Mix gear oils with engine oils. Gear oils - to mix or not? What are the consequences of mixing
Questions that arise in the process of car maintenance often confuse novice motorists. The situation with lubricants is subject to constant monitoring. The owner of the vehicle is obliged to regularly check and maintain a certain amount of oils in the engine and transmission system. This information is prescribed in detail by car manufacturers in service books, providing clear instructions on this issue. Many motorists are interested in whether it is possible to mix transmission oils And what happens as a result of such a mixture? What will happen if I do this?
The main performance advantage of synthetics is their ability to provide optimal lubrication at extreme temperatures. They remain stable at very high temperatures and remain fluid at very high temperatures. low temperatures. This reduces wear and helps maintain a cleaner, more efficient engine.
Synthetics also last longer because they break down more slowly than regular oils, but remember that just like regular oils, regular oil changes are necessary to remove contaminants. If you can benefit from the benefits - for example, if you drive in extreme conditions or have a high performance car, synthetics might be the way to go. Although they are more expensive, they may work better in the long run. You may also want to consider a blend, a more economical blend of synthetic and conventional oils.
Gear lubricants, like engine oils, do not fully belong to unified products. In this regard, the developers strongly do not recommend experimenting in this area, and mixing oils with one another. Even if you select an oil similar in characteristics to the one used in the system, this will not provide you with full compliance. Differences in technical specifications and the additives and components included in the composition does not allow the combination of different grades and can lead to serious damage. It is worth listening to the advice of manufacturers and trying to avoid mixing, it is better to make a complete change of lubricant.
The bottom line is that every car is different and you need to take into account a number of factors including manufacturer recommendations, climatic conditions and, last but not least, accessibility. That's why we recommend using our oil selector to find the perfect oil for your vehicle.
As shear increases, it interferes with the ability of oils to protect against metal-to-metal contact resulting in wear, loss of oil pressure and engine power. If one of our oils needs a specific additive for a specific application, it will already be added to that specific oil additive in the correct dosage.
What is gear oil
In order to understand why such recommendations are given, we analyze the composition of lubricants. Gear oil is made up of basic foundation, which can be mineral or synthetic. And this means that the basis for all manufacturers is absolutely identical. The second component is all kinds of additives and additives that are part of a certain brand of gear oil. It is the additives that provide classification according to the value of oil viscosity and the level of performance properties. This composition will distinguish one lubricant from another. This is the secret formula of different developers. Each of them has its own difference, its own unique qualities and, of course, a source of pride for the developer. In this regard, it is not recommended to interfere with them.
By adding extra ingredients to your engine oil, you are breaking up the carefully balanced mixture of base oil and additives that are already in the oil. This physically changes the ingredients in motor oils and therefore chemically upsets the balance of that particular oil. The additive may also attack or be incompatible with the additives already in the oil, which in turn can cause more than good damage to the engine. Once the oil's chemical balance is tampered with, it will also void any warranty with that particular oil.
When developing oils for transmission, certain tolerances are taken into account, appropriate temperature conditions are calculated, a combination of various additives and additives for the successful operation of units. A feature of gear oils lies in the ability to create the necessary lubricating film, which will allow parts to withstand heavy loads upon contact. And if the driver decides to add a little oil of a different marking, you need to remember that the mismatch of the components can adversely affect the quality of the system.
Therefore, unless an additive is approved for use with a particular oil, we do not suggest adding anything to our engine oils. Limited slip differentials need a friction modifier added to the gear oil to keep the clutches from getting hit.
There are some manufacturers who make this claim. Like all lubricants, gear oils degrade over time from constant use. When degradation occurs, the fluid will not perform at its optimum level, which will affect vehicle performance. Therefore, we recommend changing these fluids regularly over the life of the vehicle.
What happens when you mix different oils?
In the transmission system, there are no such temperature conditions as in the engine. Therefore, the question arises, why is it impossible to add a little oil similar to the original? Such an experiment, perhaps, will pass without consequences, and may lead to precipitation in the form of flakes. Unfortunately, you will be able to see it immediately, you will not be able to prevent the consequences in a timely manner. The problem will manifest itself later, when the flakes begin to clog the entire transmission system, especially CVTs and automatic machines. Clogged filters can damage the entire system. The incompatibility of additive packages is the main reason why it is strongly not recommended to mix oils.
