion wherein. Theoretically, this question can be answered in the affirmative, but with certain reservations. Experienced motorists are more careful about this issue. They advise using mixtures only when absolutely necessary.

Mixing synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oils

There are no official prohibitions or permits for mixing motor lubricating fluids belonging to different groups and brands. On this score, only some recommendations or prescriptions vary. However, this does not mean that they can be mixed without restriction.

The main danger for internal combustion engines lies not in the mixture of base bases, but in the chemical interaction between the elements of additives found in oils of various groups.

There are cases (a sharp drop in the level of the lubricating fluid) when it is not possible to use the right oilto drive to the nearest service station.

Mineral lubricating fluid can be mixed with brands belonging to the semi-synthetic or synthetic groups, which are produced by hydrocracking or based on PAO (polyalphaolefins). Other synthetic materials (glycol, polyester, silicone) are not compatible with mineral oil.

Only an official representative of a car brand can confidently recommend which substances can or cannot be mixed for a given car.

Many modern synthetic oils produced under famous brands, have approvals according to ACEA (for European manufacturers) and API (USA) standards. In accordance with their requirements, it is envisaged to mix engine oils of various brands certified within the specified standards.

These mixtures do not form hazardous chemical reactions for gasoline and diesel powertrains. At the same time, there is no foaming and no harmful precipitation occurs.

However, experienced experts and auto mechanics warn car owners against constant use. vehicle with a poured cocktail. Mixing lubricants of different groups and manufacturers within the ACEA and API standards is only possible to temporarily replenish the missing amount of engine oil in the engine. The resulting mixture is not intended for long-term use during the further operation of the machine.

This means that in emergency situations, you can add certified oil of any other brand to get to the workshop or service center without increasing the load on the internal combustion engine. Then the following actions are performed:

1. Motor malfunctions are eliminated.
2. The oil is completely replaced with a brand corresponding to the recommended one.

Simultaneously with the complete replacement of the lubricant, it is necessary to install a new filter element ( oil filter). The interval between the following oil change measures is reduced several times (two to three times), because old oil remains in the crankcase of the power unit, which cannot be completely drained (almost 10% of the volume).

How are semi-synthetics and synthetics mixed? If such mixing becomes necessary, it is best to add a higher quality lubricant. For example, you can always add 5W 40 synthetic engine oil to semi-synthetics 10W 40.

Engine oil compatibility from one manufacturer

Lubricants under the same brand have similar characteristics as they are based on common elements. According to experienced experts, it is possible to mix oils of different viscosities if they are produced by the same manufacturer. This is true because the lubricants of the same brand, despite different viscosity levels, are composed of similar chemical elements.

Additives from the same manufacturer are also based on similar ingredients and do not significantly differ from each other. An additive conflict will not occur when mixed, any proportion is acceptable.

Engine oils from different manufacturers are much more difficult to combine than representatives of the same brand. This significantly increases the risk of potential conflicts between different additives.

If it is necessary to switch to a different viscosity, it is recommended to stay within the same company. When a complete service replacement of engine oil is carried out, a certain amount of old substance remains in the power unit (about 5 - 10%).

To protect a car engine from possible troubles arising from a conflict of additives, it is better to use lubricants from one company.

What happens if you mix substances of different brands? It should be remembered that this is a rather risky undertaking. Each corporation protects its products with strict patents, especially unique additives. Perhaps nothing terrible will happen. But there is always the possibility of the mixture foaming and precipitating. If different substances are mixed, an incorrect chemical reaction can occur as a result of the inevitable interaction of their components.

Conclusion: oils can be mixed, but at the same time respect their belonging to the same brand.

Whatever useful properties each substance has, a mixed oil cocktail will destroy some of the additives from one side and the other.

When mixing chemical flushing solutions and various additives, brand limits and restrictions also apply.

How lubricants with different viscosities are combined

As an illustration, it is proposed to consider this example. The combination of 5W-30 oil with 5W-40 leads to a decrease in the viscosity index at high engine temperatures. Different levels of viscosity will average its value, which is irrelevant for the final result. The viscosity of the mixture will, of course, change, but cold engine it will still start without problems even at minus 35 ° C.

Lubricant manufacturers are silent about the prohibitions on mixing engine oils of various groups and brands. However, the recommendations state the need to use oils, flushing fluids and specialized additives from only one manufacturer.

Many car owners distrust such claims. They are sure that these are just banal attempts by companies to hook consumers on using their products.

When choosing technical fluids, in particular lubricants, maximum responsibility must be respected. This product should be purchased only in branded outlets from trusted suppliers and sellers. Motor oil high Quality, selected in accordance with the recommendations of the car manufacturer, will ensure the smooth operation of the internal combustion engine for a long time.

