How and in what cases does the oil change from semisynthetics to synthetics? In the world of motorists, one very serious question often arises about whether it is possible to fill in synthetic-based oil after using a semi-synthetic lubricant. We often hear the opinion that this can be done and there is nothing to be afraid of. But the wrong answer can ruin the engine and lead to strong unrest, and most importantly, to expensive repairs.
When choosing an oil, it is necessary to be guided by the requirements of the car manufacturer for the oils and fluids used.
General information
The sheer number of oils on the market creates another trap for inexperienced drivers. It seems to many that the use of certified and high-quality products certainly cannot lead to any sad consequences. Changing oil from semi-synthetics to synthetics does not seem to them a step in a dangerous direction. Moreover, such a transition is often practiced by motorists and usually does not have dire consequences for the engine.
To select the right oil, you need to monitor the market.
But this is a big mistake. Even oils that are manufactured to the highest standards can be hazardous to engines if misused.
To begin with, when buying a certain brand of car, you need to find out which specific oil is suitable for the purchased vehicle: synthetic or semi-synthetic, what is the standard of the vehicle. This is very important because oil is the second fuel in the fuel and lubricants system. It is consumed, like gasoline, lubricating metal parts and mechanisms. A car cannot work without oil; its choice must be approached no less responsibly than buying gasoline.
Only after all the characteristics and parameters of the recommended oil have been thoroughly clarified, you can proceed to the question of the possibility of replacing oil fluids from one type to another.
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Can synthetics be poured after semisynthetics?
This question cannot be easily answered. It is necessary to understand the susceptibility of engine units to certain types of oil. For example, engines using mineral lubricants are difficult to start at low temperatures due to the change in the viscosity of the lubricant. These and other properties play an important role in the effect of oil on the working process of the motor.
A material based on synthetics or semi-synthetics is significantly less exposed to low temperatures. But in this situation, you do not need to rush to extremes and use the remedy that seems to be of better quality and more effective in cold weather. This is fraught with big troubles for the car owner and technical malfunction for the vehicle itself.
Be careful when mixing synthetics with semi-synthetics.
Today in the automotive market, most of the purchased cars already have some mileage. This means that they have already driven on a certain fuel and oil. At the same time, the instructions will not indicate which oil was used in the car engine earlier. Therefore, when buying, it is necessary to find out from the previous owner which particular lubricant he used during the operation of the vehicle.
If an oil change occurs, in which semisynthetics are mixed, even with the remains of synthetics, this can lead to undesirable consequences. In some cases, it is contraindicated to use synthetic material as motor oil, because it has a very high fluidity. For example, if there are glands and seals among metal structures, synthetics will begin to chemically react with them, thereby destroying them.
Often all the arguments boil down to the fact that it is impossible to change semi-synthetics to synthetics, or it should be done with the obligatory flushing of the engine. In fact, you can change the lubricant in ascending order without flushing the engine. This means that you should first use a mineral product, then semi-synthetics and only then synthetics. This procedure will protect the vehicle mechanism.
Summing up the subtotal, two conclusions can be drawn:
- Replacing semisynthetics with synthetics of the same brand is generally safe and does not require washing the motor.
- Replacing synthetics with semi-synthetics can be done, but it is necessary to flush the engine.
However, these conclusions are not always correct. It is worth noting that domestic cars have their own specifics: they work well on a semi-synthetic lubricant, but they react poorly or do not tolerate synthetic products at all. Domestic brands have such a reaction to synthetics: UAZ and GAZ. Therefore, in the models of these brands, no replacement of semi-synthetics with synthetics is made.
In other cases, replacing semisynthetics with synthetics is quite appropriate and safe, it does not require washing the motor. Moreover, according to experienced motorists, flushing the engine after using a semi-synthetic material and switching to a synthetic one will deprive the engine of some useful properties.
It turns out that the optical density of the synthetic oil used will be noticeably lower if the locomotive system has been flushed earlier.
If you do the treatment with flushing materials every time before the upcoming replacement of the oil element, this leads to a longer preservation of fresh oil in the insides of the engine.
