Is it allowed to mix motor oils or how not to harm your car?

Is it possible to mix mineral water with synthetics?

Most drivers are convinced that mixing lubricants can harm the engine. There is also a completely different opinion, according to which mixing different oils does not threaten the engine. Car enthusiasts need to know which of these opinions is correct.

It is also necessary to understand how to distinguish mineral oil from synthetic oil. This will allow you to correctly select the optimal lubricant that will ensure uninterrupted operation of the internal combustion engine.

The engine can be operated without oil, but only for a very short time. This will absolutely lead to failure of the power unit. The purpose of motor oil is as follows:

1. Prevention of wear, jamming, and other malfunctions.
2. Reducing energy losses to a minimum.
3. Engine cleaning.
4. Engine overheating protection.
5. Reducing noise and vibration of gears, reducing loads.

Mineral oil is produced by direct processing of petroleum. It has variable indicators and evaporates heavily.

In order to improve its characteristics, various additives are used. They quickly destroy the structure of the lubricant, which is why it must be replaced frequently.

Synthetics are produced in a laboratory. When synthesizing it, it is possible to set the necessary indicators. The lubricant is characterized by stability, high viscosity and temperature characteristics. They do not add too many additives to it.

Synthetics do not need to be changed as often as mineral water. It is more thermally stable, resistant to oxidation, evaporates little, and forms few carbon deposits.

Any petroleum products, whether mineral or synthetic oils, contain certain additives, such as:

• depressor;
• anti-foam;
• viscous;
• cleansing;
• reducing friction;
• anti-wear;
• anti-corrosion;
• antioxidant.

Will the engine run well if you mix mineral oil and synthetics?

Recommended reading: Is it possible to mix semi-synthetics with mineral oil?

It all depends on the additives. If the additives are incompatible, do not pour the mixed product into the engine. It is better to buy a normal lubricant that is optimal for your engine.

General rules for mixing motor oils

The rules below can be used as instructions that should be followed if it is necessary to add oil to the power unit, which may differ in manufacturer, marking and type.

Follow these guidelines:

1. Do not degrade the quality of the oil. It is prohibited to pour mineral water into synthetic or semi-synthetic oil. The ban also applies to adding “semi-synthetics” to “synthetics”. Deterioration in quality can cause negative reactions and reduce the effectiveness of supplements.
2. In a situation where, for various reasons, you had to add poorer quality oil to your car, it is not recommended to heavily load the engine and exceed the speed. You need to move without forcing in order to protect the power unit from damage and extend its life.
3. If mixing different oils was unavoidable, as soon as possible it is advisable to drain the resulting composition and refill with new lubricant. In this case, you only need to pour the oil that is recommended by the manufacturer.
4. If possible, never mix mineral water and synthetic water, regardless of the manufacturer or other factors. In this case, the additives that were in the synthetic oil lose their effectiveness and precipitate. This feature can cause damage to the motor. Diluting a synthetic product with a mineral one is even more dangerous.
5. You cannot fill the power unit with oil of different classes, for example, mix the lubricant of cars and trucks. To do this, you need to know the meaning of engine oil.
6. It is not advisable to mix the oil in a 1 to 1 ratio. The maximum volume of added liquid is no more than 15% of the total volume.
7. If you can’t find oil from one manufacturer, rely on the tolerances. It is important that they are identical for both products. For example, according to ACEA and API requirements, all oils are very similar in structure and quality. This means that you can mix them with each other and not worry about the result. If the fluid does not meet the standards, it simply will not pass the test. It is important to replace the resulting mixture as quickly as possible.
8. If it is necessary to top up lubricant, it is better to use a product from the same manufacturer, albeit with individual viscosity parameters. But pay attention to seasonality. Otherwise, the viscosity of, for example, winter oil can be reduced, which can lead to engine contamination. In addition, when adding oil with a lower viscosity, waste consumption may increase, which requires more frequent level monitoring.

And now in more detail.

Rules for mixing lubricants in gearboxes

If everything is done correctly, the unit will not be damaged. When adding lubricant to the box, follow these rules:

1. If you are afraid that the main fluids will be incompatible, use petroleum products manufactured by the same company. Different manufacturers use different techniques. The exact composition has not been disclosed. Therefore, when switching to mixed oil, it is better to use products from the same manufacturer.
2. If there is no other way out, you can add motor oil to the gearbox, which has viscosity characteristics that differ from the product already filled. The main thing is brand consistency. When the oil level reaches the emergency line, you don’t have to think long, especially if you need to immediately drive on. Adding another lubricant is reminiscent of implantation. You need to get rid of it before it is rejected by the unit. Mixed oils should not be used constantly.
3. When changing car oil, a car enthusiast does not completely get rid of used lubricant. Approximately five to ten percent remains in the aggregate. The remains of the old consumable are mixed with the oil being poured. Because of this, the characteristics of the new motor oil differ from those written on the canister label. If you want to use your car to its full potential, you need to perform several fills.

Inexperienced drivers who have never changed the car oil themselves are advised to go to a car service center. Its qualified employees will carry out all procedures themselves.

If you know how to change oil, make an inspection hole in your own garage (for your own safety). You will need to buy an oil filter, which is replaced along with the car oil.

Differences between synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral formulations

When considering the issue of mixing different types of oils, it is necessary to understand their characteristics.

