Mixing Oil

[PaulSula]

Always wondered if you can mix different brands/types of oil. I know that you wouldn't want to mix different weights, ex 5w-30 and 10w-30, however because I buy the 5+ qt oil change jug I almost always end up with a little left over that I can't just throw away. Would it be bad to combine, a full synthetic, with a partial synthetic, and a high mileage oil? I can't see the harm, but then again that's why the forum exists...to ask questions. Thanks fellas.

 

[fourwd1]

I would mix different weights of the same brand of oil no problem. But I don't mix brands, you never know how the additives one company uses will react with anothers.

 

[004Gunner]

I mix brands all the time. I prefer Castrol GTX but it isn't always the oil on sale so I end up with different brands. Mixing the weights would just change the overall viscosity, I don't know what mixing syns with partial or non syns does other than alter lubrication/cleaning/conditioning properties. You can always check the FAQs section on the brands' websites if you're concerned, but they all should be compatible with one another. I only use conventional and I stick with the same weight though, so that's why I don't worry about it. I wouldn't make a habit of mixing synthetics with conventionals just because it defeats the purpose of buying synthetic.

 

[<<<<]

I mix mine as follows:

Flying Grasshopper

1 oz white creme de cacao
1 oz vodka
1/3 oz green creme de menthe


Shake briefly with three-quarters of a glassful of crushed ice. Serve with a short straw in an old-fashioned glass.

 

[Awz]

I agree with fourwd1. Mixing weights isn't a problem, though I would try not to too often. I also wouldn't mix synthetic with anything other then synthetic. For semi-synthetic the only requirement is that it has to have some level of synthetic oil in it, could be 5% synthetic and 95% conventional, and they call it semi-syn. Weights okay, brands hesitant, types, I wouldn't.

Mike

 

[PaulSula]

guess I'll just use the old oil to start fires, and drink grasshoppers. Thanks for the advice fellas.