Can You Mix Oil Brands? Answered!

ByKern Campbell

Can you mix oil brands? Yes, you can. In the grand scheme of things mixing your oil brands will not have a detrimental effect on your engine. However, there are some things you’ll want to consider before mixing. Read below to find out more about what you should and shouldn’t mix.

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Table of Contents

Mixing Oil Brands 

You can mix oil brands. However, just because you can does not necessarily mean you should. Engines will run most efficiently with the oil recommended in the owner’s manual.

Different oils and different brands of oil use various blends to create their product. This variation between brands could mean that levels of additives and chemicals may not blend well together.

When mixing oil brands of differing viscosity, the two will not blend into one smooth mixture. If you combine oil brands, it is best to stick with oil of the same viscosity.

Engine oils of different weights can run differently throughout the engine and affect performance. Short term, this will not make much of a difference. However, over time it could do some damage.

Mixing oil brands should not become a constant habit. Mixing oils can complicate the flow of the engine and damage it in the long term. Sometimes circumstances demand that you mix, like topping off until your oil changes. 

Once in a while, it is not a big deal, but consistently mixing oils can reduce engine function, lower fuel economy, and create sludge.

Due to the fact that it could be damaging over time, you may want to drain the mix and change the oil to the recommended oil for the engine. Damage is more likely the longer you leave the mixed oil in your car. To avoid damage, you should change it as soon as possible.

What Is Oil?

Oil is essential for your engine to run its best. Oil flows through the motor to help it work efficiently by reducing friction and preventing overheating. Many different oil brands and types of oil can work for your car. You will typically find the best oil for your engine to run as efficiently as possible in your car owner’s manual.

Oil types and brands may differ by oil viscosity. Viscosity is the weight of the oil and determines how thick or thin it goes through the engine. The weight of the oil may change depending on temperature conditions. 

Thicker oil viscosities may run better in cold temperatures, while thinner will run more efficiently in hot temperatures.

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Can You Mix 5w20 and 5w30?

You can mix 5w20 and 5w30 oil. The two can go together without immediate damage to your engine.

Since the two types of oil are different weights, they run differently through your engine. 5w20 is a thinner oil blend, while 5w30 is a thicker oil. Some think mixing the two types of oil would make a better blend of thick and thin, but you will not notice any advantage to your engine performance.

Mixing 5w20 and 5w30 will not significantly change the performance of your engine or fuel economy. In addition, it may do damage if what you’re mixing is not recommended for your vehicle. 

Since 5w20 has a thinner weight, it will not coat an engine the way that 5w30 will. If your engine runs most efficiently with 5w30 oil, 5w20 may not lubricate the engine enough to perform smoothly.

You can mix 5w20 and 5w30. However, you should only mix the two if both are compatible with your vehicle. The oil will still run smoothly in an engine constructed for those blends. If one of these is not a good match, you run the risk of damaging your vehicle.

Mixing oil is not a huge deal, but be careful that you only put in oil that can function with your engine. You may not notice enhanced performance, but you might see the damage over time. Always check your owner’s manual, and change your oil as soon as you can.

Can I Use 5w20 Instead of 5w30?

It is okay to use 5w20 instead of 5w30 if the engine is compatible with 5w20. It is not recommended to use it if the owner’s manual does not list it for acceptable use in the vehicle.

5w20 has a thinner viscosity than 5w30. It is formulated for newer engines, and some cars, especially older cars may not run efficiently. With the thinner weight, 5w20 flows at the same rate as 5w30 in cold temperatures. 

However, running it in hotter temperatures does thin out. The thin oil may not have enough lubrication to keep the engine running smoothly.

Although it’s fine to use 5w20 instead of 5w30 in a pinch, it should not become standard practice. It may not damage your vehicle if used for a short time, but it can damage your engine when used long-term. The car may have reduced engine function and fuel economy.

You should drain and change the oil as soon as you get a chance. Even though it is probably okay to use 5w20 instead of 5w30, as long as it’s compatible with your engine, it is best to use the recommended oil for your vehicle. You will want to go back to 5w30 as soon as you can.

Conclusion

Yes, you can mix oil brands. Whether you are mixing brands alone or you are also mixing oil blends, it is probably going to turn out just fine. You may be in a pinch and have no other choice, or you want to see if your engine can perform even better. Either way, it should not cause much, if any, damage.

Car engines work best with the oil recommended in the owner’s manual. Mixing or switching the type and motor oil brand will not improve performance. Engine performance depends on the proper viscosity of the oil. 

Changing the weight of the oil may mean your engine is not running optimally. It will not change your running performance or fuel economy, but it also will not damage your engine when used for a short time.