Let's briefly look at the main differences:

1. “Mineralka” is made from natural oil through selective purification. With proper operation, it can last about 4000-5000 km. It is distinguished by its affordable price and versatility of use.
2. “Semi-synthetics” are oils containing artificial and natural components, namely mineral and synthetic types of lubricants. The average service life is 7000-8000 km. Such oils are universal, have high protective qualities and a relatively low price.
3. “Synthetics” are the most durable option for motor oils, capable of serving 10,000-15,000 km. The products contain only artificial ingredients. The lubricant is of the highest quality and has a high price. Throughout its service life it shows a high degree of fluidity and viscosity.

As noted, it is not recommended to mix these types of oils due to the possible occurrence of dangerous chemical reactions. The result may be a decrease in service life and deterioration in engine performance.

Composition and classification of oils

The main task performed by the lubricant is to create a protective layer between the rubbing parts of the engine to reduce abrasion and increase service life. The lubricant composition is also responsible for cooling the engine structural elements.

According to its structure, oil is usually divided into four types:

1. Mineral - created from petroleum products using selective purification. There are practically no paraffins in the composition (they are removed by dewaxing).
2. Synthetic - produced by chemical synthesis. Chemical synthesis produces chains of hydrocarbon molecules of the same length. The production process is complex and expensive, which explains the increased cost of “synthetics”.
3. Hydrocracking is a thick mineral liquid purified by hydrocracking. In terms of functional properties, this oil is closer to “synthetic”. It is sold as an affordable analogue of synthetic fluid.
4. Semi-synthetic – obtained by mixing the mineral component with synthetics (proportions are determined by class=”aligncenter” width=”1007″ height=”556″

Each type has advantages and features. Mineral oil is famous for its affordability, environmental friendliness and versatility. “Synthetics” are capable of operating under significant temperature fluctuations and are durable and practical. “Semi-synthetics” are cheaper than “synthetics”, but their properties are almost identical.

Composition of lubricants

Any engine oil contains a base and additives that ensure the preservation of the necessary fluidity, protection against rust and other useful characteristics.

Each manufacturer uses an individual approach when creating a composition that is reliably protected from competitors.

It is formed taking into account the research conducted, and not only additives are taken into account, but also their ratio.

Often, an increase in the content of one element can cause a decrease in the effectiveness of another additive. This is an important point to remember.

There are often statements on the Internet that manufacturers’ statements about the impossibility of mixing different oils are a hoax, and the main goal is to increase sales.

In fact, the manufacturers themselves do not have experience in mixing different commercial oils; their job is simple: mix the formulations according to the developed instructions; they simply do not have the necessary capacity for other tests.

And the development of oils is carried out by additive manufacturers: Infineum, Lubrizol, Chevron and others.

In practice, products from different companies contain additives with a unique composition. If they come into contact during mixing, the risk of a reaction increases. The latter can be dangerous for the motor.

If we are talking about products from one company, there is a high risk of imbalance of beneficial components in the oil, and this also negatively affects its effectiveness.

In the case of mixing different types of oils, you can only reduce the risk, but it cannot be completely eliminated.

Engine prevention after mixing different oils

Whatever the degree of compatibility of the products you use, after you have decided to purchase a constantly used liquid, you must immediately carry out preventive maintenance:

• Warm up the engine, turn it off and drain the old oil.
• Remove the filter.
• Fill with flushing material in the amount indicated on the packaging.
• Turn on the engine and leave it running for at least 20 minutes.
• Drain the flushing fluid. Wait until it stops dripping.
• Install a new filter.
• Pour in new oil.

Even if the use of the mixture did not in any way affect the further operation of the vehicle, this procedure should not be abused. Make sure you have plenty of oil before a long trip, and only use lubricants you can trust. One of the good solutions that combines unprecedented European quality and affordable prices will be the products of the German company HESSOL.

Now you know whether it is possible to add synthetics to semi-synthetics and how to add one type of lubricant to another. Use our advice and choose quality products for your car.

I ran into a problem; after a rebuild, the engine for Roni was filled with good, but synthetic, this is not correct. You need high-quality mineral water (features of my engine). The question arises: how to switch to mineral oil correctly? Yesterday I found some good information that might be useful to someone!

Is it possible to mix mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic oils?

And also, is it possible to mix oils from different manufacturers, viscosity, tolerances, etc... In general, any mixing of different oils in an engine is bad. It’s bad, first of all, because completely different additives that are contained in these motor oils are mixed, and it is completely unknown what the chemical reaction will be during such mixing. It is absolutely obvious that the resulting mixture cannot meet any standards or requirements. Therefore, you need to understand that any mixing of different oils is an extreme measure.

Possible consequences

Failure to follow the rules for mixing different types of oils can lead to negative consequences.

Let's highlight the main ones:

1. Reduced motor life. The incompatibility of additives found in different oils leads to faster wear of the engine, seals and other components that come into contact with the lubricant.
2. Deterioration of the properties of motor oil.
3. Increasing the viscosity of the lubricant until it coagulates.

To avoid such consequences, it is not recommended to mix different types of motor oils, and when performing such a step, replace them as quickly as possible. Below we will look at several situations in more detail.

