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What motor oils can be mixed

Is it possible to mix motor oils?

The retail chain offers a large selection of motor oils from various global manufacturers. There is a certain rule suitable for creating ideal conditions: engine oil must be poured into the engine crankcase in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of a particular car.

Many drivers wonder whether it is possible to mix motor oils and what will happen to the performance of the internal combustion engine when doing so. 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 in cases of extreme necessity.

Mixing synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oils

There are no official prohibitions or permissions for mixing motor lubricants belonging to different groups and brands. There are only some recommendations or instructions in this regard. However, this does not mean that they can be mixed without restrictions.

There are cases (sharp drop in lubricant level) when it is not possible to use the correct oil to get 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 well-known brands have approvals according to ACEA (for European manufacturers) and API (USA) standards. In accordance with their requirements, mixing of motor oils of various brands certified within the framework of the specified standards is provided.

Such mixtures do not form dangerous chemical reactions for gasoline and diesel power units. There is no foaming and no harmful precipitation occurs.

However, experienced experts and auto mechanics warn car owners against constantly operating a vehicle with a cocktail in it.

Mixing lubricants from different groups and manufacturers within the limits of 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 further operation of the machine.

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

  1. Motor faults are eliminated.
  2. The oil is completely replaced with a brand that corresponds to the recommended one.

Simultaneously with a complete replacement of the lubricant, it is necessary to install a new filter element (oil filter). The interval between subsequent oil changes 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 motor oil to 10W 40 semi-synthetic engine oil.

Compatibility of motor oils from one manufacturer

Lubricants produced 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 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 components and do not differ significantly from each other. A conflict between additives will not occur when mixing them; any proportion is acceptable.

Motor oils from different manufacturers are much more difficult to combine than representatives of the same brand. At the same time, the risks of potential conflicts between different additives increase significantly.

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

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 bad will happen. But there is always a possibility of the mixture foaming and precipitating.

If you mix different substances, an incorrect chemical reaction may 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.

No matter what beneficial properties each substance has, a mixed oil cocktail will destroy some of the additives on one side or the other.

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

How lubricants with different viscosities are combined

As an illustration, it is proposed to consider this example. Combining 5W-30 oil with 5W-40 results in a decrease in viscosity coefficient at high engine temperatures. Different levels of viscosity will average its value, which is not significant for the final result. The viscosity of the mixture will, of course, change, but a cold engine will still start without problems even at minus 35°C.

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

When choosing technical fluids, in particular lubricants, maximum responsibility must be observed.

This product should only be purchased at branded outlets from trusted suppliers and sellers.

High quality motor oil, selected in accordance with the car manufacturer's recommendations, will ensure uninterrupted operation of the internal combustion engine for a long time.

Source: http://AvtoDvigateli.com/motornye-masla/mozhno-li-smeshivat.html

Is it possible to mix different motor oils?

Publication date: March 24, 2016.

Every car owner will sooner or later face a dilemma - is it possible to mix motor oils from different manufacturers and different viscosities or not? This question is quite natural, since today manufacturers of motor oils (MO) offer a fairly wide range of lubricants that differ in their chemical composition, the number of additives and many other indicators. In addition, oils are made on a mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic basis.

In fact, you can mix MM, and even make “mixes” from mineral water and synthetics, the main thing is to know when to stop and follow the recommendations. The fact is that all lubricating fluids undergo appropriate testing for compatibility with other oils.

Moreover, such a product is accompanied by the necessary certificates, which indicate that the presented MM contains no additives that may conflict with the additives of other oils.

This is in theory, but in practice, “unpopular” manufacturers rarely carry out such checks, so if you plan to mix oils, make sure that you are using a product from a trusted company.

For example, if in front of you is MM Castrol and Mobil or Shell and Lukoil, which belongs to the same class, then such a mixture takes place. That is, if synthetics or semi-synthetics have a similar viscosity and this product is designed for the same type of engine, then you will not harm the engine.

What oils can be mixed

Many experts unanimously insist that mixing products from different manufacturers or different classes is only possible in an emergency situation. After this, you need to go to a service center as quickly as possible, where you need to wash the engine and fill in new oil. In fact, such “horror stories” are created artificially and in fact are not the truth.

