Many novice car enthusiasts are interested in: is it possible to mix oils of different manufacturers, categories and viscosity grades? Let's figure it out.
If the oil from different manufacturers
Any oil consists of a base and a set of additives that give the base its individual qualities. The first problem lies in the possible incompatibility of the bases of different manufacturers. Different manufacturers have different technologies and methods of production of the base, which in the end may have different properties (this is especially true for synthetics).Due to the different bases, there can be problems when mixing the same synthetic oils, but from different manufacturers. This happens because a more serious factor comes into play - additives!
Let me explain: in order to achieve the same viscosity and temperature indicators, manufacturers solve different problems, determined by the properties of their own base. The set of additives, which ultimately solves their problem of bringing them to the standard, can turn out to be radically different. When these two different sets of chemically active elements, which are additives, begin to interact with each other ...
If we mix oils of different categories
For example, mineral and synthetic. One of the problems: mineral oil, unlike synthetic oil, does not have a stable viscosity. It requires the use of an appropriate additive. It is not known how it will affect the synthetic component of the blend. Moreover, it is unclear how the additives will interact with each other over time.- Engine contamination - ring coking, slag deposits, etc.
- Precipitation of some of the additives or a decrease in their effectiveness
- Increase in the viscosity of the oil up to its complete folding and clogging of the oil channels
The result can be deplorable - the need to overhaul the engine or approach it by leaps and bounds.
Why mix?
- Sometimes a situation of hard choice arises: there is no way to urgently top up the same oil, so they risk it and top up another one.
- Globalization and harmonization can have a positive effect: bases and especially additives are produced by a small number of manufacturers. This significantly reduces the problems of their compatibility, moreover, manufacturers know this problem and are gradually trying to level it.
- Positive examples of drivers who did not have (or did not notice) negative consequences increase the influence of the factor of amphibious asphyxia (easier - the toad strangles), if somewhere half a canister of good oil was lying around.
- Never mix oils of different types (mineral and synthetic, for example)
- As a last resort, you can mix fluids from the same manufacturer, but of different types (for example, Mobil 5W30 synthetics and Mobil 5W40 synthetics). It is advisable to change it and the filter later.
- Adding up to 10% of a similar oil should not affect its properties (approximately so much remains in the engine when changing)
- Different oils and different manufacturers - only as a last resort.
Any novice car enthusiast will surely ask the question: "Is it possible to mix oils from different manufacturers if they have different categories and viscosity classes?"
Possible incompatibility of base oils
Each oil has a base and consists of additives, thanks to which it receives its main properties and characteristics.
Manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of base for motor oil in different ways and technologies. This means that each base will differ in its physical characteristics from the base of a competitor in production. With synthetic bases, this will be even more noticeable. Thus, with the same name of the oil, but from different manufacturers, there is a pitfall - these oils have different bases. In addition, various additives are added to the oil.
Example. Two 10W40 oils from different manufacturers can meet all the requirements and standards that apply to this type. But due to the fact that when applying the bases, different technologies are used, and then additives are added to them, which can be activated upon contact with other oils, the end result when mixing them can cause a lot of trouble for a motorist.
Specifically, no one can explain what can happen to an engine when oils from different manufacturers are mixed in it. The market offers many options that differ significantly from each other, divided into categories depending on the operating temperature of the engine and the viscosity.
Incompatible categories
Oil categories are divided into synthetic and mineral oils. When mixed, the effect can be most negative. Since the viscosity of these categories of oils is completely different, mixing them should be strictly avoided. Even if this is not noticeable at the beginning, it is not known how the additives will behave in the future, mixing with each other, and what the reaction will be in the engine parts.
Effects
- A dirty engine is slag deposits, ring coking, etc.;
- The additives are likely to precipitate, the result is a low coefficient of their work;
- Too high viscosity of the oil, and as a result, complete clogging of the oil and clogging of the oil channels.
This is already enough to prepare the engine for overhaul.
Conclusion
- Automotive oils of different categories (for example, synthetic and mineral) should not be mixed under any circumstances;
- In case of forced topping up of oil in the engine, choose one manufacturer, for example, synthetic Mobil 5W40 and synthetic Mobil 5W30. Subsequently, it is advisable to replace the oil filter and oil;
- If it is impossible to add oil from the same manufacturer and you have to mix, then continue driving at low engine speeds and change the oil at the nearest service station. When mixing oils of different categories, it is recommended to flush the engine later when changing.
A very popular question about is it possible to mix engine oils, do they differ in additives, what is the difference among motor oils, do they correspond to the viscosity of different manufacturers and in what proportions can be added.
