Understanding Motor Oil Formulations Modern motor oils are highly sophisticated chemical formulations, not simply refined petroleum products. These numbers indicate how the oil performs at cold and operating temperatures.
Safety Check: Mixing Different Motor Oil Brands
In these situations, it is generally safer to use a product with the same viscosity grade and API rating as the original oil. The golden rule in this case is to use the new oil only to get to a location where you can perform a proper oil change with the correct, single brand.
If an engine problem arises, and lab analysis reveals a mixture of oils with different additive packages, a warranty claim could be denied on the grounds of using an unapproved maintenance procedure. When Mixing Might Be Necessary There are scenarios where topping up your oil with a different brand becomes a practical necessity, such as during a road trip where your specific oil is unavailable.
Safety Check: Mixing Different Motor Oil Brands
Potential Risks of Mixing Brands While a small top-off with a different brand in an emergency is unlikely to cause immediate catastrophe, consistently mixing motor oil brands or performing a full oil change with a different product introduces several risks. Motor oil is the lifeblood of any internal combustion engine, performing a multitude of critical functions that range from reducing friction to cleaning internal components.
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