Everyone knows that motor oils differ in several parameters:

  • based on the base (mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic);
  • by degree of viscosity (SAE index). Oils are labeled from 0w-60 to 15w-40;
  • according to its classification (API, ACEA, ILSAC). MM can be for passenger cars, trucks, gasoline, and other types of engines.

Accordingly, if the mixed oils meet the same parameters, then they can be mixed.

What happens if you mix oils with different bases?

If we are talking about synthetics, then they can be mixed with any other product that meets its standards, that is, has approval according to API or ACEA.

According to these requirements, the manufacturer must provide a product that can withstand such a neighborhood absolutely calmly. There is no danger to engine parts.

Also, during this mixing process, no chemical reactions will occur that will provoke the appearance of sediment or foaming of the liquid.

If we take 5w-40 synthetic oil and 10w-40 semi-synthetic oil, then nothing terrible will happen either. By mixing these two liquids, the output we get is a fully functional “cocktail” with 6w-40 or 8w-40 (depending on the proportion of old and new oil). But it’s best not to top up with MM, but to wait for the planned replacement and fill in petroleum products in equal parts.

If the engine is already filled with mineral water, then it can be mixed with semi-synthetic oil or with synthetics made on the basis of polyalphaolefins (PAO). It is not always possible to “mix mineral water” with polyester, glycol and silicone synthetics. In what cases this is permissible can only be found out from the manufacturer of your car brand.

The safest way to mix oils, according to manufacturers

Products of the same brand usually have more common elements, so experts are of the opinion that it is better to add a slightly different viscosity of the same brand to the engine than to fill in MM with similar characteristics from another company.

This is explained by the fact that the amount of additives in liquids from one manufacturer is usually the same, as are other elements. It follows from this that, in fact, the base (even in materials of different viscosity) will be the same, which will completely eliminate the possibility of additive conflicts during the mixing process. It is also worth noting that MM of the same brand can be safely mixed in any ratio.

When planning a transition from oil of one viscosity to another, it is also recommended to use fluid from the same manufacturer. The fact is that when replacing the lubricant, about 5-10% of the old product remains in the engine, which may be enough for the same additive conflict.

In custody

The results of how different oils behave with each other were once published in a magazine dedicated to auto topics.

During the experiment and laboratory testing, it was possible to prove that oils from different companies with similar characteristics enter into chemical reactions, but these changes do not in any way affect the performance of the engine and its “life expectancy”.

All the recommendations and horror stories related to the fact that you can only upload MM from one manufacturer is nothing more than a commercial move, so don’t be afraid to experiment, most importantly, do it wisely.

Source: https://avto-moto-shtuchki.ru/avtohimija/54-mozhno-li-smeshivat-motornye-masla-raznyh-proizvoditelej.html

Is it permissible to mix motor oils?

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

There are several reasons why motor oils have to be mixed with each other in one engine:

  • during a scheduled replacement, up to 1 liter of the used mixture remains, which is mixed with new oil;
  • replacing fluid from one manufacturer with another;
  • increased mileage of the power unit, increased gaps in friction pairs - the need for a thicker fluid;
  • force majeure situations leading to oil leakage, while there is no similar liquid for topping up.
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Answering the question: “What will happen if you mix motor oils in one engine?”, you first need to become familiar with the composition of motor fluids, understand the differences in the base and additives of different automobile mixtures.

The base can be:

  • synthetic;
  • semi-synthetic;
  • mineral.

Synthetic oils are produced using the synthesis of carbon compounds from polyalphaolefins (PAO), esters or glycol compounds. Mineral liquids are a product of petroleum refining.

Polysynthetic motor mixtures are obtained by mixing mineral and synthetic fluids in a certain ratio, which is not strictly regulated: each manufacturer can choose their own proportions to create semi-synthetics.

The base base cannot adequately protect the engine from wear, so chemical elements are added to it - additives that provide the oil with certain properties to protect the power unit.

Each motor oil manufacturer develops a unique additive composition for its products. It can mix up to 30% of various additives into the base without entering into conflicting chemical reactions with each other.