Experts will answer such questions with a categorical “no” just in case, and they can be understood. It is unlikely that anyone would dare to find out the degree of the buyer's literacy, understand a specific situation and take the risk of a potential problem. But we, on our fingers and in an accessible form, will try to make out the basics of this science.
What to consider when mixing engine oil in the first place:
- What is the basis (organic, semisynthetics or synthetics)
- Criteria ILSAC, ACEA, API, engine type and fuel type
- Viscosity by SAE
Before placing an oil on the market, the manufacturer must conduct a miscibility test for this engine oil with other brands, provided they meet the stated criteria. The main task - this is to prevent conflict between additive packages and compliance with the degree of synthetic lubricant.
In small proportions, they allow mixing engine oils with the same viscosity from different manufacturers, eg:
Mix Shell 10w40 and Elf 10w40considering that they recommended for one type of engine (gasoline or diesel), target the same mode of transport (light or cargo), both engine oils are similar in composition - semi-synthetic. When mixing, pay attention to the second figure of the viscosity (example: x w40). If the oil is from one manufacturer, but there is no suitable viscosity, then it is possible to mix synthetic with a semi-synthetic base (5w40 and 10w40), or mineral and semi-synthetic. (15w40 and 10w40) but not 10w40 and 5w30.
We advise you to mix engine oils as carefully as possible, because it is easy enough to make a mistake that can lead to premature overhaul.
If there was still a refill, you should call the service as soon as possible and change the oil (after finding out the reason for the consumption of lubricant). This is exactly the case when it does not hurt to clean the system with flushing oil, because if in the process of adding unwanted products nevertheless formed, then it is worth getting rid of them as soon as possible.
We strongly advise against mixing engine oil based on different bases (synthetic and mineral). These additives are almost guaranteed to give an undesirable effect and the engine will fail!
Not so long ago, an article was published about the change in the property of an oil when a similar lubricant is added to it. Several well-known brands participated in the test. The results were quite optimistic: chemical reactions did occur when a foreign brand of motor oil was added, but no fundamental changes in properties were found, the additives did not conflict. The conclusion suggests itself: the difference among motor oils of the same type is not so great and is controlled by the relevant services.
And the most important thing. Avoid uncontrolled consumption of engine oil until such time that it does not have to be topped up and mixed. If the engine has begun to systematically demand topping up in excess of the norm, you need to take the shortest route to a service station and find out the reason.
One of the main concerns for both novice and experienced car enthusiasts is mixing motor oils.
Difficulties can arise even taking into account all the recommendations of the car manufacturer: the wide range of lubricants available today in stores significantly complicates the choice of oil suitable for the engine of a particular car model.
During assembly of the car, the engine is filled with the oil recommended by the manufacturer. Each subsequent maintenance that the vehicle undergoes is accompanied by a complete replacement of lubricants, respectively, only the oil recommended by the manufacturer will be used.
Why are oils mixed?
Most problems associated with engine lubricants are caused by the vehicle owner's decision to switch to a different material type and viscosity from another manufacturer. Of course, the selected oil will be several times different from the one that was filled in by the manufacturer.
In a car engine, even after thoroughly cleaning it by suction or draining, about half a liter of old oil remains, which is subsequently mixed with a new one.
Often you can face the forced need to add the required amount of oil to the car engine. This is usually caused by a sudden and sudden drop in the lubricant level. Accordingly, the addition of new oil leads to mixing of different types of lubricants, which often causes breakdowns and other troubles.
Separately, it is worth mentioning those car owners who add various additives to improve the efficiency of engine oils. This also includes the too frequent procedure for cleaning the engine with special flushing agents.
It is impossible to completely remove the used oil from the car engine: a certain amount of it always remains in the units and parts. The same applies to flushing compounds, additives and cocktails made from different oils.
Can different engine oils be mixed?
Each of the existing types of engine oils differs in the type and amount of additives, base base and other characteristics. However, there is no guarantee that oil of the same type, produced under different brands, will have an identical composition: as a rule, each company has its own recipe.
Additives to synthetic, mineral and other oils are added in order to achieve certain performance characteristics and physicochemical properties of the lubricant. In addition, such components vary significantly in composition depending on the specific group of oils with which they will be mixed.
Accordingly, each manufacturer can produce the same oil, which differs in the amount and type of additives added to it.
Given the huge range of lubricant products, it is almost impossible to find a similar oil from another manufacturer. If the car owner still decided to mix different oils, then several rules must be taken into account.
How to mix oils correctly
It should be said right away that it is extremely undesirable to mix engine oils and that official dealers do not recommend doing this, but the procedure is not forbidden and is quite acceptable.
