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can i mix different brand engine oil

by Kariane Grant Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Yes, you can safely mix one brand of oil (e.g. Mobil 1) with a different brand (e.g. AMSOIL) or conventional oil with synthetic oil (in fact, that's what a synthetic blend is). Most synthetics today are fully compatible with conventional oils and can safely be mixed.

What happens if you mix different brands of gas oil?

When seeking advice on how to handle the contaminated oil, provide the following information:

  • Identity of each lubricant in the mixture. ...
  • Volume of each component in the mixture.
  • Lubrication application.
  • Other lubricated equipment, often less severe applications, where the oil mixture might be used.
  • Where the mixed oil is located - one bulk tank or 10 gear boxes.
  • Ability to store oil mixture until final disposition can be determined.

Is it OK to mix two brands of synthetic oil?

You can mix different brands if you like and you can mix synthetic with conventional. Just keep in mind that a mixed conventional-synthetic formula won't last as long compared to using only synthetic meaning at 5000 miles or so you should change it out. You can even go back and forth between conventional and synthetic as often as you want.

Can you mix synthetic blend and conventional oil?

There is no danger mixing synthetic and conventional motor oil; however, conventional oil will detract from the superior performance of synthetic oil and reduce its benefits. In fact, synthetic-blend motor oil is simply conventional and synthetic oil already mixed for you.

Can you mix oil brands safely?

Yes. You can mix different brands of oil. They all must meet the minimum requirements set by the American Petroleum Institute and the Society of Automotive Engineers. But it’s probably not a good idea to mix different multi-viscocity weights.

Can You Mix Different Brands Of Synthetic Motor Oil?

This question must be answered already because many drivers are confused about whether they can mix two synthetic motor oil brands and have no severe harm on their vehicle and its engine, or it can be risky. So to answer this question, yes, you can mix two brands of synthetic motor oil. But you should remember that it does not mean that you should.

What Happens If You Mix Different Brands Of Motor Oil?

You should only use the oil that is recommended and suitable for your vehicle. You can find this in your owner’s manual. Now, mixing two motor oils can be or cannot be dangerous for your vehicle.

Can You Mix Different Brands Of 5w30 Oil?

Yes, you can mix 5w30 oil with different brands, but it is not recommended. The act is discouraged. But let us talk first about API or the American petroleum institute.

Topping Off Oil With Different Brands – Is That Ok?

This is a circumstance that you might have to find yourself in on a few occasions. Unfortunately, it will also leave you no choice, and you have to top off your existing oil with a different brand. If it leaves you no choice, you must top off your existing motor oil with another brand.

Summary

In summary, motor oil is a critical thing that your vehicle needs. Therefore, it would be best if you will do a constant motor oil change to sustain the excellent performance of your vehicle.

Resources

My name is Hank, and I've been in the automotive industry for 27 years. I've been working in my own auto repair shop for the last 13 years, and now I want to help you here, on my blog. Let me know if you have any questions. Read more

Why can't you combine oil?

SO WHY CAN’T YOU COMBINE OILS? The reason is that every brand of engine oil is formulated differently, especially with regard to the additives used by its manufacturer. Nobody, possibly except for the top scientists and engineers working in these oil firms, knows the chemistry of their engine oils.

What happens when oil is drained?

When the oil is drained, a thin film still covers those vital components in your motor. It’s okay to then finish filling up with a different brand of engine oil. The new filling would now comprise the majority of the oil in your engine. What’s the difference between mineral and synthetic engine oil?

Is it safe to use two different brands of oil?

Technically, using a grade of oil that’s recommended by your car manufacturer is correct. However, if you combine two different brands of motor oil, you could be at risk of damage.

Is it bad to mix different brands of oil?

No. Switching brands is not harmful to your engine as long as you choose an oil marked with the API donut of the same level, e.g., API SN. Motor oil manufacturers must meet minimum industry standards for performance and compatibility of the API mark.

What happens if you put 5w20 instead of 5w30?

Can you put 5w20 oil in a 5w30 engine? No, your engine will be fine with the 5w -20. 5w20 oil is fairly light oil and is generally designed to work with newer engines. Motor oil has become part of a manufacturers program to allow engines to get higher fuel mileage.

What happens if you put regular oil in instead of synthetic?

Keep in mind that mixing synthetic and conventional oil dilutes the beneficial effects of higher quality synthetic oil. … Mixing different types can destabilize your motor oil, reducing its efficiency and affecting your engine’s performance.