Also, the color is just a dye and it has nothing to do with transmission fluid performance. Like all lubricants, automatic transmission fluids degrade over time from constant use. When degradation occurs, the fluid will not operate at the optimum level affecting vehicle performance. Therefore, Type A refrigerants will keep your cooling system from rusting and deteriorating, as well as provide lower freezing and higher boiling points.
All refrigerant colors are dyes used by manufacturers to distinguish different products. In general, the coolant can be any color the manufacturer wants to make. Various types of coolants have different types additives in them to stop corrosion, rust, scaling, etc. some of these additive technologies are not compatible with others and may cause chemical reaction which may cause serious damage to the cooling system and accessories.
You also need to know that gear oils, unlike motor oils, are characterized by their viscosity and the amount of additives added. There are winter, summer and all-weather, which means universal oils. The main selection criterion is the combination of viscosity with operating temperature systems. It is worth noting that the synthetic product has a lower viscosity and is less dependent on temperature, unlike mineral oil.
Does not destroy the original coolant. Will not discolour original coolant when used at levels less than 10%. This perfect option for an emergency top-up for those who don't know what type of coolant is in their vehicle. If tap water has high quality, it is safe to mix with the concentrate, although this can vary greatly by region. The water tank should not be used to mix the refrigerant as it may contain high salinity which may cause a reaction inside.
The viscosity of synthetics is also less affected by temperature changes. Therefore, it can be argued that synthetic oil has a wider operating range. Synthetics are less susceptible to oxidation, and therefore have a longer service life. Well, its cost is higher compared to mineral water.
When in doubt, the premix is always the safest option, as long as it is not mixed with pure demineralized water. Use a radiator shutter to neutralize any remaining coolant in the system before filling the system with new coolant. This reduces the risk of new coolant reacting with old coolant, and generally gives the system a good cleaning while improving cooling system performance.
What's the deal with coolant?
It is the working fluid for the cooling system, which controls working condition engine. Because the engine is a controlled explosion, it must be maintained between a specific temperature range for optimal performance. Whether it's cold or hot outside, the coolant allows the cooling system to keep the engine and radiator at just the right temperature. Think about it: coolant fluid is a warm blanket in winter and fog in summer.
Mistakes that are often made
There is an opinion that when mixing mineral with synthetics, a semi-synthetic product will be obtained, this is not so. It is impossible to combine different bases, since the mixture will lose its lubricating and other properties. When mineral and synthetic oils are combined, foam forms and subsequently precipitates. The first symptoms can appear very soon, in the first thousand the lubricant will begin to lose its properties, it can thicken and clog the system. It is possible to eliminate such a problem only by completely draining the oil, flushing the system and replacing the entire volume of gear lubricant. It is worth recalling that with such experiments it is even easier to disable the automatic transmission than the mechanics.
How does the refrigerant fluid flow through the system?
A car's cooling system works on a loop, pumping a mixture of water and antifreeze into the radiator to regulate engine temperature. Since the coolant absorbs the heat generated by the engine and transfers it to the radiator to cool down, it can be argued that a low or weak coolant level means its performance is compromised and your car may overheat.
Why is coolant exchange so important?
Coolant breaks down like any other engine fluid. As well as engine oil contains vital additives for the engine, your coolant has additives that prevent boiling, freezing and corrosion. When these additives are depleted, contaminants and debris can begin to build up on your radiator, affecting its performance. It is important that your coolant fluid be changed every so often.
Topping up analogues from different manufacturers, you will not always be able to provide necessary qualities transmission lubricants. Even if friends recommend you use a cheaper analogue, think carefully. Savings do not always give the desired result. Consider the possibility of contamination and breakdowns and remember that a complete flush of the system and replacement of all lubricant will entail a lot of high costs.
How often should I change the coolant on my vehicle?
Surprise, surprise: cars do not need new coolant for the same periods of time. Some vehicles have long life fluids pre-installed on the assembly line and don't require maintenance as often. So, go ahead and jump up and down if you are one of the lucky ones with longer life fluids.
What is the benefit of having a coolant fluid exchange?
You can find information about the coolant - and know when it needs to be replaced - in your car's owner's manual. Old coolant can cause overheating. Lack of coolant level or low coolant level can lead to ugly things like blown gaskets, warped cylinder heads, and damage to the water pump and radiator.