Mixing correctly

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

Synthetic polyester, silicone, and glycol oils can be mixed with mineral water only after obtaining permission to mix from the dealer of the specified products.

It is allowed to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics, taking into account the viscosity of the product. For example, if you add 10w - 30 to a mixture of 10w - 20, the high-temperature indicator of the motor oil, which is responsible for protecting the power unit from overheating, will change.

At the same time, the fluidity of the liquid will decrease, take this fact into account, especially if in your car the oil also acts as a hydraulic mixture.

An increase in the thickness of the engine oil can lead to the fact that it will not be able to penetrate the friction units of the drive elements and will not protect the engine from wear, plus the hydraulic system will no longer cope with its functions.

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

We recommend watching a video illustrating the consequences of mixing different motor oils:

Products of various brands

Mixing oils from different manufacturers is a rather risky undertaking, which can lead not only to a major overhaul of the engine, but also to sending it for disposal.

The fact is that different brands receive their base from different raw materials using different processing schemes. For synthetics, there are many compounds that can be used to produce a synthetic motor oil with good performance.

Mineral mixtures are purified from oil fractions in several ways; different manufacturers can choose the most cost-effective schemes for their production. When producing semi-synthetics, manufacturers can choose different proportions for mixing synthetics with mineral water.

Obviously, it is impossible to predict the qualitative composition of the mixture obtained by mixing, so it is impossible to say how much it can protect the engine from wear.

The greatest danger when mixing oils of different brands are additives added to the base. Each brand uses its own composition of additives, so when mixing motor fluids they can react - this will lead to the following consequences:

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

Engineers from API and ACEA have developed classifications of motor oils. If absolutely necessary, you can mix without noticeable harm to the power unit liquids that have the appropriate markings of the specified organizations.

At the same time, no pronounced conflicting reactions will occur between the oils, but no one claims that motor fluids labeled according to API and ACEA are fully compatible; it is unknown how the mixing product will behave after several thousand kilometers.

Source: http://pro-zamenu.ru/motornoe-maslo/smeshivanie-motornyih-masel.html

Is it possible to mix motor oils: how to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics

There are a number of issues in the world around which controversy continues. One of these is: “What motor oils can be mixed?” Moreover, each car owner has his own point of view on this matter. Accordingly, the entire automotive community is divided into supporters of mixing and opponents of this process.

The eternal dispute between car enthusiasts

The debate over this issue is reminiscent of another eternal debate about whether antibiotics and alcohol can be mixed. Some claim that this is like death, others say that there is nothing terrible in it, that they have already done this many times and nothing, they are alive and well. Although everyone knows the answer, this cannot be done, this is what professionals say - doctors and annotations for medications.

The consequences of mixing different types of oils may appear later

The consequences will appear later. The same situation has developed around motor oils. Many car owners selflessly indulge in meaningless disputes, not paying attention to the recommendations of professionals and oil manufacturers.

What does Castrol think about this?

What are the features of different types of oils?

Absolutely everyone, even those who don’t have a car, know that all existing oils are divided into three groups:

  • Organic.
  • Synthetic.
  • Semi-synthetic.

This is where most people's knowledge in this area ends. This gives rise to a huge amount of speculation, myths and legends. First you need to understand what the difference is between these classes of oils.

Actually, everything becomes clear from their names. The basis of organic oils are substances of natural origin, synthetics consist entirely of chemicals, and 30% organic components are added to semi-synthetics.

In addition, the oils contain various additives. These are mainly methanols, fluorocarbons, and dithiophosphates. Their main functions are to increase the service life of the oil and protect the engine . In simple terms, they form viscosity.

The higher this indicator, the better the quality of the oil.

Global trends in oil production

To do this, you need about 15 minutes of free time, the Internet and logic turned on. First you need to look at the trends in the global economy. She strives for globalization and universalization in everything.

A striking example of this is the European environmental requirements for cars. They are the same for all car manufacturers on the continent.

If their products do not meet these standards, the Old World market will be closed to them.