Can synthetics and semi-synthetics be mixed? When using a car, drivers often ask a similar question. It is not always possible to fill the engine with exactly the oil recommended by the manufacturer. You have to pour what is in the engine, allowing for the mixing of oil products.

In addition, motorists often try to save money. When a little synthetic oil remains in the canister, while it is not sold anywhere nearby, the driver decides to purchase semi-synthetics. But can you do this? Is it possible to mix synthetics with semi-synthetics? To answer this question, you need to understand the features of lubricants and their characteristics.

Synthetics

Synthetics are the best oily fluid in the opinion of car manufacturers and motorists. It is produced in a laboratory, from a refined petroleum base or by means of molecular synthesis. In the manufacturing process, many chemical tests are carried out, the most complex components of organic synthesis are used.

The engine oil produced is resistant to oxidative processes, which is the reason for the deterioration of performance in other types of motor oils, leading to a variety of engine problems.

Synthetics do not interact directly with engine parts. It increases the amount of compression in the combustion engine. This ensures a decrease in fuel consumption, simplification of starting the engine in low-temperature conditions.

However, synthetic petroleum products have certain disadvantages. First of all, they are expensive. Not every driver can afford to buy synthetics. This is due to the high cost of making synthetics.

In addition, the working waste of synthetic motor oil is higher than that of other lubricating fluids. Because of this, synthetics cannot be poured into old, worn out engines. Of course, it will not harm the functioning of the motor, however, it will not bring any benefit either. It will cost too much to use the machine. It is better to immediately apply mineral / semi-synthetic oil.

Semisynthetics

Semi-synthetic contains particles of synthetics and mineral water. It is a mixed liquid obtained by combining a synthetic oil product with a mineral one. There are no special requirements for the content of this or that oil. Manufacturers themselves decide how much synthetics / mineral water will be contained in a particular brand of car oil. Usually the concentration of synthetic elements is equal to the concentration of mineral ones.

Semi-synthetics have the worst performance indicators when compared with synthetics. A semi-synthetic lubricant has a lower viscosity index, the concentration of additive components. In addition, it is not very stable against oxidation. It is not too easy to turn on the motor in winter, the lubricant must be changed two to three times more often. All this brings a lot of inconvenience to the motorist.

The advantage of semi-synthetic oil is that it costs about half the price of synthetic oil. Many car owners are ready to endure certain inconveniences in order to significantly save their own money, especially since semi-synthetics are not too wasteful. It can be safely poured into outdated engines. Due to the fact that a lot of used cars have a high mileage, semi-synthetic oil is so popular.

In addition, the owners of cars with a diesel engine buy semi-synthetics. These are the pros and cons of a semi-synthetic lubricant. However, what happens if you mix it with synthetic?

Is it possible to mix oils

Before you mix motor oils of different origins, you need to think carefully about everything. Lubricants are manufactured on a variety of bases, with differing additives added. The additives interact with each other and can destroy engine parts. The oily liquid loses its own positive properties.

The most dangerous are slag deposits and waste. Because of them, the motor may break down or its service life will greatly decrease.

So the answer to the question whether it is possible to mix lubricants of different origins or not is negative.Mixing greases is not allowed. What to do in case of emergency? What if the car needs to be refueled immediately, but there is only oil nearby that is different from the engine oil?

If you do mixed synthetics with semi-synthetics, drain the resulting mixture as soon as possible, flush the engine. This avoids major problems.

Flushing

Flushing the engine is quite simple. If you start pouring synthetics of a proven brand into the motor, you do not need to flush. In general, flushing is performed when changing the spent oil to another. The algorithm is as follows:

1. Warm up the power unit, turn it off, drain the spent oil. Be careful - the grease is very hot, you can seriously burn yourself. Use special gloves to protect the skin of your hands.
2. Dismantle the old oil filter, fill with flushing fluid.
3. Start the power unit, let it warm up and run for idling fifteen to twenty minutes. During this time, the flushing should completely clean the motor, if, of course, it is of sufficient quality and purchased in a good store.
4. Drain the flushing liquid. Drain the grease until all of it runs out and stops dripping.
5. Install a new oil filter, fill with fresh car oil. The consumable must be suitable for your powertrain.

The procedure can be carried out by any motorist. Anything happens in life, sometimes there is no other way out but to fill in the wrong oil product. It's better than driving without any lubricant at all. However, the easiest way to prevent such situations is to always carry a spare can of car oil with you.

For the right choice lubricating fluid is recommended to contact an experienced motorist or car service employee. One of the reasons why a problem occurs in the engine is the filling of an unsuitable oil product. Therefore, the choice of a car oil must be taken with full responsibility. So you will avoid the appearance of various malfunctions in the motor, significantly increase its service life.