Is it possible to mix semisynthetics from different manufacturers. Can engine oils from different manufacturers be mixed? Compatibility of engine oils from one manufacturer

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Each car owner will sooner or later face a dilemma - you can mix engine oils different manufacturers and different viscosity 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 point is that everything lubricants are tested 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, in practice, "unpopular" manufacturers rarely carry out such checks, so if you plan to mix oils, make sure you are using 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 from different manufacturers, or 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 approval according to API or ACEA. 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 completely workable "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 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 find out only from the manufacturer of your car brand.

The safest way to mix oils according to manufacturers

Products from the same brand usually have more common elements, 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 fill in 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 the same 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 with similar characteristics different firms enter into chemical reactions, but these changes do not in any way affect the performance of the engine 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.

Even experienced motorists They often disagree: is mixing engine oils good or bad? In this article, we will reveal some of the nuances of servicing the engine of your car.

1 What types of motor lubricants are used in passenger cars?

The lubricant for the engine must meet the parameters specified by the manufacturer. There are several classifications of this consumable. Motorists are familiar with the American API system, European ACEA, international ISLAC and some others.... We are closer and more understandable classification, focused on the type of oil base:

synthetics - completely artificial consistency;
mineral - made from natural products, most often oil;
semisynthetics is a symbiosis of the first two categories of motor oils.

Synthetic products have enhanced protective properties, they are resistant to the processes taking place in the engine. Such consumables cope well with increased loads and allow you to start the car in severe frost without any problems. Synthetics packaging always indicates that it is made from substances obtained by artificial means. Fully Synthetic.

Mineral oils are made from natural ingredients. This type grease is less resistant to stress. He does not love high temperatures, frost and requires increased attention. The only plus of the mineral consumable is its low cost. Semi-synthetic products have the properties of synthetics and mineral components. Often, special additives are used in such a lubricant, which improve the quality indicators of the product. Semi-synthetics, for example, belongs to a South Korean company SK Corporation.

2 To mix or not - how to be?

Let's say right away that the different types of oils used in the engine can be mixed. But in order not to harm the motor, you need to do this, observing some rules. Mineral lubricant is best diluted with semi-synthetic products or synthetics based on polyalphaolefins (PAO). Consumables made by hydrocracking are also suitable.

Add mineral to synthetics, if necessary. There is nothing wrong with that. However, take a look at what type of lubricant you are using. These should be polyester, glycolic or silicone oils. If possible, do not be lazy and search the Internet for which product can be mixed with your synthetics.

Currently, the leading manufacturers of motor oils have developed specific API and ACEA standards, which allow mixing different lubricants without the slightest risk. If the package contains this abbreviation, then feel free to add the contents of the bottle to your engine, even if the product is released by another company. Semi-synthetics can also be mixed with synthetics. A successful combination is obtained when a high quality consumable is poured into the lower quality oil.

3 To different manufacturers - special attention

Often times, mixing different types of grease is not critical to the engine. But if possible, do not use automotive consumables from different manufacturers to refill the engine. Such products may contain additives that conflict with each other due to differences in composition and manufacturing technology. In rare cases, additives trigger chemical reactions that cause the base product to foam and form a sludge.

Even with a complete oil change, a certain amount of old grease remains in the engine. There is a possibility of additive incompatibility.

If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to add synthetics to synthetics, then try to mix products made by the same company. With such a replacement, most of the components of motor lubricants will contain a minimum of various additives and will not cause negative processes.

From all of the above, we can conclude. You can mix engine oils, but do not forget about simple rules... Dilute synthetics with a semi-synthetic product, semi-synthetics with a mineral analogue, and mineral consumables with semi-synthetic ones. The best option will be if the oils were made by the same company. And don't forget to have a small supply of lubricant recommended by your car manufacturer.

The disputes of car owners about the possibility of mixing engine oil in the engine have not subsided for many years. Someone assures that there is no harm to engines in this case, while other car owners or engine repair specialists argue that it is prohibited to mix grease. Let's talk in more detail about whether it is possible to mix various automotive oils in an engine.

A car engine is a unit with a complex design, inside of which there are numerous moving elements; in the process of operation, heating moving units are subject to increased wear. To protect such moving parts, prevent premature wear and to cool the motor, special automotive oils are used. Currently, it is customary to distinguish between three types of such automotive engine lubricants:

Mineral oil is a natural product that is obtained through appropriate oil refining. The cost of such a mineral oil is at an affordable level, but in terms of its performance characteristics it is significantly inferior to synthetic samples.

Synthetic oil made using a special technology from a variety of chemical components. Such a grease is resistant to temperature extremes, does not oxidize and retains its performance characteristics for a long time. The only drawback of this synthetic oil is its high cost.