Automotive lubrication tasks

The engine, judging by the research results, is able to function without oil. However, it will break quickly. Oily fluid performs the following tasks:

• protection of contacting parts from wear, jamming and other malfunctions;
• reduction of energy losses;
• cleaning the power unit;
• heat removal from rubbing parts;
• reduction of noise, vibration of gears, reduction of shock loads.

Full functions of motor oil
Simply put, motor oil allows the engine to function for a long time and without interruption.

Different manufacturers of the same viscosity

When mixing oils from different manufacturers, the consequences can be no less dangerous than when mixing “mineral water” and “synthetics”. If such a step cannot be avoided, then it is desirable that at least the viscosity be the same. Let's consider different options.

Synthetics of the same viscosity 5W40 and 5W40 from different manufacturers

If you have 5W40 in your engine, but there is no possibility of adding oil from the same manufacturer, you can add oil of another brand with the same viscosity 5W40. The main thing is that these products meet the requirements of ACEA and SAE, because in this case their compositions will be very similar.

But there is a nuance. Due to the fact that the oils are made by different manufacturers, there is no guarantee that the same base was used in their creation. For example, synthetic oil can be made using PAO or HC technology.

Consequently, the composition of additives may be different, and this will lead to conflicts between them. The result may be deterioration in the performance of the power unit.

Oils with viscosity 5W30 and 5W40 of different brands

In this case, the risks discussed above remain fully intact. Additionally, viscosity indicators change.

For example, 5W30 at -20 degrees Celsius retains its qualities and is quite viscous, but problems may arise with 5W40.

After mixing, a certain symbiosis occurs, due to which the properties of the oil deteriorate.

10W40 from different companies

The same risks that apply to the first situation remain here. Despite the same degree of viscosity and temperature indicators, lubricant manufacturers will be different.

Accordingly, there is no guarantee that there will be no conflicts due to the use of different substrates/technologies.

To avoid negative consequences, you must be very careful and, if possible, replace it immediately.

Classification of motor oils by quality and purpose

The American API standard, developed by the American Petroleum Institute, determines the quality level of oils. According to this standard, motor oils are divided for use in gasoline engines and are designated by the Latin letter “S” (Service), in diesel engines they are designated by the Latin letter “C” (Commercial). At the moment (every few years new ones appear) there are ten classes of oil for gasoline engines (SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL) and eleven classes for diesel engines (CA, CB, CC, CD, CDII, CE, CF, CF-4, CF-2, CG-4, CH-4). The further the second letter is from the beginning of the Latin alphabet, the higher the quality of the oil. Most modern oils are specified for use in both gasoline and diesel engines - in this case, both specifications are set, for example API SJ/CF.

Oils of the SF category are intended for engines of cars manufactured from 1980 to 1989, SG - for engines of passenger cars and light trucks from 1989-93. The SH standard was intended for motors whose mass production began in 1994, and replaces all previous ones. The SJ class, adopted in 1996, basically corresponds to the SH. The only difference is the additional requirements for oil consumption, fuel economy and the ability of the oil not to form deposits when heated.

The newest gasoline engines use oils that meet the SL class, which was introduced in 2001. Unlike the previous ones, SL class oils are characterized by greater stability, less volatility and sufficient service life for an extended service life (subject to the recommendation of the engine manufacturer). The numbers in classes CDII, CF-4, CF-2, CG-4, CH-4 indicate for which diesel engines the oil is developed - two-stroke or four-stroke.

The European classification of motor oils by performance properties (ACEA) differs significantly from the API classification in that it has higher requirements for the antioxidant and anti-wear properties of oils. The oil designation consists of the letter “A” for gasoline engines, “B” for diesel engines, numbers in the range 1-3 (the higher the number, the higher the quality) and the year the standard was adopted. For example, oil A2-96, B2-96 is a high-quality oil for gasoline and diesel engines.

Different viscosities from the same manufacturer (5W30, 10W40, 5W40)

This option is possible if the oils being mixed are made at the same factory. In this case, different levels of viscosity will lead to deviations in characteristics, but only slightly.

You need to understand that when adding a lubricant of a different class, the viscosity decreases slightly. The fact of how much new oil is added to the main composition is also important.

In a situation where you completely drained the lubricant before replacing, it is better to fill in oil of the same brand. This is due to the fact that about 10% of the old composition remains in the engine. Mixing changes the fluidity, but there should not be a significant change in capability.

Please note that when mixing, for example, 10W40 and 5W40, the temperature parameters will be somewhere in the middle. At the same time, additive packages and base compositions are likely to be identical, and this is a big plus.

What is better - a synthetic or mineral product?

To answer this question, it is necessary to take into account certain factors and remember how one type of lubricant differs from another.

Synthetic oil has good fluidity

First of all, check the car manufacturer's recommendations. Read the owner's manual that came with your car. It indicates which car oil should be poured in the summer and which in the winter season. The optimal viscosity of the lubricant is also specified there.

Also take into account the degree of engine wear and the type of oil fluid that was previously filled. For example, if you poured mineral water into the internal combustion engine for a long time, then the cracks that appeared in the rubber were filled with deposits.

If you pour synthetics into such a power unit, it, due to its own leaching and acidity characteristics, will remove everything, including the necessary deposits. That is why situations often happen when, when replacing mineral motor oil with synthetic oil, the latter pours out of the engine through cracks.