The same thing is happening in the fuel sector, and in the field of oils, globalization is truly impressive. This industry also has uniform standards that all oils produced must meet. The North American continent has requirements called API, the European ACEA.

They have one common requirement that immediately resolves the dispute about mixing oils.

This clause states that all manufacturers of oils for sale on the market must ensure that their lubricants are fully miscible with the products of other manufacturers.

It turns out that absolutely all oils can be mixed with each other without fear that a reaction will occur and, as a result, crystallization of the lubricant and this will immediately lead to serious engine damage.

Anyone can easily check the information presented. So talk about a global conspiracy of oil manufacturers who specifically add various additives to their products that react with each other is absolutely meaningless.

But here a fair question arises: “What to do if the oil is homemade?” No one is immune from this. In addition, it makes no difference whether such material is filled in in full or simply added. In any case, it neutralizes the quality of even branded products and will damage the engine.

To reduce the risk of such a problem, it is better not to skimp on motor oil. It is advisable to purchase it from the same trusted place. The same goes for the filter.

Don't get carried away

Consequences of mixing semi-synthetic and mineral oil

Despite the fact that all oils can be mixed with each other, this should not be turned into a regular practice. It is necessary to follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer and pour into it the oil specified in the technical documentation. This guarantees long-term engine operation without breakdowns or repairs.

Then another question rightly arises: “What about universal mixing of motor oils?” This universalization was carried out for the convenience of car owners, so that they could easily find and add oil, which can be purchased at the nearest store or from another car owner.

In order to explain such a contradiction, it is necessary to look at the problem from a technical point of view. All car manufacturers, before starting mass production of a new model, test it. This is done in order to eliminate all possible minor defects and compile a list of technical recommendations.

During road tests, car developers find out which oil maximizes the life of the engine and reduces wear on its moving parts.

From this we can conclude that if you fill in a different oil several times in an emergency, disaster will not happen. But when this happens systematically, it gradually reduces the service life of the power unit.

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The reason for this is inadequate protection of the moving parts; as a result, carbon deposits form on them and, as a result, the motor requires frequent repairs.

Advice for emergency situations

These situations themselves are not worth listing; every driver has found himself in them. It would be better to give some advice on the topic of how to mix motor oils if the nearest store or gas station does not have the required manufacturer and class?

It is advisable to purchase any oil of the best quality for topping up. Here we mean the coefficient of its viscosity. For example, in synthetics with a rating of 30, you can add semi-synthetics with a rating of 40 and vice versa.

The only exceptions are cars that require oils with special approval. In this case, you need to find products from another manufacturer on the counter that will have the same numerical designation, and pour them into your car.

At the same time, you can drive on this mixture until the next oil change.

If the best quality oil is not available in the assortment, do not despair; products with worse characteristics will also be suitable.

In this case, you should first fill in the cleaner and drive it for a while to thoroughly rinse all parts of the engine. During this period, it is necessary to maintain a certain speed limit and not to overload the power unit, as this may have a bad effect on it.

The most effective and efficient way to avoid emergency situations is prevention. Before traveling long distances, it doesn’t hurt to inspect the car at a service station or independently, if you have the skill and knowledge in this area. Another good piece of advice is that you should always carry the necessary oil with you, because a small canister will not take up much space, but will save you from many problems.

In any case, the final choice always remains only with the driver, the owner of the car. But in the case when it is necessary to reach the nearest station or populated area, you can, without a doubt, fill in everything that is at hand.

Source: http://LifanoVod.ru/kakie-motornye-masla-mozhno-smeshivat-i-kak/

Can oils be mixed? — DRIVE2

Good engine oil is the key to good operation for many thousands of kilometers. We are trying to replace the oil with a better and more advanced one; now we almost never see mineral oils for the engine.

Semi-synthetic and synthetic oils are very popular.

But what to do if the engine oil starts to leak due to a breakdown? Is it possible to mix oils from different manufacturers and different categories? Let's think...

There can be many reasons for mixing oil. Let's say you are in another city and your engine oil pan gasket starts leaking. The oil level goes down very quickly (read - how to find out the oil level), and the nearest auto stores do not have the same oil as yours (especially true when you use branded oil, for example Chevrolet, Opel, Ford, etc.).