At first it seems that this is good, but the resistance to oxidative processes is reduced.
Flushing the engine is needed if:
- The brand of lubricant is changing.
- The viscosity level changes.
- When is the transition from synthetics to semi-synthetics made?
- When there are doubts about the quality of the oil material in the engine or poor quality fuel has got into the oil.
- After any engine repair that was carried out by opening the engine.
- When the driver had doubts that the previous owner had regularly changed the oil in the engine.
Without flushing, about 10% of the semi-synthetic material remains in the engine, but they do not play any negative role. The synthetic material has no problem in the presence of another element.
Can semisynthetics and synthetics be mixed? This is a hot issue for many car owners. Unfortunately, it is possible that the oil pressure in the system drops and the oil pressure light comes on. The situation gets more complicated if it happens on the track. It is known that it is impossible to continue driving when the oil pressure light is on. And then there are 2 exits in front of the driver: either tow the car to the service station (with the help of a tow truck or friends), or add oil and still continue to follow to the service station. After all, you need to find out why the oil pressure has dropped, and eliminate the malfunction.
But what if the engine is filled with semi-synthetics, and you only have synthetics in the trunk? Therefore, the second option requires a clear answer to the questions: is it possible to mix semi-synthetics and synthetics. What if the oils are already mixed? We will also try to figure out what adding semisynthetics to synthetics will lead to, or vice versa. These questions are always relevant, but different master mechanics answer them differently. For an accurate answer to these questions, you need to understand the oils themselves.
Basic framework
Any oil has its own specific base base: mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic. Various additives are added to this base to impart flushing, antioxidant properties to the fluid, to improve the structure, increase resistance to temperature fluctuations, etc. The additives are aimed at improving engine performance, and they are found in almost any fuel and lubricants.
About synthetics
The feedstock for synthetic oils is ethylene produced from petroleum or petroleum hydrocarbon gases. Such bases are derived using complex chemical transformations by changing the molecular structure of the raw material. Synthetic oils are currently the most expensive and provide the best effective engine protection even under extreme conditions.
A synthetic base consists of molecules of a certain size and structure. The more homogeneous the molecules are, the better the parameters of the base. The structure of hydrocarbon compounds is presented in the form of chains of carbon atoms, and these chains have the same shape. Due to its structure, the synthetic oil is resistant to high temperatures and heavy loads. Its structure does not change even at low temperatures (relevant for universal oils).
Semisynthetics
Semi-synthetic oil is made by adding a mineral base to a synthetic one. The very same mineral base is very different in its structure from synthetic, and it is obtained in a completely different way. Essentially, mineral oil is a purified waste from the production of gas, kerosene and gasoline.
Semi-synthetic oil has a heterogeneous structure, and its molecules differ in shape. Therefore, the operating temperature range of this grease is lower. Due to the lower density, the sliding of the lubricant is worse, which means that its efficiency is lower. Consequently, the performance deteriorates if synthetics and semi-synthetics are mixed. Can you do this? This is strictly prohibited unless absolutely necessary. So we figured out a little if it is possible to mix synthetic oils and semi-synthetics.
Additive problem
The problem of mixing two bases (synthetics and semi-synthetics) is not the only one. When you add one oil to another, you mix the additives as well. Additives are chemical compounds that are derived according to special formulas. Their composition is unclear, since the formulas are kept in the strictest confidence. Each manufacturer adds its own additive package to a specific product, so there are no two different lubricants on the same basis and with the same additive package.
Can semisynthetics and synthetics be mixed with different additives? It is impossible, because when mixing different chemical compounds (unknown), some of them precipitate. As a result, oils lose their lubricating properties. If the additives responsible for cleaning the motor precipitate, the cleaning effect is lost. The same can be said for other additives.
Note that this is a rather controversial issue, and not all minders agree with the statement that additives precipitate when lubricants are mixed. It is possible that this is not true in all cases. Sometimes such reactions may not occur. In any case, without extreme, it is better not to take risks, because even oils from the same manufacturer, but on a different basis, may contain various "conflicting" additive packages that precipitate during mixing.