Experts advise using a synthetic product in new engines that are operated in harsh conditions (for example, in sports cars). If you have an old car, you simply need to change the oil more often.

Synthetics and semi-synthetics of the same and different brands

Semi-synthetic oil can be added to an engine with synthetic oil if the level has dropped to a critically low level and there are no other options.

It is safer to add “synthetic” to “semi-synthetic”, but even in this case it is recommended to replace it as quickly as possible and fill the engine with homogeneous fluid.

If we talk about the manufacturer, it is best that it be the same. In this case, there is a greater chance of ending up with a similar composition and the use of similar technologies in manufacturing.

Mixing synthetic and semi-synthetic brands from different manufacturers is more risky, because you cannot predict how compatible the mixed formulations will be with each other.

How and when to mix oils

1. Is it possible to mix oils from the same manufacturer? Within the brand, you can mix lubricants in any proportions you like. This is due to the following:

• same base;
• identical additive elements that affect the viscosity of the petroleum product;
• using additives that do not react with each other.

Of course, the petroleum products will differ, but there will definitely not be any reaction that negatively affects the engine. It's no secret that there are manufacturing plants that produce motor oils under different brands. In this case, the same base and the same additives are used. Thanks to this, the company increases its own profit.

The characteristics of such motor oils are identical. Because of this, when mixed, they will not precipitate, curl, or foam. However, the cost of such lubricant varies significantly. Decide for yourself what is more important – brand or quality.

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

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

4. Is it possible to mix motor oils of different viscosities? A common situation: you urgently need to top up the lubricant; the required brand of oil is available, but has a different viscosity. You can without a doubt purchase this oil and pour it into your car engine. For example, you can add 10W30 to 10W40. What will change in this case? Reactions between lubricants will definitely not start, because the same additive components are used by the same manufacturer. 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).

Synthetics of the same and different brands

Most often you have to mix synthetic oils, because there are rarely any difficulties in purchasing them. But there are two options here.

Synthetics of one brand

In this case, the car owner faces minimal risks, because the compositions and additives will be identical. If products have different viscosity levels, the output will be a slightly changed, but not critical, parameter.

Synthetics of different brands

If you have to mix synthetic oils of different brands, you need to look at compliance with ACEA certification (for the EU) and API (for the USA).

Oils of the first and second types are found in the Russian Federation and the CIS. For example, if you use “synthetics” that meet ACEA requirements, then you need to add a composition with the appropriate approval. The same applies to the API.

Judging by the manufacturers' statements, mixing different oils with the same certification does not pose any risks in terms of sedimentation, dangerous reactions or foam.

Therefore, if necessary, you can add synthetic oil from another manufacturer at any time, but one that meets the certification requirements. This is enough to get to the service center for a replacement.

When is it possible to mix mineral water with semi-synthetics?

During a trip, a car enthusiast may run out of lubricant. If there is no container with car oil, you will need to do everything possible to get to your home, car service center and fill up with oil. Also, drivers sometimes want to change the lubricant to another one that differs significantly in its characteristics from the one that was filled.

If you decide to change the oil to something completely different, know that this will not have the best effect on the engine. Remember that it is best to use the oil recommended by your car manufacturer. Don't experiment. It is better to put a canister of spare lubricant in the luggage compartment.

Before adding another lubricant to the oil, weigh all the pros and cons of this procedure. Inexperienced drivers are afraid of the oil turning off when filling, and this is completely in vain. So is it possible to mix lubricants? Yes, proof of this is the existence of semi-synthetic oils.

When adding oil to an already filled petroleum product, follow some rules. If the additives turn out to be incompatible, the motor will break down and will have to be overhauled. Such developments can be prevented. Motor oils of the same type from different manufacturers combine well with each other. When lubricants differ in origin, certain nuances must be taken into account.

Engine oil and transmission

It is important to understand that internal combustion engine oil has minimal viscosity, a high alkalinity, the presence of detergent additives and good fluidity.

In comparison, gear lubricant has high viscosity and low temperature stability. These fluids operate under completely different conditions, so mixing them is unacceptable.

This step leads to a decrease in efficiency or a complete deterioration in quality, depending on the proportion used.

When adding transmission oil to the engine, the following consequences are possible:

1. Active formation of foam, which falls as sediment on the surface of the unit.
2. Formation of solid deposits that clog the system channels.
3. Lack of lubrication, engine overheating, scuffing.
4. Motor failure with destruction of expensive parts.

The most dangerous point is the high reaction speed. Negative consequences appear already 100-200 km after addition.

Under what conditions can mineral and semi-synthetic oils be mixed together?

While on the road, the driver may run out of lubricant. And if he does not have a can of oil, then he will have to use any possible option to get to his home or the nearest car service center. Another situation related to replacing lubricants is the need to change one oil to another. Both liquids can differ greatly from each other, both in manufacturer, type and viscosity.

It is best to use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.

If we consider this procedure taking into account the preservation of the longevity of the motor declared by the manufacturer, then its feasibility is a big question. The driver must take a more practical approach to solving oil problems. First of all, the best choice for a car engine is the fluid recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Make the right choice right away. The ideal choice is the brand of oil that is indicated in the car's passport. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and avoid dangerous experiments. And one extra liter of oil in your trunk will not become an unbearable load for your car.

