Is it possible to mix engine oils: synthetics with synthetics or semi-synthetics?

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

On the road, there are situations in which it may be necessary to add engine oil to the car. What to do in this case? There are at least 2 options for solving the problem: ask someone to tow the car to the nearest service station, or you can mix engine oils, adding what is available. Which option to choose? What are the consequences of mixing? Let's figure it out.

Etymology

Let's start with synthetics. The basis of the same oils is an artificial product of oil and gas processing, which is obtained by synthesis. The withdrawal process itself is very complicated, but quite effective. The molecular composition of such oils is so perfect that as a result of its action on car parts, there are even no oxidative processes, as well as reactions with sealing rubber products. This engine oil is based on special additives that increaseperformance and reducing fuel consumption. The only possible drawback of such a product is its cost. Some more masters say that synthetic oil stinks strongly when the engine is running and goes to waste. It is not known for certain. Therefore, we will consider it not true.

Semi-synthetic oil basically contains two types of substances of molecular composition: synthetic and mineral. To put it simply, it is a mixture of two bases. The important thing is that there are no standards that regulate the ratio of bases in semi-synthetic oil. Some good brands distribute ingredients like this: 40% synthetic, 60% mineral base. However, this percentage is always at the discretion of the manufacturer, and some unscrupulous brands may deviate from the recommended proportions.

Which oils are suitable for which engines?

So is it possible to mix motor oils? I think no. After all, the two bases have different technical characteristics. Semi-synthetic grease has a low viscosity index, has a small additive package and higher oxidation rates. If you use such oil in winter, when there is severe frost outside the window, starting the engine is difficult, compared to how the engine works on analogues with a synthetic base. Also, the replacement interval of such oils is shorter. A possible plus of semi-synthetic oil is the low price.

Some experts recommend using semi-synthetics on oldengines, the mileage of which exceeds the mark of 100 thousand kilometers. It will restore compression, wipe microcracks and other defects. It is ideal for a motor with a turbine installed.

Synthetic is the choice for new motors

As for the synthetic base, it is recommended to fill it from scratch and use it on new engines with low mileage. Such a liquid copes well with high temperatures and has a high resistance to its differences. You can replace such oil not after 10 thousand kilometers, but after 30-35 thousand. A wide package of additives used allows you to keep the internal oil channels clean. This oil prevents the formation of carbon deposits, increases the potential of the engine and reduces gasoline consumption.

Perhaps now it is more clear to us whether it is possible to mix synthetics with semi-synthetics. Motor oils based on these bases are intended for different engines. This means that they cannot be mixed.

What happens when engine oils are mixed?

When mixing two different bases, the reaction resulting from their incompatibility will be inevitable. This will lead to the formation of slag that clogs the oil channels and makes it difficult for fluid to move through the engine. As a result, the motor wears out quickly, and its life is reduced. Organic lubricant has many chemical additives in its composition. They are there to protect the motor. The inorganic base contains additives by default. As a result, when mixing, you will get too muchamount of chemistry that will not benefit the engine.

When is mixing permitted?

It is worth considering that none of the labels has official approval of the manufacturer for mixing. In this case, there will certainly be negative consequences, so no one will give the go-ahead for such manipulations. But since trouble has befallen, and there is no other way out, then you can add a little organic matter to synthetics, or vice versa. But after you do this, you must immediately go to the nearest service station, and try not to turn the engine too much. In the auto repair shop, you need to completely flush the engine and fill in the "native" oil recommended by the manufacturer.

So is it possible to mix motor oils with an eye on a quick engine flush? This is allowed, but strongly discouraged. As for flushing, it should be done at the service station using special tools.

Can I mix synthetics with synthetics?

Synthetic-based motor oils are less capricious. However, there is no universal grease with one viscosity and one additive package. Each manufacturer makes its own synthetics, which include different additives. When mixing synthetic oils of different brands, an incompatibility reaction cannot be ruled out. At a minimum, some additives can precipitate, which will drastically reduce the lubricating properties of the oil, making it more viscous. However, mixing oils on the same base is better than trying to mix different bases. However, it is worthwhile to ensure that the viscosity of the lubricantswas the same. Some drivers are wondering if it is possible to mix 5W40 and 10W 40 engine oils. the viscosity of these products is different.

It is allowed to mix lubricants with the same value of the last digits, which reflect the temperature regime at which their operation will be as correct as possible. It is better to mix oils if they are from the same brand. If the brands are different, then you can only mix in order to increase the oil level and get to the service station. All because of the additives that manufacturers use. These components are almost always different, used together, they can conflict with each other and precipitate.

Note that there are also opposite opinions of motorists who claim that oils on the same basis can freely interfere with each other, and this will not have any negative effect. It may be true, but you shouldn't take risks unless absolutely necessary.

When a situation arises where you need to add oil, ideally you should call your dealer and find out what kind of oil is allowed for mixing.

In closing

Now we have finally figured out whether it is possible to mix motor oils. You should not do this if there is another, more conservative solution to the problem. When it became necessary to add lubricant on the track, it is better to try to tow the car to the service station, where they can add "native" oil or completely replace it. But if there is no alternative, then pour whatthere is. But get to the service station slowly, without loading the power plant. The main thing is that now you know if engine oils can be mixed.