What to do? You need to move to your home or to the nearest technical station. service. But driving with a low level of engine oil is absolutely forbidden. vk.com/autobap The engine does not receive additional lubrication and may simply seize.

Here the question arises, is it possible to add oil from the nearest auto store? Can oils be mixed? That is, add, for example, Mobil 1 to your Chevrolet or Ford oil?

Let me start by saying that you cannot mix oils . Motor oils are not standardized. That is, Shell oil cannot be added to Mobil 1 oil. Manufacturers are different and produce oils in different ways. Almost everything is different, the consistency of the oil itself, additives, tolerance standards and temperature conditions.

That is, if you add oil from another manufacturer, then when the engine is running, at high temperatures, the engine oils may curdle. Which entails clogging of all engine lubrication passages and oil filter. Accordingly, the engine will not receive additional lubrication, and that’s it, the engine may jam.

And engine repair on a car is very expensive, especially if it is a foreign car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNY8G0PKgE4

But you are in another city and you need to somehow get out of there. Of course, if you have a popular oil that is sold almost everywhere, then there will be no problems buying it, just go to the seller and buy the same brand of oil.

You need to be careful here! If you have Mobil 1 5W-40 synthetic, then you need to buy synthetics with these specific indicators. And not “Mobil 1” 5W-30, even these oils from the same manufacturer may differ, although not significantly, but still.

But if there is no such oil in stores, but you need to travel, then, willy-nilly, you will have to mix oils.

!ADVICE! You need to know what type of oil and what manufacturer you have in your car engine. Let's say: synthetics - “Shell” 5W-40 or semi-synthetics “Castrol” 5W-30.

You need to know this so that when mixing oil from different manufacturers, choose oils with similar indicators, this will reduce the risks.

For example, if your engine is filled with Castrol 5W-40 synthetic, there is no such oil in stores nearby, then we buy Mobil 1 synthetic with the same 5W-40 performance. And not semi-synthetic or mineral oil.

We do the same with semi-synthetics (that is, we mix semi-synthetics with the same characteristics), with mineral oil, in the same way. By mixing oils this way, there is a chance that your engine will run normally.

After you have arrived in your city or service station. You need to change the oil completely, you need to remove this cocktail from the engine. Then I recommend that you flush the engine with flushing oil, and then fill it with normal oil, without dilution.

Result:

It is not advisable to mix oils. Because if something goes wrong it will be a very expensive repair. But if you need to mix motor oil, select it with the same characteristics. But after mixing the oil, the engine needs to be flushed and filled with clean oil.

Source: https://www.drive2.com/b/2819444/

Is it possible to mix motor oils?

Those who have purchased a car relatively recently often wonder whether it is possible to mix oils from different manufacturers or those that belong to different categories and have different viscosities. This issue needs to be looked into.

Oil of different brands

Any oil has its own base and set of additives, thanks to which the base oil acquires a number of original qualities. Since foundations from different brands may not be compatible , this may be the first problem.

Each manufacturer has its own technology for producing the base composition, so it will contain different properties.

Since the bases are not the same, problems can arise even when mixing oils that are similar but produced by different manufacturers. This is due to the fact that the additive factor begins to act.

The fact is that in order to achieve equal viscosity and temperature conditions, manufacturers solved problems in different ways, depending on the basis that was taken as the base.

Therefore, a different set of additives was used, which radically changed the solution to the problem, that is, the result turned out to be radically different. If you mix two oils with different chemical compositions, then it is unknown what the result will be when they interact.

Different categories of oils

A simple example was discussed above; it is difficult to imagine what will happen if oils belonging to different categories are mixed, for example, mineral and synthetic.

The main problem is that mineral oil does not have the same stable viscosity as synthetic oil. In order to improve this indicator, you will need to use a certain additive, which can only worsen the situation with regard to interaction with synthetic ones.

And it is unknown how various additives will behave after some time. That is why you should not mix different oils, since the result of such an action is unknown.

The main problems to expect from such mixing are:

  • the engine will become dirty: the rings may become coked, slag may be deposited, etc.;
  • some of the additives will precipitate or become less effective;
  • The viscosity of the oil will increase and there is a possibility that the oil discharge channels will become clogged.