Mixing different viscosities
In addition to different additive packages, oils also have a certain viscosity. Viscosity is a parameter that determines how fluid (viscous) an oil is, how this fluidity changes at different temperatures. When mixing engine oils, viscosity plays a huge role. Perhaps more than in the case of additives and bases.
Let us explain. There are so-called winter, summer and all-season oils. Winter ones have a very low viscosity, therefore, at negative air temperatures, they do not thicken, and the oil pump can easily distill this liquid through the engine oil system. Summer oils have a high viscosity, so they are effective when used in summer. However, in winter, they become very thick, and the pump is not able to effectively drive them through the oil system. As a result, the lubricant may not reach the friction pairs, which causes the motor to wear out quickly.
And now the question is: is it possible to mix engine oils intended for different periods of the year? Of course not. In this case, the conflict will be caused at once in three "places": in the additive package, in the base and in the viscosity.
Mixing multi-purpose oils
There are also multipurpose oils that have practically displaced seasonal oils from the market. But this does not mean that their viscosity is standard. In terms of viscosity, universal greases also differ. For example, oils with viscosity of 10W40 or 15W40 are popular in Russia, which can operate in temperature ranges from -25 to +40 degrees. Less popular are 5W20 greases. If the oil is universal, in this case, can the engine oils be mixed? It is not recommended to mix synthetics and semisynthetics, even if we are talking about universal lubricants. After all, their viscosity is also different.
For example, if you mix an SAE 10W40 grease with a 5W20 oil, the result is a medium viscosity grease. And the characteristics of such a lubricant will be close to the parameter of the oil, whose content inside the motor is greater.
However, it should be borne in mind that 10W40 oil is much thicker compared to 5W40 grease. Therefore, the resulting mixture will liquefy when heated, and heating at high engine speeds takes place. As a result, this can lead (but not the fact that will lead) to the formation of a weak protective film in the friction pairs of parts, which will contribute to faster engine wear. Therefore, you should not even think about whether it is possible to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics "ZIK". Recommendations on this matter will always come down to prohibiting mixing them. However, if you have already mixed lubricants of different viscosities, bases or from different manufacturers, then remember that you cannot drive on such oil for a long time.
Consequences of mixing
If you pour high viscosity semisynthetics into the motor and at the same time reduce the fluidity of the lubricant to a critical value, then the liquid will become thick. In this state, the oil pump will not be able to pump it to friction pairs, and then the engine will operate with dry friction of spare parts.
Also, when mixing liquids, you can increase the minimum temperature boundary of the mixture, at which it is able to work effectively. This means that if earlier the engine started well at -20 degrees, now there may be problems with starting at the same air temperature.
For new motors, it is unacceptable to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics. This will lead to rapid formation of sludge on the pistons at high temperatures. Also, semi-synthetics will help reduce the friction force between the drive elements, which will affect the loss of motor power.
Can gear synthetics and semi-synthetics be mixed?
And although the transmission does not have such high temperatures, which are formed in an internal combustion engine, it is not recommended to mix different bases even in it. The results may be the same, but with less dire consequences. Given the low temperatures, additives may not precipitate, but no one can predict the result.
Therefore, if you had to mix different bases of lubricants in the transmission, then you cannot drive for a long time on such oil. Go to the service station immediately in order to completely replace the oil with the "native" one.
Now we have completely figured out whether it is possible to mix engine oils. Tips for drivers who are unable to drive away the car at the service station:
- Try to mix oils on the same base. That is, synthetics with synthetics, semi-synthetics with semi-synthetics.
- Pay attention to viscosity. Grease 10W40 must be mixed with oil of the same viscosity.
- It is advisable to choose formulations from the same manufacturer.
All three of these tips are listed in decreasing order of importance. Ideally, oils on the same base, the same viscosity, and the same manufacturer can be mixed without any engine impact. It will contain one additive package that will not cause conflict and precipitate.
