Is it ok if there are 2 different types of oil in the engine

dean_ham · 4 Dec 2006 at 09:26

I dont know what oil is in the engine at the moment but its on minimum, is it best to drain the oil and fill up from empty?

Or just top it up with some new oil?

Cheers guys

jpmonkey69 · 4 Dec 2006 at 09:38

I'd change the oil completely tbh, I know you shouldn't mix fully and semi synthetic oil, but I imagine mixing different viscosity oils is just as bad.

moss · 4 Dec 2006 at 10:01

Just top it up with the recommended oil, even if the car has the 'wrong' oil in, it'll probably make little difference anyway.

What car is it anyway, just certain engines like the Ford Zetecs recommend 5w30.

siztenboots · 4 Dec 2006 at 10:42

Just take it down to National Tyres and get a semi synth oil and filter change around £20. Not worth the hassle getting oily and the other pitfalls.

silversurfer · 4 Dec 2006 at 11:01

Depends how expensive the car is I guess but Ive mixed oils plenty over the years and never encountered a problem. They wont react if thats what your thinking

andi · 4 Dec 2006 at 21:40

IIRC, it's acceptable if both oils are well within the manufacturers recommended specifications.

I would just change the lot though, not a difficult job.

BennyC · 4 Dec 2006 at 21:43

for example if it takes semi 10w30, you can top it up with semi 10w30. personally i wouldnt mix types. You can drain the lot, down to personal preference.

Im not sure what the viewpoint is on say topping up an engine with standard oil in it, with somethink like Mobil one or GTX? would it just be pointless?