Semisynthetics is an intermediate lubricant that contains both synthetic and mineral components. Such semisynthetics are superior to inexpensive mineral oils in certain parameters, but at the same time they are somewhat inferior to pure ones. synthetics.

High-quality oil will provide the necessary engine protection, preventing it premature wear... Also, the lubricant is responsible for cooling the internal moving parts and parts, the temperature of which can significantly increase during engine operation. Today quality technical fluids are capable of retaining their performance characteristics for a long time. And yet, after 8-10 thousand kilometers of run, the oil loses its characteristics, which makes it necessary to carry out appropriate service work, within which the lubricant and filter elements are changed. Performing such a service on a regular basis, it will be possible to prevent the occurrence of engine breakdowns, the elimination of which will cost the car owner a lump sum.

In the recommendations of the automakers and oil manufacturers themselves, you can find conflicting recommendations for such a mixing of grease. It should be said that there are certain oil standards that characterize the chemical and physical properties of a lubricant. In the event that such standards differ significantly, for example, as for synthetics and mineral compositions, then it is not recommended to mix such a lubricant. But whether it is possible to mix in a motor, for example, semi-synthetics or synthetics from different manufacturers and with different viscosity indicators - there is no single answer.

Today, these oil manufacturers use different chemical formulas, which allows them to produce a quality product that provides full engine protection during its operation. Moreover, even oils that belong to the same category and which have the same viscosity parameters can use different chemical components that react with each other and neutralize or degrade their characteristics. Accordingly, when they are mixed inside the engine, a significant deterioration can be observed performance characteristics grease, as a result, premature wear appears and the engine may soon require serious repairs.

If in some cases mixing of semi-synthetics and synthetic oil is allowed, then it is strictly forbidden to add mineral oil to the engine, where synthetics or semi-synthetics are filled in. The different chemical composition of these lubricants will cause the oil to curdle. As a result, the oil channels will be clogged with sediment, and the pistons will completely coke. Such an engine, after mixing the oil, will require serious overhaul.

In some cases, in case of any breakdowns on the road, the car owner is faced with a dilemma, whether it is possible for him to pour another oil into the engine by mixing with the existing lubricant, or whether he should turn off the car engine and take the car to the service on a tow truck. It should be said that safe short-term operation of the engine is allowed on mixed oil... At the same time, you can only mix lubricants of the same category, that is, mix semisynthetics with semisynthetics, synthetic oil with synthetic and similar mineral compositions. Remember that this is only a temporary measure in order to get home or to the car workshop, where the engine will be repaired and the subsequent oil change with a new high-quality lubricant.

V emergency situations a ten percent topping-up is allowed in the engine with an oil similar in characteristics, which will not lead to changes in its characteristics. Remember that even with a normal engine oil change, it may not be possible to completely drain the lubricant. 10-15 percent of the lubricant may remain in the engine, and, pouring in new oil, we, willy-nilly, mix such technical fluids. That is why, in an emergency, adding 10% of oil, even with slightly different characteristics, will not lead to any serious engine problems.

If, for whatever reason, you add oil to the engine, remember that it is not recommended to mix oil from different manufacturers and with different characteristics. The chemical composition of such a lubricant can differ significantly, which will lead to the occurrence of undesirable chemical reactions and loss technical characteristics and oil inside the motor. As a result, increased wear will appear, and the engine will soon require complex and expensive repairs.

conclusions

Mix oil from different manufacturers and with different characteristics in the car engine, however, should not. This can lead to serious problems in the operation of the motor, as a result, an expensive overhaul... That is why we can recommend that you purchase engine oil with a small margin and carry a canister of several liters with you constantly, which will allow you to add high-quality oil to the engine in the event of unforeseen extreme situations, avoiding any difficulties with the operation of the power unit.

This question has been plaguing many motorists for many years now, and the information on this issue is contradictory. I started looking for an answer when I was on a business trip. I needed to add oil to the engine, and there was no brand suitable for me at the gas stations.

The ideal situation is when your car has been working with one brand from one brand all its life. But reality is far from ideal. New, higher quality brands at attractive prices are constantly appearing on the market, or a proven variety disappears from the shelves.

Even the automakers themselves are changing the recommended brands for new car models due to fierce competition and supply Supplies with a minimum margin. Hence, there are many reasons why it is not clear whether motor oils of different brands can be mixed. For example, there was a malfunction in which the level quickly leaves and there is no other way out but to top up oil and get to the maintenance station. In such a situation, you will be ready to fill the car with anything just to get to the place.

Therefore, for a start, it is worth getting basic knowledge about automotive oils... Exists different types oils. Any lubricant consists of a base and additives that affect the quality characteristics. The basis can be of two types:

synthetic;
mineral;
semi-synthetic.

