Oil, your car needs it! Oil lubricates the engine and both conventional and synthetic oil were created for this purpose.
Synthetic oil boasts superior properties like high temperature resistance and wear protection compared to conventional oil which does the job.
What happens if you’re stuck and only have a different type of oil available? Can you mix synthetic and conventional oil?
In a pinch, yes, it is o.k. for your engine. But be aware, it is easier for a car that normally runs on conventional oil to mix in a synthetic, and harder on a car that runs on synthetic oil to be introduced to conventional oil. From experience we have seen oil come out as thick and black as mud from these two oils being mixed in this way and it is not ideal for the engine to be run for too long in this condition.
When Mixing Might Be Okay:
- Emergency Top-Up: If you find your car is running low on oil and you need to reach a destination, adding a small amount of conventional oil is acceptable (please see the weight recommendation in your owner’s manual).
Alternatives to Mixing:
- Carry extra oil: For anyone travelling frequently it may be a good idea to keep an extra quart of your car’s recommended oil in the trunk.
- Synthetic Blends: For a balance between performance and cost.
Our Recommendation (If you find yourself in a situation that has led you to mix synthetic and conventional oil):
- Get an oil change at your earliest convenience.
- Get an inspection to diagnose the problem of surplus oil consumption.
Thank you Chris and Miranda for this truly informative post about conventional and synthetic oil.