The main problem when mixing oils can be not so much the difference in their base bases, but the possible chemical reactions between the additives.
It is quite possible to mix synthetic and mineral oils based on PAO (polyalphaolefins) with hydrocracking oil - one of the results of this procedure is semi-synthetic oils.
Other lubricants - silicone, polyester, glycol - which are strikingly different from PAO, should be added to semi-synthetic and mineral oils with extreme caution;
Oil manufacturers do not officially prohibit mixing engine oils.
In addition, in Europe and the United States there are specific ACEA and API standards, respectively, which state that synthetic oils of the same brand must have special properties that can be mixed with other oils that have been certified according to the standards above.
Mixing of lubricants should not be accompanied by chemical reactions, foaming, or sediment formation that are dangerous for the power unit.
Conclusion
On the one hand, it is not forbidden to mix engine oils, there is nothing catastrophic and dangerous for the engine in this. On the other hand, when carrying out such a procedure, certain conditions must be observed:
1. This is done only if absolutely necessary;
2. Even if the viscosity of the oils is different, it is advisable to purchase products from one manufacturer;
3. Additives can enter into chemical reactions, and the physicochemical properties of the mixture will be many times worse than that of pure oil.
If the mixing of oils does occur, then at the first opportunity a complete replacement of the lubricant and the engine are cleaned. Replacement is carried out after half the time specified by the manufacturer.
Sooner or later, every car owner will face a dilemma - is it possible to mix engine oils of different manufacturers and different viscosities or not? This question is quite natural, since today manufacturers of motor oils (MM) offer a fairly wide range of lubricants that differ in their chemical composition, in the amount of additives and in many other indicators. In addition, oils are made on a mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic base.
In fact, you can mix MM, and even make "mixes" of mineral water and synthetics, the main thing is to know when to stop and follow the recommendations. The fact is that all lubricants undergo appropriate testing for compatibility with other oils. Moreover, such a product is accompanied by the necessary certificates, where it is indicated in the presented MM there are no additives that may conflict with additives of another oil. This is in theory, but in practice "unpopular" manufacturers rarely carry out such checks, so if you plan to mix oils, make sure you use a product from a trusted company. For example, if you have 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 motor.
What oils can be mixed
Many experts unanimously say that it is possible to interfere with products of different manufacturers, or of different classes only in an emergency. After that, you need to go to the service center as soon as possible, where you need to flush the engine and fill in new oil. In fact, such "horror stories" are created artificially and in fact are not true.
Everyone knows that engine oils differ in several ways:
- on a basic basis (mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic);
- by the degree of viscosity (SAE index). Oils are labeled from 0w-60 to 15w-40;
- according to their classification (API, ACEA, ILSAC). MM can be for 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 on a different basis
If we are talking about synthetics, then they can be mixed with any other product that meets its standards, that is, it has an API or ACEA approval. According to these requirements, the manufacturer must provide a product that will absolutely safely tolerate such a neighborhood. At the same time, there is no danger to engine parts. Also, in the process of such mixing, no chemical reactions will occur that will provoke the appearance of a precipitate or foaming of a liquid.
If we take 5w-40 synthetic oil and 10w-40 semisynthetics, then nothing terrible will happen either. By mixing these two liquids, at the output we will get a fully functional "cocktail" with indicators of 6w-40 or 8w-40 (depending on the proportion of old and new oil). But it is best not to top up MM, but to wait for the planned replacement and fill in oil products in equal proportions.
If the engine is already filled with "mineral water", then you can mix it 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, you can only find 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 elements in common, therefore experts are of the opinion that it is better to add a slightly different viscosity of the same brand to the engine than to pour MM with similar characteristics from another company.
This is due to the fact that the amount of additives in fluids from one manufacturer is usually the same, as well as other elements. It follows from this that, in fact, the base (even in materials of different viscosity) will be the same, which completely eliminates the possibility of a conflict of additives during the mixing process. It is also worth noting that MM of one brand can be safely mixed in any ratio.
When switching from one viscosity oil to another, it is also recommended to use a fluid from one manufacturer. The fact is that when the lubricant is replaced, 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 at one time were published in one magazine devoted to auto-topics. During the experiment and laboratory tests, it was possible to prove that oils of different companies, similar in their characteristics, enter into chemical reactions, but these changes do not in any way affect the engine's performance and its "lifespan". All the recommendations and horror stories associated with the fact that it is possible to fill in MM only from one manufacturer is nothing more than a commercial move, so do not be afraid to experiment, most importantly, do it wisely.
