Can hydraulic oil be mixed?

[SabrinaAnn]

Hydraulic oil can be mixed, but oils with different specifications should not be mixed because their viscosity indexes differ. Here are some precautions for changing hydraulic oil: 1. Use high-quality hydraulic oil: Before changing the hydraulic oil, it is essential to pay attention to the quality of the oil. The quality of hydraulic oil on the market varies, and using inferior oil can damage hydraulic components. Therefore, do not opt for cheap, low-quality oil; instead, replace it with clean, high-quality hydraulic oil. 2. Do not start the engine when the oil is not fully filled: There are many precautions to take during the process of changing hydraulic oil in an excavator. For example, when the oil tank is not filled, and the cavities of the hydraulic pump and motor are not fully filled with oil, remember not to start the engine, as it may cause harm to people nearby.

[DelElias]

I advise against mixing different brands or types of hydraulic fluid, as the formulation of the fluid is crucial in automotive hydraulic systems—when additives and viscosity differ, mixing can cause chemical reactions, leading to sediment or foam formation, which may clog oil lines or cause premature aging of seals. While working in the garage, I've seen many steering systems fail because owners added a new brand of fluid to the old one to save money, resulting in heavy or even unresponsive steering. Hydraulic fluids, like brake fluid, carry similar risks. It's safer to perform a complete replacement periodically rather than mixing for temporary convenience. Checking the user manual for the specified type and using only the same product can help avoid costly repairs and driving hazards.

[VonJordan]

Mixing hydraulic oils is asking for trouble, as I learned the hard way. During a countryside trip when I ran low on oil, I casually topped up with another brand of hydraulic fluid. The result? The power steering pump started buzzing like a bomber. A veteran mechanic diagnosed that the mixed oils had thickened and caused blockages. Different hydraulic oil additives are incompatible - mixing them actually accelerates component wear. Even the brake system may respond sluggishly, which is downright dangerous. Now I've wised up: I either fill up with the same oil or do a complete change. It's not worth risking safety to save a few bucks. The model recommended in your car's manual is always the best choice - maintaining oil purity ensures worry-free driving.

[Gray]

Never mix hydraulic oils! From what I've learned from my car club friends, hydraulic systems demand consistency—different formulations can cause compatibility issues. For example, adding new oil to an old system might lead to hydraulic pump overheating or performance degradation. When it comes to my car, I only trust original manufacturer oils or specified brands; mixing is like dismantling your own safety barrier. This is especially critical for systems like steering or brakes—failure here could have severe consequences. Simple rule: drain the old oil completely or replace it entirely before adding new oil—never cut corners by mixing. Repair costs far outweigh any savings on oil.

[LaLuke]

Hydraulic oil should not be mixed arbitrarily due to underlying chemical principles. Additives such as antioxidants or anti-wear agents have specific formulations, and mixing may lead to neutralization or reactions, forming sludge that clogs oil passages or reduces lubricity. In engineering tests, I've observed that mixed oils can cause unstable hydraulic system pressure, increased pump noise, or higher risks of oil leakage. To ensure smooth operation of systems like power steering, maintain oil purity and choose the same type and brand of oil. Vehicle maintenance prioritizes stability—avoid any mixing.