Before mixing lubricants, think again about what you can gain and lose. How much damage can the procedure cause to the engine? Some beginners are afraid that as soon as they start mixing oils, they will immediately begin to curdle. Such fears need to be dispelled; nothing terrible will happen. It is possible to mix different oils, as evidenced by the existence of semi-synthetics.

However, it is necessary to follow certain rules during the mixing procedure. If additives begin to conflict, there is only one result - engine breakdown and expensive overhaul. Such consequences can be avoided. Oils of the same type, even from different manufacturers, mix well with each other. When lubricant products are of different types, then a number of important nuances will need to be taken into account.

In what cases do you have to mix motor oils?

The need to mix motor oils of different brands/types/viscosities may arise for various reasons.

Let's highlight the main ones:

1. Desire to save money. This reason is especially relevant for drivers who buy used cars. If the previous owner spared no expense on high-quality lubricant, the new owner may not be able to afford such generosity. There are also cases when there is some cheap oil left from the last maintenance, but there is not enough available oil.
2. Force Majeure. On the road, a situation may arise when, when driving on a bad road, a sharp edge of the coating hits the engine pan and damages it. In this case, an oil leak occurs and it is unlikely that you will be able to find the same lubricant. To resolve the issue, you will have to use a product from a different manufacturer or type.
3. Switch to another lubricant. Another situation is when, when switching to new oil, a certain amount of the old composition remains in the engine. In this case, filling in new fluid does not lead to negative consequences due to the higher concentration of new oil.

In what situations have you had to mix motor oils and what came of it? Write in the comments.

Is it possible to mix different motor oils, a mixture of motor oils

Currently, there are different opinions on this issue. Some drivers allow the process of mixing motor oils, but only from one manufacturer. The other half of drivers have a different opinion that mixing oils is possible, but only of the same type, that is, belonging to the same class.

There are cases when car owners fill in the wrong type of petroleum product for topping up. This may be in order to save money, or, remembering their student years, they decide to conduct an experiment, mixing solutions with different viscosities to get a mediocre look.

To understand the problem, you should delve into the components of engine oil. The “composition” of a motor oil, as a rule, includes a base (base part) and various additives. They determine its quality.

Oils of various viscosities, combination of types

If the engine contains mineral oil, then addition can be made with semi-synthetic brands, as well as petroleum products obtained from hydrocracking. Similarly, a mixture of “mineral water” with a synthetic petroleum product made on the basis of complex olefins is allowed.

Other types of “synthetics” should not be used in all cases. Here the defining characteristic is the structural formula of the synthetic product. This applies to silicone, glycol and polyester varieties. All data can be easily obtained from an authorized dealer.

In case of an emergency, for example, the absence of the required canister with the required component, it is considered possible to add mineral oils to synthetic and semi-synthetic ones.

Filling oil in spring and autumn differs. The main difference is the thickness of the solution being poured. But do not forget that the old type of oil with different characteristics remains in the pan. This is not critical, since fresh oil is used up much earlier.

The oil manufacturer took into account all aspects at the production and diagnostic stage and considers this a conscious step. However, if the consumer consciously decides to mix oils with excellent characteristics, everything can end in disaster.

Is it possible to mix mineral and synthetic oil?

These types of petroleum products are completely different in composition. It's like mixing brine and vodka - an incompatible thing. Not only the additive packages differ, but also the base composition. When the engine operates at maximum power, unpleasant consequences can occur - oil foaming, deposits, loss of performance of additives.

It is strictly forbidden to mix mineral and artificial components, since the theory has already been confirmed by inexperienced car enthusiasts and people who are trying to save money.

Is it possible to mix motor oils from different manufacturers?

Similar recommendations can be given to products from different manufacturers, since the initial parameters of the recipes are not the same. Therefore, the consequences may be similar, as in the case of a mixture of mineral and synthetic composition. In addition, do not forget about turbocharging, since engines of this type experience all the hardships of work. Therefore, you should not mix any types of oils.

Is it possible to mix semi-synthetic motor oils?

The main part of semi-synthetic oils is produced by special selection and mixing of mineral and artificial base. Oil additives are selected based on the base composition. If the basics are different, then they will only interfere with each other.

Cases when there is no alternative

In our daily life, different situations happen, including hopeless ones. To avoid problems when mixing incompatible types of motor oil, you need to make a test:

• empty up to half a liter of old oil and pour into a clean container;
• add the same amount of petroleum product that needs to be added;
• mix and heat the solution to one hundred degrees Celsius.

If the prepared mixture has become a homogeneous mass, then you can pour it into the engine and hit the road in easy mode without forcing it. Upon arrival at your destination, you must change the oil.

If a small sediment appears in the mixture, the oil solution is contraindicated to be poured into the engine - this will lead to engine malfunction. And such an incidental situation can happen at any moment of the journey, be it the first or hundredth kilometer.

If you need to get home

As noted above, one of the negative situations may be trouble on the road or in another populated area. In this case, the car owner is forced to look for the same oil or fill in lubricant from another manufacturer.

The store or market may not have the product you need, and then you will have to look for a way out of the situation. The easiest way is to buy a working fluid with the same parameters as in the engine.