Conclusion
If you nevertheless mixed lubricants of different bases, then immediately follow to the service station in order to flush the motor and completely replace the lubricating composition. When driving, try to keep the revs low and not load the engine. So wear of the friction pairs will be low. Ideally, when the oil pressure light is on, the car should be towed to the service station, and not topped up with "non-native" oil. This will eliminate possible damage to the engine by mixing the oils.
If you pour oil into the engine, is it possible to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics? During the operation of a vehicle, car owners often face the question of whether these two types of lubricants can be mixed. This problem is especially acute when the driver does not have the opportunity to purchase the product he needs, and he has to make a choice in favor of another product. And this is not just about changing the oil, but about mixing two types of lubricating fluids.
There are many opinions among drivers about whether it is possible to mix engine oils and how this can affect engine performance.
In addition, drivers often want to save money. They have a part of the synthetic material in the canister, but it is not enough, and other synthetic materials of the same kind are temporarily not on sale. Then the car owner decides to buy a semi-synthetic product and mix it with a synthetic one. But can you do that? Can synthetics and semi-synthetics be mixed? To answer this question, you need to know the distinctive features and properties of the two types of lubricant product.
Synthetic product
Synthetic oils are considered the best for a car.
Synthetic oils are objectively considered the best lubricants by both manufacturers and buyers today. It is an artificially created product that is obtained from oil during its refining process or by molecular synthesis. To produce such a unique product, a whole series of chemical experiments is carried out, very complex elements of organic synthesis are used.
The created oil does not undergo a destructive oxidation process, which is the reason for the loss of performance properties in other types of oils and, accordingly, various defects in the fuel processing system.
Such oil does not interact directly with the technical parts of the engine. It helps to increase the amount of compression in the area of \u200b\u200bthe engine, which ultimately helps to reduce overall fuel consumption, and makes it easier to start the engine at low temperatures. For engine oils, this is one of the best options.
But such a product also has its weaknesses. Firstly, we are talking about the too high cost of the lubricant, which becomes unaffordable for many motorists. The fact is that the process of producing synthetic oil itself is too expensive, and its regular use is not available to the mass consumer.
Another serious disadvantage is that the operating waste of the oil is too high when compared with other types of lubricant. For this reason, synthetic material is poorly suited to work in an outdated, worn out motor. Of course, the synthetic mixture will not harm the engine, but it will not bring any benefit either. Operating a car with this kind of oil is prohibitively expensive. In this case, it is better to choose mineral material or semi-synthetics. This is a brief description and properties of synthetic oil.
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Semi-synthetic product
Comparison table for synthetic and mineral oils.
What is semisynthetics? Semi-synthetic oil contains both synthetic and mineral particles. This oil is sometimes called a synthetic-mineral hybrid. At the same time, which is very important, there are no particularly strict rules that would establish the percentage of synthetics or mineral elements in the oil. They just don't exist. In this case, each manufacturer himself determines the amount of this or that element in each product. On average, the amount of minerals or synthetics in one product is about 50 or 60%.
Semi-synthetic oils have noticeably worse performance properties. This is manifested in the fact that they have a lower viscosity level, higher oxidation processes, and a significantly lower level of additives. In the cold season, it is more difficult to start the engine into operation, the oil has to be changed 2 or 3 times more often. All this causes negative emotions in the car owner, gives him a lot of inconvenience.
But semisynthetics cost at least 2 times less than synthetics. Many drivers are ready, in principle, to endure some inconvenience in order to save significant money. As mentioned above, too many car owners cannot afford expensive synthetics. In addition, semi-synthetics have a tangible plus, the oil has a much lower carbon content. It can be effectively used on older motors. And since many cars are used, have a solid mileage, do not drive at very low temperatures, all this once again motivates drivers to buy semi-synthetics.
They also prefer to take semi-synthetics when it comes to the operation of diesel units. These are the positive and negative properties of semisynthetics. But can synthetics and semi-synthetics be mixed?