The result may be sad - the engine will need to be overhauled or it will be so dirty that sooner or later it will still have to be repaired.

Reasons for mixing oils

Many people already know that it is impossible to mix different oils, the consequences of such an action are also known, but this issue still remains relevant.

The reasons for this are as follows. Sometimes the situation develops in such a way that there is a need to urgently add oil, but there is no brand of the same category. Thanks to globalization and unification, there has been a positive change in the market; additives and bases began to be produced by fewer manufacturers, and therefore the compatibility of oils began to gradually increase.

Many rely on reviews from drivers who have already mixed various oils in the engine and did not see any consequences. This encourages others to follow their experience. Each driver must independently decide whether he is willing to take a risk in order to save a little or not add even more problems to himself and fill in the correct oil.

If a person nevertheless decides to listen to advice that will reduce the likelihood that problems will arise, then it is necessary to familiarize yourself with some recommendations:

  • Under no circumstances should you mix oils that belong to different types, for example, mineral with synthetic.
  • If absolutely necessary, you can mix oils from the same manufacturer, which will be of different types (Mobile5W30 synthetic and Mobile5W40 synthetic).
  • In the future, it is better to change the oil and filter.
  • If you add up to 10% of oil with a similar composition, this will not affect its properties, since this is the amount of the component that remains in the engine when it is replaced.
  • Mixing different oils from different manufacturers should only be done in exceptional cases.

Despite all the warnings, some continue to take risks and mix engine oil. In most cases, this has a negative impact on it, and after some time it is necessary to carry out a major overhaul of the heart of the machine.

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That's why. Before mixing different oils, especially those from different manufacturers, you need to assess the possible risks and think about what is more important: the moment-to-moment situation or the normal operation of your car.

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Is it possible to mix different motor oils?

The issue of motor oil compatibility is of interest to motorists with any driving experience: it is relevant both for newcomers to the road and for experienced drivers.

Let's try to understand this issue, and let's start with the fact that a car comes from the assembly line to its owner with a certain type of motor fluid recommended by the engine manufacturer for constant use.

But in life you often have to change the rules for various reasons. Is it possible to mix motor oils if such a need suddenly arises?

Among drivers with extensive experience, there is no consensus on the issue of mixing. Experts recommend resorting to such manipulation only in emergency situations.

If a motorist decides to add a lubricant product from one manufacturer to another brand, and the viscosity indicators will differ, some difficulties may arise.

It is no secret that after draining or suction, approximately 0.5 liters of used lubricant still remains in the power unit.

It is sometimes necessary to mix lubricants due to a sharp drop in the level, for example, during long journeys. Those car owners who use additional additives for greater efficiency have to flush the engine more often than others and fill in a new product. Let’s look at what happens in this case and what oils can be mixed based on the main characteristics of the product.

Classification of motor fluids

Any lubricant is a base with a package of certain additives aimed at improving efficiency. It determines the compatibility of motor oil groups. So, the oil base can be:

  • mineral. Its basis is organic matter. Such a product is obtained from oil using the method of selective purification, in which one of the key positions is occupied by dewaxing (the maximum possible removal of paraffins from the composition of the product);
  • synthetic, obtained through a complex chemical process. The synthesis underlying the production of such products consists of building chains of molecules of the same length and size from hydrocarbons. This is the main difference from the mineral base, in which the molecules of the substance are heterogeneous, which means increased friction of mechanisms and engine parts. Chemical synthesis is quite expensive, which is why synthetics are an order of magnitude more expensive than mineral water;
  • semi-synthetic. In given proportions, two bases are mixed: synthetics and mineral water;
  • hydrocracking. Many people mistakenly consider such products to be synthetic, but this is not the case. Such oils are as close as possible to them due to maximum purification (deep cracking method), but their base is mineral. Manufacturers sometimes present their products as semi-synthetic lubricants. Such products are cheaper than synthetic ones. Essentially, hydrocracking products are an intermediate link between synthetics and semi-synthetics.