There are other distinguishing features:

Viscosity grade (indicated by SAE symbols, can be from 0W-60 to 15W-40).
By the type of engine (gasoline, diesel, truck, passenger, commercial, etc.).
API classification.

Any of the oils is tested for compatibility with other brands before entering the market. To obtain a certificate, conflicting components are excluded from it. There are some “benchmarks” against which any new product is compared. This helps you know which engine oils you can mix. In addition, any lubricant should not harm the rubber and metal parts of the machine.

What shouldn't be mixed?

Now I propose to figure out whether it is worth the risk of mixing synthetics with semi-synthetics and oils from different companies. Remember, this is far from ideal. In any case, you harm your car. The production of the base can be radically different for any manufacturer. The whole reason is in the use of additives due to which the desired properties are achieved.

It is because of the diverse composition that many experts say that engine oils can be mixed, but they do not guarantee safe operation. No one knows what kind of mixture will turn out in the end, and how it will affect the operation of the units, plus there are many manufacturers on the market with individual formulas. The main thing is not to use grease from different manufacturers at the same time, without making sure personally or from trusted sources that this is allowed.

Many professionals say that to mix various oils absolutely not. The first example when refilling is prohibited is an attempt to combine a synthetic base with a mineral base, because their composition is completely different. In addition, the additives that are included in them simply cannot dissolve properly or behave in an unknown way. The consequences of improper mixing can be as follows:

engine slagging: sediment, ring coking and deposits;
some of the additives may precipitate;
the viscosity will increase, it can curl up and clog all the channels;

Personally, I was wondering which motor oils allow mixing synthetics with semi-synthetics, because I mostly pour Castrol. It was possible to find out that the composition of the base of "synthetics" is heavy vegetable alcohols, and in semi-synthetics oil products are used. If you combine such options, then the mixture can work for about 500-1000 km. This is a backup option on the road, when there is nothing to add to semisynthetics besides synthetics. It is possible that with longer driving, the engine will have to be given for serious repairs or even scrapped.

We mix without harm

Now I will give examples where mixing practically does not harm the engine. This is the safer option. Oils from different manufacturers with the same base may have similar viscosities and may also be designed for the same engine. But it's better to get to the workshop where you can fill in the right material.

It is not necessary to use "synthetics" of different viscosities, even from the same manufacturer, it is better to choose the same indicators. I found out which engine oils can be mixed of different makes from my dealer to get to the parking lot. If something happened to the car on the road, be sure to pick up the telephone receiver and call the dealer. We receive the necessary information and act on the basis of the situation. This is necessary in order not to pay for repairs in the event of a breakdown.

I was filled with synthetic from "Castrol" 5W-40. The first figure shows the viscosity at minus temperature outside the window, and the second is the viscosity to a hot medium. For Russia, this is an acceptable option. Some people buy 10W-40. It does not differ much from the option I bought, but it is not recommended to combine it due to differences in viscosity parameters.

I will continue. Unfortunately, at that time I did not find 5W-40 in stores. I had to buy "synthetics" from Mobile with the same viscosity. I did not even buy semi-synthetics from Castrol with other viscosity characteristics, so as not to harm the car. Of course, if you have a "mineral water" filled, then you need to top up the same. When using a mineral base, you will not be able to save yourself with another option.

Even in my version, I understood that it was impossible to drive like this for a long time, only to the service station. There you need to drain the resulting cocktail, flush the engine and then completely replace the lubricant. Here is a list of the steps I took after pouring synthetics with the same viscosity.

I went to the store for flushing oil. Can be used for flushing and some kind of additive.
Prepared a container for draining.
I poured the resulting cocktail.
Filled in the engine flushing oil... Attention! Remember that flushing should only be used in serious situations when you have violated the rules for using the car. For example, in my case it is a combination of synthetics with semi-synthetics. This was not the first time this happened to me, so I decided to flush the engine. Below I will tell you when you should not use a flush.
After washing, the residues were drained.
Filled in new, high-quality oil.

Guys, never rush to follow these steps. Flushing should be done in extreme situations. If you are not an expert in this matter, please contact us for a question. The fact is that the oils themselves are able to clean the engine, the main thing is to change them more often.

Now I always carry a spare canister with me just in case - it's cheaper that way. Life experience teaches that it is better to buy a couple of cans in reserve. Here are some more rules for mixing oils:

after practice with a "cocktail" you need to change the oil a couple of times ahead of schedule due to residues in the engine;
the main thing is to choose the same characteristics no matter which manufacturer;
black color of "working off" indicates the need to replace filters;
know the volume of oil in your machine in order to control the work of the masters when replacing (ask to open the drain after pumping out).

Every motorist may face a problem on the road or in another city, when the engine oil level has dropped to a minimum, and there is no identical fluid at hand. The driver is faced with the question - is it possible to mix engine oils and what this can lead to. After reading this material, you will receive answers to this question, and also learn:

types of motor lubricants used
additive properties
are working fluids of different viscosities compatible?
how to get home if oil runs out

Mix or not?

