Unlike what you may have learned in school, the purpose of an oil change is not to simply lubricate moving parts.
Engine oil also cools the engine, cleans and prevents corrosion, and acts as a sealant against gas and other contaminants. That’s why it’s important to use the right kind of engine oil for your car- not just any motor oil will do.
It is important to be aware of the different types and brands of engine oil available and the benefits each type has. The type of oil you use in your car can make a big difference, using the wrong type of oil can actually damage your engine.
But can you mix oil brands, or should you stick with one specific brand?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of mixing different brands of oil, and help you decide what’s best for your vehicle.
So whether you’re looking to save a little money by using a cheaper brand of oil, or if you just want to experiment with different oils to see which one works best for your car, read on for some helpful tips!
What's in this post?
Can you mix oil brands?
Yes, you can mix oil brands and it won’t harm your engine. In fact, the practice of mixing oils is now fairly common among vehicle owners who may be faced with a scarcity of options at their local store or simply want to save money by combining slightly lesser-known oil blends.
When mixing different types of engine oil, it is important to take into account factors such as viscosity and additives used.
Light-duty vehicle engines are usually designed to use a specific grade or weight of oil specified by the manufacturer. This specification serves as a guideline for choosing an appropriate motor oil in order to achieve optimum performance from your engine.
It is generally safer to stay within that manufacturer’s recommendation when selecting a replacement oil. However, using two different brands of the same weight of motor oils will not significantly affect your engine performance because the viscosity grade remains the same regardless of brand name or originator company (in most cases).
In short, if you don’t have access to one particular type or brand of engine oil then it should be safe to mix them together so long as they both meet the API Service Classification required by your vehicle manufacturer and are at least close in viscosity ranking categories if not identical ones (e.g., 5W-30 vs 10W-30).
Other words: while you can mix multiple types and brands without worrying about causing any significant harm to your engine; don’t expect increased protection or performance from such mixed oils compared with factory recommendations for your specific make/model/year vehicle.
What happens if you mix different oil brands?
When it comes to your car’s engine, oil is essential for keeping everything running smoothly. Not only does it lubricate the moving parts, but it also helps to cool and clean the engine.
Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective, so it needs to be replaced on a regular basis. When changing your oil, you may be tempted to mix different brands in order to save money.
However, this can actually result in decreased performance and may even damage your engine in the long run by many reasons. The additives in each oil brand are designed to work best with that particular brand, so mixing them can throw off the chemical balance and cause problems.
In general, it’s best to use the same brand of oil throughout an oil change interval to avoid any potential issues.
Useful read: How Much Metal in Oil is Normal
What should you do if you want to change oil brand?
Draining your old oil is the first and most important step in changing oil brands. Depending on the type of oil you use, this may require special tools or a different process.
Once you have drained the old oil, you will need to add the new oil. This can be done by following the manufacturer’s instructions or by using a universal oil that is compatible with all brands. Finally, you will need to dispose of the old oil properly.
This may include taking it to a local recycling center or simply pouring it down the drain. Changing oil brands is a simple process that can be done at home with minimal effort.
However, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that you are not damaging your engine or creating an environmental hazard.
Useful read: Can you add oil to hot engine?
Can you mix synthetic oil and normal oil?
It is generally not recommended to mix synthetic and regular oils as they are designed to work best when used alone. However, in some cases, it may be possible to mix the two types of oil if you are low on one and need to top off your levels.
For example, if you are changing your own oil and realize that you are almost out of synthetic oil, you may add a small amount of regular oil to the mixture. Similarly, if you run out of regular oil, you can add a small amount of synthetic oil to your engine.
However, it is important to only add a small amount of the different type of oil, as too much can cause problems with your engine. In general, it is best to stick with one type of oil for your car.
FAQs
Why can’t you go back to regular oil after synthetic?
Yes, you can go back to regular oil after using synthetic. Synthetic oils are made of a combination of synthetic and conventional oils.
However, it’s important to note that once you switch to synthetic oil, you should stick with it for the duration of the recommended interval. This is because switching back and forth can actually do more harm than good.
When you mix different types of oil, they can break down differently and form deposits that can clog your engine. So, if you’ve been using synthetic oil, it’s best to stick with it until your next oil change.
Can I mix Castrol and Valvoline?
Yes, as long as they have the same specifications. For example, you can mix 5W-30 and 10W-30 but not 5W-30 and 15W-40. But it’s still not recommended because the additives in each oil are designed to work best with that particular brand. So, mixing them can throw off the chemical balance and cause problems.
Are all brands of motor oil the same?
No. There are many different brands of motor oil on the market, and each one has its own specific formulation. So while they may all look the same, they actually have different chemical compositions.
This means that some oils are better suited for certain engines than others. As a result, it’s important to choose the right oil for your particular engine. Otherwise, you could end up causing damage or impairing the performance of your engine.
Verdicts
Engine oil is essential for the lifespan of your car. Not only does it lubricate and protect the engine, but it also helps to remove heat. Changing your engine oil at regular intervals will help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
Depending on how you drive, we recommend changing your engine oil every 5,000 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first. Make sure you are using the right kind of oil for your car and that you are changing it often enough to keep your engine in good shape.
So can you mix oil brands? Although it is possible to mix brands of engine oil, it is not recommended. Different oils have different formulations and using two different types of oil can cause damage to your engine.
If you do need to switch brands, make sure that you use the same type of oil (e.g., synthetic or conventional). For the best results and longest life for your engine, stick with one brand of oil and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