Characteristics and differences between different groups of lubricants

Automotive mineral oils have the following qualities:

  • reasonable price, which allows you to significantly save on engine maintenance. Mineral water is available. Most often it is used in cars with high mileage;
  • an environmentally friendly product due to the fact that chemicals occupy a very small percentage in it;
  • versatility. Such products have a wide range of applications.

Following the gradual increase in the price indicator, semi-synthetic products come next. They are characterized by:

  • low price;
  • versatility (suitable for any internal combustion engine);
  • low volatility, which reduces oil consumption and increases the oil change period;
  • prevents limescale from forming on engine parts.

The most expensive is the synthetic product. It has the following advantages over its “brothers”:

  • stable viscosity over a wide temperature range;
  • optimal turnover rates;
  • minimal possible evaporation, which allows you to consume less lubricants and change them less often;
  • For such motor oils, fewer additives are used.

If we compare the two main bases, the advantages will be on the side of the synthetic one: it has a higher viscosity index, and the thickness of the oil film remains practically unchanged both at the maximum permissible plus and at the minimum permissible temperatures. This is especially important when driving in extreme conditions. Wear on internal combustion engine mechanisms is minimized.

Synthetics are also superior to mineral water in terms of protection against oxidative reactions. When using a synthetic lubricant, the aging process of the oil slows down, soot and deposits form in small quantities.

One of the most important characteristics of lubricating fluids is the viscosity index, which is usually indicated according to the international SAE classification.

The viscosity index indicates the seasonality of the product, or more precisely, it reveals the temperature range in which the use of the oil is recommended. Lubricants can be summer, winter and all-season.

The climatic conditions of the Russian Federation are characterized by temperature differences, which is why all-season products are especially popular among domestic car owners.

Experience shows that in engines with high mileage it is necessary to use lubricants with a high viscosity index.

Combination of different lubricants

What to do if you need to replace the lubricant or top it up? What oils can be mixed and how to do it correctly will be discussed below.

Experts recommend mixing automobile oils in extreme cases when the level drops sharply, although there is no official ban on such actions.

Mineral oils can only be mixed with synthetics in one case: the latter must be based on polyalphaolefins (PAO). If the level of this “cocktail” drops sharply, a small amount of mineral oil can be added.

We cannot ignore the question of whether it is possible to mix oils with identical bases, for example, mineral water with mineral water. Such a symbiosis is a risky business, and it is unknown how the internal combustion engine will react to such a mixture. If for some reason mixing cannot be avoided, then it is necessary that the viscosity of both liquids be the same.

Another important question is whether, if necessary, it is possible to mix motor oils presented by different manufacturers; it interests not only novice drivers, but also car enthusiasts with solid experience.

Synthetics from different brands can be mixed if their characteristics are identical according to the US API or European ACEA standard.

Forced and turbocharged engines are very sensitive to mixing products.

It should be recalled that mixing is an extreme measure, and long-term use of such mixtures will negatively affect the functionality of the motor. It is advisable to drain the “cocktail” at the first opportunity, and after washing the unit, fill in the product recommended by the tolerances.

Compatibility between synthetic and semi-synthetic motor oils is possible provided that the viscosity index either does not change or is an order of magnitude higher.

For example, 10W-40 fluid can be added to 5W-40 oil. In this case, the viscosity will change slightly, and its value will depend on the quantitative composition of the mixture.

In other words, if more oil with low viscosity is added, then its indicator will decrease.

The problem when mixing two products on the same base is the additive package, which is unique for each manufacturer. It is between the additional components that an unpredictable reaction can occur.

What motor oils do experts say are best to mix? Experts agreed that a more acceptable option is a mixture of oils from one manufacturer due to the identity of the additives used. The option when products from different manufacturers with similar viscosity indices are selected is considered less optimal.

To minimize the risk of conflicting reactions between additive components, it is better to mix lubricants from the same manufacturer. This is how you can protect the engine from the negative consequences of mixing lubricating fluids.

If you had to mix lubricants, do not forget that after flushing the engine you will need to replace the oil filter.

Source: https://oAvtoMasle.ru/motornoe-maslo/smeshivanie-motornyh-masel

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