Let's say right away that oils can be mixed, but there are some aspects of this procedure. In theory, you can mix different motor fluids. You are immediately convinced of this when you learn about the existence of a type of oils called "semi-synthetics". We know that synthetics include only artificially created chemicals, while organics contain natural minerals. Semisynthetics is a symbiosis of these two species.

Although the machine will not stall after pouring a third-party working fluid, this procedure should be resorted to only in extreme cases. If you find suitable lubricant there is no possibility, then you can fill in a third-party from other manufacturers.

The main differences between greases

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

Obviously, synthetics must be mixed with synthetics, and organic with organic. But what will mixing engine oils lead to? different types? The resulting mixture will not fulfill all the tasks of the working fluid, while some additives from the mineral fluid simply will not interact with the synthetic lubricant additives, as a result, they will dissolve. Additives, like the base, are created separately for mineral and synthetic oils... It is impossible to mix "synthetics" and "mineral water". For several hours of operation on such a mixture, coked rings and various slags will appear in the engine channels, after which the engine will fail.

Additives

Each engine oil contains a variety of additives that improve the performance of the hydraulic fluid. Depending on the type of oil, the additives have a different chemical composition. If one composition is used for synthetics, then for mineral water it is completely different.

In addition to the fact that additives contain different "chemistry", they also have different tasks. That is why "mineral water" does not mix with "synthetics", since when combined, you can get a dangerous mixture. For example, synthetic lubricants have sufficient viscosity due to the synthetic base, while mineral water contains additives that are responsible for ensuring stable viscosity. The appearance of excess additives can lead to an increase in the viscosity index.

This once again confirms that a mixture of synthetic and mineral oils can lead not only to a deterioration in the performance of a car engine, but also to completely disable the power plant.

Mixing synthetics

Modern brands of synthetic oils can be divided into two categories:

ACEA certification (for Europe);
API certification (for the USA).

In Russia and the CIS countries, you can see both the first and second options. These tolerances were created to ensure that the oil is completely resistant to mixing with another brand. That is, if you use a brand with an ACEA approval, then you can mix it with synthetics, which also have such an approval. The same goes for API approval.

Manufacturers claim that mixing different oils with the same certification do not lead to sedimentation, the appearance of chemical reactions hazardous to the elements of the motor or foaming. And if your car is filled with synthetics with ACEA or API certification, then you can add any other to it in emergency situations motor fluid suitable for the certificate. You will be able to get to a car service without damaging the engine, where the masters will solve the problem and perform a complete replacement.

The result of mixing synthetics and semi-synthetics

Sometimes it can happen that the level of the working fluid drops sharply, and at this time you will be driving through the steppe deserted area. And if in luggage compartment a canister with semi-synthetic grease is lying around, then the problem can be solved.

As the practice of motorists shows, 10W40 semisynthetics can be mixed with 5W40 synthetic working fluid. As a result, you will get a mixture with a viscosity index equal to 8W40 or 6W40 (the result is influenced by the ratio of lubricants). An excellent option will be an addition to a semi-synthetic lubricant of synthetics with a higher indicator. For example, synthetic grease 5W40 is suitable for semi-synthetic grade 10W40.

If you need to get home

Trouble can overtake you right on the road or in another city. Here the driver faces the question of search suitable oil or pouring a third-party liquid. In such a situation, you must know exactly what liquid is in expansion tank your car.

In a store or at automotive market there may be no oil from the same manufacturer. In this case, you can buy motor fluid from other manufacturers, the condition is to purchase working fluid with the same parameters as the liquid that has run out. For example, there may be 10W-30 grease in the reservoir, you need to fill in oil with identical indicators. Another requirement is that synthetics must be embedded in synthetics. This applies to both semi-synthetic and mineral oils, which are poured into semi-synthetics or mineral water.

If you already had to mix different brands, then the final destination should already be a house, where complete removal of the liquid and pouring of an already homogeneous liquid will be carried out. The experience of car service technicians shows that two types of lubricants with the same parameters, but from different manufacturers, can provoke different reactions that negatively affect the condition of the engine.

Each company has the secrets of the composition, so after arriving home, you need to do the following:

We drain all the working fluid that is in the expansion barrel and the motor.
Fill in flushing oil, on which the engine should run for 10-15 minutes. The flushing fluid contains a set of cleaning additives that will remove traces of previous oils from the engine.
After turning off the engine, it is necessary to drain the flushing oil and fill in the main oil you are using.

We hope that this material will help many motorists. Now you know that you can mix different motor lubricants... The main thing is that the characteristics coincide, then there will be no significant damage to the motor, but in emergency cases, you can break the rules.