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Can you mix different materials?
Mixing oils can have a destructive effect on vehicle mechanisms.
Before mixing synthetic and semi-synthetic material, you need to weigh everything well. After all, 2 products are made on a different basis, have too different nature and additives that are different from each other. These components interact with each other to have a devastating effect on parts and mechanisms.The resulting mixture loses the performance properties required for lubrication.
The greatest danger is the appearance of slags, the deposition of burnt products, which with a high probability entails breakdown and a sharp decrease in the service life of the engine. The threat is posed by the unexpected reaction of several additives of different nature, which are inorganic and organic compounds.
Therefore, the answer to the question about the possibility of using semisynthetics and synthetics together will be negative. You cannot mix different oils. But what to do in difficult situations? For example, if the car urgently needs to be refueled, and the nearest store sells only synthetics or semi-synthetics? Or does the driver use synthetics on the motor, and only semi-synthetics are at hand?
Drivers often mistakenly believe that if you take two types of oil - semi-synthetic and synthetic, but from the same manufacturer, then their compatibility is required. No manufacturer places information on the safe mixing of their synthetic and semi-synthetic motor oils on the canister or any other packaging.
However, they avoid posts on this topic. Perhaps they do not want to give an impetus to the use of such mixtures, as this can hit their profits, and may cause a drop in sales of synthetic lubricants.
Of course, if there is no other way out, you can still add semisynthetics to synthetics, or vice versa. With a short engine operation, such a mixture will not have time to cause tangible damage to rubbing surfaces.
But upon arrival at the garage or the nearest car service, you must immediately drain all the liquid and flush the engine to avoid serious consequences.
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How to flush the engine?
Always flush the engine before changing the oil.
It is not difficult to flush the engine. Firstly, you should not hesitate with this, it is better to postpone the rest of the business. Secondly, it is worth noting that if, after draining the mixed products, clean synthetic material is immediately poured, then during the replacement procedure it is not necessary to use flushing, oil products. Reactions with the old mixture will begin first, and then with the new one. The old oil cannot be completely removed.
But still, it is better to flush the engine to avoid possible breakdowns and defects. This procedure is carried out every time you replace the old used oil with a new one. To do this, you must perform the following steps in turn:
- Warm up the engine, switch it off and immediately pour out the old oil.
- Remove the used filter and add flushing agent.
- Turn on the motor, let it warm up, and run it idle for 15-20 minutes.
- Drain off flushing agent. The procedure should be carried out until all the liquid flows out and stops dripping.
- Insert a new filter and fill in new oil.
Motor lubricants, depending on their chemical composition, are divided into mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic.
Types of lubricants for car engines
Mineral oils are essentially oil, somewhat refined after extraction. These oils are fairly stable and inexpensive. In addition, cars over five years old will still prefer mineral material.
Synthetic oils are produced in laboratories using special chemical formulas. They are less dependent on external factors, increase engine wear resistance and save fuel consumption.
Semi-synthetic oils are obtained by competently combining previous types of lubricants. They are now the undisputed market leader.
Each type of lubricant has its own circle of admirers. The choice mainly depends on the mileage of the car and the temperature conditions of the environment.
Is it possible to mix semisynthetics and synthetics? After all, various situations may arise on the road, for example, sometimes there is an urgent need to fill in oil, but the necessary one is simply not available.
The combination of different oils: opinions for and against
There are opposite points of view of manufacturers and motorists on the question: is it possible to mix different oils? Mixing oils has its supporters and opponents.
Opponents say that different types of oils are not simply invented. They already have the correct optimal chemical formula, and its violation will not lead to any positive results.
Followers of the opposite point of view are not so radical and answer the questions about whether it is possible to mix semi-synthetics and synthetics, as well as synthetics and mineral oil, answer positively. This is explained by the fact that semi-synthetic materials are already a mixed product, more than half of which is made up of a mineral base. And nothing terrible can happen if you add more synthetic material, refined and processed to such a mixture.