What are the disadvantages of synthetic oil?

The main disadvantage of synthetic oil is the price. Manufacturing synthetic oil requires a far more involved process. Because of this, the price of synthetic oil is nearly four times the price of petroleum-based oil. Using a synthetic oil in a car change could cost you $80 versus $20 of a petroleum-based oil.

Is Mobil 1 better than Castrol?

However, when it comes to performance preservation, Mobil maintains dominance over Castrol Edge. Elsewhere, for engines that run on conventional oil, the magnatec additives in Castrol make it the better choice for the consumer-grade market. Overall, Mobil tends to offer better preserving qualities compared to Castrol.

What happens if you use the wrong oil?

Using the wrong fluid can cause poor lubrication, overheating, and possibly transmission failure. A mechanic might not be able to reverse the damage, even by flushing the transmission. Mistakenly adding motor oil or brake fluid can also destroy your transmission.

Are 5w20 and 5W-30 interchangeable?

So, due to viscosity, 5w20 is a thinner oil during operating temperatures, whereas 5w30 is thicker during operating temperatures. A majority of manufacturers are now producing engines that operate on 5w20 oil, to which it’s important to stick to this viscosity and not substitute 5w30.

How to choose the right lubricant?

To choose the optimal lubricant, you need to carefully understand engine oil viscosity. Sometimes, drivers face the situation when they need to add an engine oil with a different viscosity in their car. So the most common question that is always asked is: Contents.

How much weight can an oil film withstand?

So, the mineral oil film can withstand a load of about 900 kg per square centimeter, and the same film formed by modern fully synthetic oils can already withstand a load of 2200 kg per square centimeter.

Is mixing different oil viscosities dangerous?

In some documents, there is clear evidence written in the safety requirements of the possibility of mixing different oil viscosities in such a way that it does not cause any destructive consequences for the engine. All car oils have a certain standardization according to API (American standard) ...

Is there a low viscosity mineral oil?

So, basically, there are no low-viscosity mineral oils. Fully synthetic, and semi-synthetic engine oils are another matter. Modern chemical additives that are used in these types of oils achieve a decrease in viscosity, which is why oils, for example, with the popular viscosity of 5W-30, can be both synthetic and semi-synthetic. ...

Can you mix mineral oil with synthetic oil?

However, the only mix that is not that ok is between mineral oil and fully synthetic oil. You can mix these oils only if there is no other option and if you do, change your engine oil when you get to the nearest workshop.

Can you mix different oil viscosities?

The quick answer to this question is yes, you can mix different engine oil viscosities, but you have to consider certain factors when you do. All modern engine oils can be mixed whether if it’s fully synthetic, semi-synthetic, or mineral. This will not cause any negative impact, such as chemical reaction the crankcase, foaming, bubbling.

Do you need to replace oil when you are on the road?

You need to replace it as quickly as possible and fill in with the required oil that has the necessary tolerance. Sometimes there are situations when you need to fill in oil when you’re on the road, you drive to the nearest car dealership or automotive shop. But its range does not have the same oil you have.

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The Answer Is No!

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Even if two different brands of oil have the same viscosity, you still should not be mixing them together. (Why anyone would even consider doing this in the first place is something we cannot comprehend. But we digress.) Technically, using a grade of oil that’s recommended by your car manufacturer is correct. However, if …
See more on torque.com.sg

So Why Can’T You Combine Oils?

  • The reason is that every brand of engine oil is formulated differently, especially with regard to the additives used by its manufacturer. Nobody, possibly except for the top scientists and engineers working in these oil firms, knows the chemistry of their engine oils. Therefore, we as consumers cannot be sure that one oil does not affect another one. We don’t know their chemistry. As car o…
See more on torque.com.sg

What If You’Re Switching Brands at Your Next Oil Change?

  • When the oil is drained, a thin film still covers those vital components in your motor. It’s okay to then finish filling up with a different brand of engine oil. The new filling would now comprise the majority of the oil in your engine.
See more on torque.com.sg

What About Mixing Mineral and Synthetic Oils?

  • That’s a big NO-NO. Mineral and synthetic oils are totally different products. Trying to save money by using a bit of mineral oil then topping it off with synthetic oil is asking for trouble. They must never be mixed together. What do oil filters do and why we must change them Why does motor oil eventually turn black?
See more on torque.com.sg

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