Engine oil: is it possible to mix semi-synthetics and synthetics

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Motor lubricants, depending on the chemical composition, are divided into mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic.

Types of lubricants for car engines

Mineral oils are essentially petroleum that has been somewhat refined after it has been mined. These oils are quite stable and inexpensive. In addition, machines 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 the 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 semi-synthetics and synthetics? After all, there may bevarious situations on the road, for example, sometimes there is an urgent need to fill in oil, but the right one is simply not available.

Combining different oils: opinions for and against

There are polar points of view of manufacturers and motorists on the question: is it possible to mix different oils? Oil blending has its pros and cons.

Opponents say that different types of oils are not just invented. They already contain the correct optimal chemical formula, and its violation will not lead to any positive results.

Followers of the reverse point of view are not so radical and answer positively to questions about whether it is possible to mix semi-synthetics and synthetics, as well as synthetics and mineral oil. This is explained by the fact that semi-synthetic materials are already a product of mixing, more than half of the composition of which is a mineral base. And nothing bad can happen if more synthetic material, refined and processed, is added to such a mixture.

Most experts are moderate. And to the question posed about how to change engine oil, is it possible to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics, you will most likely receive a positive answer, but with some reservations.

How to combine oils correctly?

Not all lubricants are recommended for mixing. It is possible that there will be no particularly serious negative consequences for the motor, but still this is an extremely undesirable measure, and it would be usefulfollow some rules when combining oils, especially if you can choose a more gentle option.

Combining oils from different manufacturers

Can I mix synthetic and semi-synthetic oils from different manufacturers?

Ideally, it is better to combine oils of the same 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 last well until the next change.

So, it is better to use lubricants from the same manufacturer. But since, due to the insufficient choice 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 to each other. Therefore, by mixing any lubricant that meets these standards, you can avoid negative consequences for the operation of your engine, but it is recommended to do this only in exceptional cases.

Oil change based on performance and viscosity grades

Is it possible to mix oil - synthetics with semi-synthetics if they are of different grades and different viscosities?

Manufacturers do not recommend changing the grade and viscosity of the oil, but if this is necessary, it is preferable to use the same brand as before.

If the class is lower, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse everythingengine parts. It is advisable to travel a little in moderate mode, pre-filling with a cleanser.

Effects of mixing oils

What happens when you mix synthetics and semi-synthetics? Choosing high-quality manufacturers, you can not be afraid of big failures in the operation of the motor. If you purchased the oil and are not completely sure of it, it is recommended to experiment. By mixing the products in small quantities, you can heat them up and follow the chemical reaction. If a precipitate forms or foaming occurs, these substances must not be combined.

In the absence of a clear conflict of components, you can safely combine these engine oils. How to mix synthetics and semi-synthetics of different viscosities and what will come out in the end?

As mentioned above, lubricants of different viscosities can be mixed, but it is preferable to use the same brand. So, if you mix the products, you will get approximately averaged results. For example, if you combine synthetic material 5w-50 and semi-synthetics 15w-30 in equal proportions, 10w-40 oil will come out.

The question of whether it is possible to mix semi-synthetics and synthetics of different performance classes was answered above. As a result of this mixing, an oil of lower quality will be obtained. Suppose, when mixing oils of classes H and L, we will end up with a lower class - H.

Possible negative consequences of the connection

Differences inchemical formula, a different set of additives may conflict with each other during operation. Even if you have experimented with mixing small amounts of oils, this does not guarantee that some problems will not occur as a result of using the mixture.

If you are faced with the problem of whether it is possible to mix semi-synthetics and synthetics, if there are no other options, this can be done, but further 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 a significant reduction in its service life.

If you take one oil in part less than 15%, then it will not be dangerous for the engine. This amount of material remains in the car even with a simple change of lubricant.

Mineral oils and the possibility of their combination with other types of oils

Can I mix synthetic and mineral? This question worries many motorists who use natural lubricants.

It is allowed to combine synthetic products based on polyalphaelins (PAO) with mineral oil.

Other types of synthetic materials combine with mineral 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 mixture.

Less risk mineral oilcan 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 need to remember the basic rules:

• it is better to use oils of the same manufacturer, same viscosity and class;
• when changing the material class, use one brand of product, this will reduce the negative consequences for the motor, while the output mixture class will be lower;
• with different viscosity of oils, also try to take products of the same brand, the final viscosity will depend on the proportions of materials;
• extremely rare and undesirable is the transition from one manufacturer to another, before that it is better to consult 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 not desirable.