It is also necessary that the type of lubricant matches, for example, “synthetic” should only be mixed with “synthetic”. This rule also applies to other types of lubricants - “semi-synthetic” and “mineral”.

If you had to add different oils, the end point of the journey will not be your home, but the nearest service station. The service must carry out work to completely remove the liquid and fill in a new composition. In this case, it is desirable that the manufacturers are identical.

After returning home the following work must be done:

1. Complete drainage of the working fluid present in the engine.
2. Fill in the flushing oil and leave the engine to run for 15-20 minutes at idle. These lubricants contain cleaning additives that remove traces of previous lubricants.
3. Turn off the motor, drain the flushing lubricant and fill in the main one.

Now you know whether it is possible to mix motor oils of different manufacturers, types and viscosity classes, in what cases this is possible, and what risks there may be for the engine if the current rules are violated.

Motor oil bases

Lubricants according to production method are divided into three main groups:

• Mineral (organic).
• Synthetic.
• Semi-synthetic.

The first is a liquid obtained by direct distillation and purification of petroleum products. It is distinguished by its low price due to the fact that the technology for processing fuel oil is very simple and does not require large energy costs.

The disadvantages of mineral oils include:

• Instability of the composition, especially with temperature changes.
• Big expense.
• Risk of sediment and deposits.

To improve performance, various additives are added to the oil, which improve anti-corrosion properties, increase fluidity, reduce wear of components, etc. Typically, such additional components account for up to 15-20%.

Synthetic oils use artificial molecular elements that are added to raw materials obtained as a result of oil cracking - its catalytic or thermal treatment. At the same time, the cost of synthetics will be 4-5 times higher than that of mineral oil.

The undeniable advantages of synthetic oil are:

• Work at low and high temperatures.
• High degree of protection of parts and assemblies.
• No foreign particles that could clog the engine components.

Artificial auto fluids can be:

• Hydrocarbons (with increased hydrolytic stability and anti-corrosion properties).
• Polyester (guaranteeing thermal-oxidative stability).
• Polyglycol (characterized by maintaining viscosity under various operating conditions).
• Created on the basis of phosphoric acid esters (the best lubricating properties).
• Silicone (stable viscosity and good fluidity).

Semi-synthetics are a hybrid product obtained by adding a mineral base to synthetics. It has most of the advantages of artificial, but at the same time costs 2 times less.

As a rule, mineral compounds are used for older engines, and synthetic ones are used for modern cars, the components of which have minimal clearances that require, for effective operation, that the film formed by the oil be thin and have the same thickness over the entire area.

Semi-synthetic fluids are suitable for engines with a mileage of more than 100,000 km. at moderate operating temperatures. When using a combined solution in northern regions, problems may occur with starting the engine, as well as other problems associated with the fact that the lubricating fluid becomes excessively thick. In hot weather, on the contrary, it becomes very liquefied.

What motor oils can be mixed with each other: are synthetic products compatible with semi-synthetic ones?

When asked whether it is possible to add another oil to the engine, most manufacturers answer negatively, citing the following as possible consequences:

• Clogging of channels due to a significant increase in fluid viscosity.
• Contamination of motor components.
• Neutralization of additives and their possible precipitation.

Service center specialists are not so categorical and admit that in some cases, auto fluids can still be mixed. True, there is almost always a caveat that this can only be done in emergency cases and for a short period of time - in order to get to the nearest center where the motor fluid will be completely replaced.

There may be several options for a partial update:

• Using the same type of lubricant (for example, mixing a mineral with a mineral of a different brand).
• Using a different base.

In the second case, you can add:

• Synthetic fluid to semi-synthetic.
• Semi-synthetic to mineral.

Mixing completely synthetic material with organic material should be avoided. Special compounds are added to mineral liquids to increase the viscosity coefficient, while synthetics have sufficient viscosity due to their base. The result can be thickening of the oil up to complete curdling.

It should be noted that mixing oils is often unintentional. Even if you want to make a complete replacement, without additional flushing agents, you will not be able to drain the entire volume. The remainder can be up to 0.5 liters. If the maximum quantity of material is 4 liters, you will mix in a ratio of one to seven.

In addition to the type of base, when choosing an oil to add to your existing one, you need to consider:

As already noted, only 80-85% of motor fluids are actually oil, while the remaining volume is allocated for all kinds of additives designed to improve the performance of the product. The chemical composition of such inclusions is a trade secret and is not disclosed, and therefore it is difficult to determine how it will act if the environment changes.

What happens if you mix synthetics with semi-synthetics from different brands and manufacturers? It is possible that the components used by one plant will block the effect of the composition introduced by another. This may cause the engine to overheat or deteriorate its performance. For this reason, it is strongly recommended not to mix motor oils from different manufacturers.

Let's sum it up

You can mix different motor oils if necessary. For example, when the light on the instrument panel lights up indicating the need to add oil, you should not ignore this warning; you need to immediately take action at the nearest gas station. The engine is more important.

For example, you can safely add MOBIL SUPER 3000 X1 with the same viscosity to Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-40.

The fact is that these are the same oils only from different manufacturers. They are based on group 3 hydrocracking, the same package of additives, only the first oil was mixed in France, and the second in Finland.

But if you don’t understand such things, you can add a little of any motor oil of the same type, the main thing is for a short time with a complete replacement in the future.