The majority of specialists, however, take a moderate position. And to the question posed about how to change synthetics and semisynthetics, you will most likely get a positive answer, but with some reservations.
How to combine oils correctly?
Not all lubricants are recommended for mixing. It is quite possible that there will be no particularly serious negative consequences for the motor, but still this is an extremely undesirable measure, and it will be useful to follow some rules when combining oils, especially if you can choose a more gentle option.
Mixing oils from different manufacturers
Semi-synthetics from different manufacturers?
Ideally, the combination of oils is better than one brand. This is due to a similar set of additives and a similar chemical formula. Lubricants will definitely not compete with each other and will serve well until the next replacement.
So, it's best to use lubricants from the same manufacturer. But since, due to the insufficient selection of oils at hand, the question of whether it is possible to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics arises quite often, modern manufacturers have found a way out.
Most oil manufacturers today meet the criteria of API and ACEA standards, which allow the ability to connect products with each other. Thus, by mixing any lubricants that meet these standards, you can avoid negative consequences when operating your engine, but this is recommended only in exceptional cases.
Oil change taking into account performance classes and viscosity
Is it possible to mix synthetic oil with semi-synthetics, if they are of different classes and different viscosities?
Consequences of mixing oils
What happens if you mix synthetics and semi-synthetics? Choosing quality manufacturers, you can not be afraid of major failures in the motor. If you purchased the oil and are not completely sure about it, it is recommended to conduct an experiment. By mixing food in small quantities, you can heat them up and follow the chemical reaction. If a precipitate forms or foaming occurs, such substances cannot be combined.
In the absence of an obvious conflict of components, you can safely combine these engine oils. How to mix synthetics and semisynthetics of different viscosity and what will be the result?
As stated above, lubricants of different viscosities can be mixed, but one brand is preferred. So, if you mix the products, you get approximately average results. For example, if you combine synthetic material 5w-50 and semisynthetics 15w-30 in equal proportions, 10w-40 oil will be released.
The question of whether it is possible to mix semisynthetics and synthetics of different classes of performance properties was answered above. As a result of this mixing, a lower quality oil will be released. Let's say, when mixing oils of classes H and L, we get a lower class - H.
Possible negative consequences of the connection
Differences in the chemical formula, a different set of additives can come into conflict with each other during operation. Even if you have experimented with mixing small amounts of oils, this does not guarantee that there will be some problems as a result of using the mixture.
If you are faced with a problem whether it is possible to mix semi-synthetics and synthetics, in the absence of other options, this can be done, but then it is recommended to still use the same oil.
As a result of repeated mixing of oil or getting on a fake, or with a large difference in the chemical formula, deposits and slags can form in the engine. This leads to rapid wear of the motor and to a significant reduction in its service life.
If you take less than 15% of one oil, then it will not be dangerous for the engine. This amount of material remains in the car even with a simple lubricant change.
Mineral oils and the possibility of their combination with other types of oils
Can synthetics and mineral water be mixed? This question worries many motorists using natural lubricants.
It is allowed to combine synthetic products that are produced on the basis of polyalphaelins (PAO) with mineral oil.
Other types of synthetic materials combine with minerals worse. Therefore, it will be relevant to check with the official representatives of the manufacturer or at least with the specialists of service centers about the possibility of such a mixing.
With less risk, mineral oil can be mixed with semi-synthetics.
Conclusion
Synthetics and semi-synthetics. Can these oils be mixed? The answer to this question is yes, but when connecting, you must remember the basic rules:
- it is better to use oils of the same manufacturer, the same viscosity and class;
- when changing the class of material, use one brand of products, this will reduce the negative consequences for the motor, while the class of the mixture at the output will be lower;
- with different viscosities of oils, also try to take products of the same brand, the final viscosity will depend on the proportions of materials;
- it is extremely rare and undesirable to switch from one manufacturer to another, before that it is better to consult with a specialist;
- try to take quality products that meet the requirements of American and European quality standards;
- use a cleaner before applying oils.
Mineral oils can also be mixed with other products, but in most cases this is undesirable.
