Can different brands of engine oil be mixed?
1 Answers
Different brands of engine oil should not be mixed. This is because the chemical additives in different brands of engine oil vary. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Consequences of mixing: When mixed, these chemical additives may react, reducing the lubricating effect of the oil. More seriously, the acid-base compounds produced after the reaction can accelerate the corrosion of engine components. For example, most engine oils on the market today contain sulfonates as chemical additives, while some contain salicylates. If these two types of engine oil are mixed, phenomena such as oil layering or turbidity may occur. 2. Same brand: Even oils of the same brand should not be mixed, as mixing old and new oil can reduce engine performance. For instance, if a significant amount of oil remains after the last use, one might be reluctant to discard it, thinking it can be used next time. However, this accelerates the oxidation and deterioration of the new oil, significantly reducing its service life and effectiveness.