How to add another oil to the engine correctly

If adding oil of a different brand is allowed, you should first think about whether it is really necessary. Ideally, the product is completely changed to a different brand of liquid with an appropriate filter. Replacement is carried out independently or with the help of trusted specialists from the service station. This way you will minimize the risk of filling with low-quality liquid and installing a low-quality filter.

It makes sense to mix oils of different brands only as a last resort. For example, when the oil sensor indicator lights up on the highway, but you don’t have a suitable fluid for replacement either with you or in the nearest car repair shops and stores.

Adding another brand of oil to the engine should follow certain rules, of which there are exactly five.

So, the following combinations are allowed:

1. Mineral and semi-synthetic compounds.
   If the engine previously ran on organics, then mixing it with semi-synthetics of a suitable brand is acceptable. A purely synthetic polyalphaolefin based fluid may also be suitable. You can add polyester, silicone and glycol compounds to organic matter, but you need to take into account the chemical composition of the product being added.

2. Synthetic oils and other types of fluids.
   Is it possible to add another brand of motor oil to the engine if synthetic is used? Today, every manufacturer of engine lubricants tries to adhere to European standards, which allows the product to be mixed with other brands. However, the quality of the mixture is not guaranteed. That is, the mixture may result in foaming in the engine or sediment. The positive thing is that the risk of these troubles is minimized compared to other types of lubricating fluids. If the number of possible problems is kept to a minimum, this product can be considered very high quality. However, it is better to carry out the first maintenance of the car with the recommended brand of lubricant, having flushed the engine in advance. After passing the maintenance, you can start mixing (topping up).
3. Synthetic and semi-synthetic oils.
   It is permissible to add semi-synthetic fluid to the synthetic fluid available in the engine when the oil level has dropped to critical, and only semi-synthetic fluids are available. For example, 5W40 and 10W40 formulations are mixed safely. The viscosity of the mixture will be in the range from 6W40 to 8W40. The best option is to add synthetics to the existing semi-synthetic fluid (that is, dilute the existing composition with a better one). And yet it is worth mixing synthetics and semi-synthetics with each other only in the most extreme cases.
4. Two products from the same manufacturer.
   As already mentioned, it is permissible to mix different types of oil from the same plant, since these liquids have a similar chemical composition. In other words, these products are produced on the same basis, and the same set of additives is added to them, which allows them to be added to the engine. This is also worth taking into account because sometimes the same composition is sold under different brands.
5. Products from different manufacturers.
   A reasonable question often arises: is it possible to add oil of a different brand and manufacturer to the engine? The answer is: it is possible, but the option is quite risky. No one can give a complete guarantee that the resulting mixture will be effective, since different manufacturers use different production technologies. But you shouldn’t immediately rule out this option. It happens that the mixture results in a minimum of foam and an insignificant sediment, although such a situation occurs, unfortunately, quite rarely.

So, let's summarize.

• When mixing, be sure to check that each fluid's tolerances are compatible.
• Add fluid to the engine that matches the current class. Do not use oil intended for commercial vehicles in a passenger car.
• Answer to the question “Is it possible to add oil to an engine of a different brand of the same viscosity?” will be positive. Moreover, this option is recommended by experts.
• It is advisable to mix products from the same manufacturer.
• Add a higher quality composition to a lower quality one. For example, you can add semi-synthetic liquid to organic liquid, and synthetic liquid to semi-synthetic liquid.

Not recommended:

• reduce the quality of the fluid (for example, add semi-synthetic to synthetic in the engine);
• mix mineral oil with synthetic oil;
• mix to a ratio of 1 to 1 (it is optimal to add a maximum of 15% of liquid from the total volume of the mixture).

How does “mineral water” differ from “synthetics”?

Let's remember what is included in mineral and what is in synthetic motor oil.

Mineral oils are products of direct petroleum refining, which are characterized by instability of their characteristics and a high degree of volatility. To make such oils more efficient, a large number of stabilizing additives are added to them, which are prone to relatively rapid destruction. Because of this, it is recommended to change mineral oil to “fresh” oil as often as possible.

Synthetic oils are products obtained by synthesis, and their characteristics (viscosity, flash point and pour point, base and acid numbers) can be set during production. The properties of such oils are stable, and their relatively high viscosity-temperature characteristics make it possible not to add a large amount of additives.

Thanks to these properties and a small amount of additives compared to mineral oil, synthetic oil lasts longer and needs to be changed less frequently than mineral oil. In addition, synthetic oil differs from mineral oil in higher thermal-oxidative stability, low volatility and a low tendency to form soot and deposits.

In addition to differences in the basic composition of mineral and synthetic oils, they differ in the amount and composition of additives added. These additives include:

— corrosion and rust inhibitors

Mineral oils from different manufacturers will differ not only in their base composition, but also in the composition of the additives used in them. The same can be said about synthetic oils. The difference in the composition of additives is dictated by many reasons and often depends on the climate zone in which the car is operated. It is not for nothing that we focused our attention on these chemical components of oils - after all, it depends on them whether the engine will run on a “cocktail” of mineral and synthetic oil.

