If you’re a new driver, or just a car enthusiast in progress, you’ll likely have a couple of questions when it comes to replacing your engine oil – and one query that gets asked a lot is “can you mix engine oils?”. While technically it is possible to do this, it’s not generally advised, and if you’re going to combine engine oils you should do a little research first. We break down exactly what happens when you mix engine oils in more detail below.
What Happens If You Mix Two Engine Oils?
Technically speaking, mixing engine oils doesn’t cause any harm to your engine, providing you follow a few simple rules of compatibility.
That said, if you combine engine oils without reading up on them first, you could end up compromising the protective qualities of the oil, like its anti-wear and anti-oxidant properties, as well as the viscosity.
Can I Mix Engine Oil From Different Brands?
There are many different variables to consider when it comes to mixing engine oil. Each product is made up of a base, and then a handful of different additives – but on top of this, every brand may formulate its products in a slightly different way.
With these factors in mind, combining two different engine oils could result in a discrepancy in the physical properties of the oil, as well as how it performs.
Can You Mix 5W30 and 10W30 Oil?
No – you shouldn’t mix engine oils with different specifications like this. These two oils have contrasting viscosities and are designed for completely different types of use.
If you’re in a rush or dealing with an emergency, and you do need to combine two different engine oils rather than doing a straight swap, you should try to track down an oil produced by the same brand. When this isn’t possible, your best course of action is to find an engine oil which matches the API specifications of the oil already in your car, which will reduce the risk of any damage.
Once you’re back on the road, you should aim to get your oil completely drained and changed sooner rather than later, to ensure there’ll be no complications further down the line.
Engine Oil at Euro Car Parts
It’s quick and easy to find precisely the right oil for your car with Euro Car Parts, thanks to our helpful Fast Finder tool. Type your registration number into the search bar, and we’ll filter through all 130,000 of our products, leaving you with the engine oil that’s compatible with your exact make and model.
Did you know you can also get your engine oil replaced with our Fit It For Me service? As long as you’re getting new oil filters fitted at the same time, you can book to have your engine oil changed at one of our associated garages.