The main harm comes from additives

If only mineral and synthetic oil bases were mixed, then, perhaps, much less damage would be caused to the engine than what is produced by the different chemical composition additives found in these oils. The fact is that not all additives contained in mineral oil dissolve in the synthetic base. Just as not all “synthetic” additives can dissolve in the mineral oil base. No one can predict what can happen in each individual case of mixing such oils. One thing is certain - the engine will be ill from such a “cocktail”. It’s bad, first of all, from the elements of the additives of the oil that were added – it doesn’t matter whether it’s mineral or synthetic – that have precipitated into an insoluble precipitate.

This undissolved sediment can form a viscous mixture that will clog the oil receiver grids and oil channels, causing the engine to experience oil starvation.

Operating in this mode, even for a short period of time, can lead to failure of the unit. It must be remembered that oil of a certain composition (mineral or synthetic) forms chemically modified layers and adsorbed films on the rubbing surfaces of engine parts. When other additives are added, these layers are destroyed, and wear of parts increases, which also significantly harms the engine.

Lubricant selection

There is an intermediate option between mineral water and synthetics. This is a semi-synthetic motor oil. It is a hydrocracking product. Semi-synthetic consumables are cheaper than synthetic ones. In terms of characteristics, they are slightly worse than synthetics.

When selecting an oil product, you need to take into account the car model, its mileage, the condition of the engine, the type of fuel that burns in the internal combustion engine, and climatic conditions. Under normal conditions, car oil needs to be replaced every ten thousand kilometers.

Russian conditions are considered quite harsh. The lubricant must be replaced every five thousand kilometers. Diesel and turbocharged engines require frequent oil changes.

Fill your engine with a high quality product. Buy products from well-known manufacturers that have a good reputation. It's sad, but today you can often find counterfeit petroleum products in stores.

In order not to buy low-quality oil, you need to be responsible when choosing a lubricant.

Source

Types of modern motor oils

Oils produced today for car engines 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 volume of the lubricant. The base fluid can be mineral, semi-synthetic, or synthetic. Additive packages may vary, but not too significantly.

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

• Mineral. Produced from petroleum through selective purification. During manufacturing, paraffins are separated and hydrotreated. This creates a foundation. Mineral oil costs less than synthetics and semi-synthetics.
• Synthetic. Manufactured through chemical synthesis. As a result of synthesis, hydrocarbon molecules of the same size are formed. The process is very complicated, which is why such lubricants are more expensive than others.
• Semi-synthetic. They combine 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.
• Hydrocracking. An intermediate option between synthetic and semi-synthetic motor oils. These are mineral lubricants that have been treated with the hydrocracking method. In terms of cost, such a lubricant is cheaper than a synthetic one.

This is interesting: What is antifreeze and why is it needed?

Main differences between lubricants

At least a basic understanding of the types of oils and their compositions makes it clear whether different brands and types can be combined with each other. The first part of the motor lubricant is called base, the second part includes special additives. A mixture of two components creates certain lubricant characteristics. The main difference between the types in the base is that it can be based on minerals or synthetics. As for semi-synthetic lubricant, its base part contains synthetic and mineral bases. A semi-synthetic working fluid contains 70% of the mineral base, and a synthetic fluid, respectively, 30%.

Obviously, synthetics need to be mixed with synthetics, and organics with organics. But what will happen when mixing different types of motor oils? The resulting mixture will not perform all the tasks of the working fluid, while some additives from the mineral fluid simply will not interact with the additives of the synthetic lubricant, as a result, they will dissolve. Additives, like the base, are created separately for mineral and synthetic oils. You cannot mix “synthetics” and “mineral water”. Within a few hours of working with such a mixture, coked rings and various slags will appear in the motor channels, after which the engine will fail.

What to do if you do mix mineral oil with synthetic oil

First of all, don’t panic. And try to get to the nearest service station as soon as possible, preferably in a gentle mode (without stress). Where they will diagnose your engine and determine whether you will need to flush the oil system, or you can get by with simply replacing the oil and oil filter.

PS To be fair, it is worth saying that adding mineral oil to synthetic oil and vice versa without causing serious damage to the engine is still possible. But only if you have added oil from the same manufacturer and are going to drive this “mixture” for a short time. Ideally, to the nearest service station. But even in this case, changing the oil and filter cannot be avoided.

Source

What is the difference between synthetics, semi-synthetics and mineral?

There are differences between mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic types of oils. Mineral does not respond well to changes in temperature conditions - when the temperature threshold increases, the additive begins to burn out, and when it decreases, the composition acquires a viscous consistency, which significantly reduces the performance of the mechanisms. But synthetic analogs are less responsive to temperature changes, and therefore work stably if the composition is of high quality.

A synthetic product differs from a mineral one, first of all, at the level of molecular structure. It does not require additives in such quantities, since the composition synthesizes the necessary properties even when creating the liquid. But if this type “washes” engine parts, then synthetics simply scrape off carbon deposits and deposits. High fluidity and this approach to cleaning often provokes clogging of filters and oil lines, which provokes engine failure due to lack of oil. But synthetics are still considered the best option.

Semi-synthetics are an intermediate option between synthetic and mineral. It is usually preferred in cases where the car has a high mileage, which prevents the appearance of such factors as increased carbon emissions, characteristic of synthetics. Also, semi-synthetics may be preferred in conditions where the temperature threshold does not fall below 20 degrees. But semi-synthetics will have to be changed more often.