You need to understand that when compiling technical instructions for their cars, the developer relies on specific tasks and requirements for the uninterrupted operation of the vehicle. And this is not a whim of the automaker, but a clear awareness of responsibility for the produced car. Full responsibility for the guarantee given to the consumer. Do not forget that gear lubricants from different companies should not be mixed. Be vigilant, you can read all the information you are interested in in the service book or get advice at a service station.
If the temperature gauge is creeping up, don't ignore the warnings - make sure your coolant passes the test before your system reaches boiling point. Time and miles is a simple equation. Over time, these additives deplete and the solution becomes less alkaline, leaving your vehicle vulnerable to costly repairs and even engine failure.
All coolants, through normal operation, eventually become contaminated and contaminated with debris from your engine's cooling system. When this happens, the refrigerant cannot decrease higher rates during hot weather and increase rates during frosty weather. It can also lead to a rust-clogged radiator and heater. What's more: Failure to regulate the temperature in your engine is bad for other vehicle parts such as head gaskets, cylinder blocks, and O-rings.
And a little about the secrets of the Author
My life is not only connected with cars, namely repair and maintenance. But I also have hobbies like all men. My hobby is fishing.
I started a personal blog where I share my experience. I try a lot of things, various methods and ways to increase the catch. If interested, you can read. Nothing more, just my personal experience.
Can bad things happen if my ride has low or weak coolant?
Quick fact. Both the American Automobile Association and the US Department of Transportation note that most roadside congestion can be attributed to cooling system failures. If your engine is overheating due to inefficient coolant, dangerous conditions can occur. Your engine may seize, rattle, and stall while your vehicle is in motion. The same can be said in colder weather when your engine is prone to freeze damage.
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They are not unified, therefore mixing different gear oils often leads to a deterioration in the functioning of transmission units. Consider the features of mixing gear oils in detail.
Gear oil composition
Usually they consist of a base base, which can be mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic, as well as a complex of special additives that give the oil certain viscosity-temperature properties. Each manufacturer has its own range of oils with different additive packages. the main problem when mixing gear oils - this is the incompatibility of additives. Therefore, mixing different gear oils can lead to negative consequences.
What could mean that my engine coolant needs to be exchanged or checked?
This is not an area that you want to neglect. Significant indicators of a coolant problem. Low Coolant Level: If your coolant is low, you could be leaking your cooling system. You can see the leak under your car and you can also smell it. If you notice this, try checking your coolant as soon as possible. Other potential leak culprits include a bad radiator cap, a blocked radiator, or a damaged sensor. Branched Coolant: The color of the coolant should never change, but this can happen when the coolant is contaminated with debris or has been in your car for so long that the additives in it are depleted. When the color of the coolant changes or becomes cloudy, bring it to us to see if it needs to be changed. Engine overheating: Worst case scenario: Your engine can overheat, seize and crack, causing your vehicle to come to a complete stop. If this happens, it may be too late for the fluid exchange - you may need to exchange the entire engine.
Are there different types of refrigerants and is one "better" than the other?
There are currently three popular types of coolant.Negative results of mixing oils
If you mix different gear oils, the following negative results are possible:
- reduced effectiveness of certain additives;
- the appearance of unwanted sediment;
- a sharp decrease in the intervals between lubricant changes;
- increased foaming;
- excessive increase in lubricant viscosity;
- contamination of the transmission system and filters.
Is it possible to mix gear oils: features
Officially, manufacturers do not prohibit mixing them with each other. There are some ACEA and API standards that allow full mixing synthetic oil with other grease meeting these standards. True, the properties of the resulting oil will be relatively low.
Consider several situations for mixing oils:
- Blending oils different class. Such a mixture is possible, but not in all cases. Yes, add mineral oil synthetic is highly discouraged. But adding synthetics to mineral oil can improve its performance.
- Mixing oils of various viscosities. Such mixing is acceptable, but it can have some effect on the high temperature viscosity coefficient, which is important at high operating temperatures. The total indicator depends on the amount of added component.
- Mixing oils from different manufacturers. It is a highly undesirable option. The fact is that within different brands the base of the oil and the composition of the additives often differ. Thus, incompatibility of additives during mixing is possible.
So, after all, is it possible to mix? It is not easy to answer this question. It is quite possible to mix oils of the same class, viscosity and manufacturer. When mixing different oils, extreme care must be taken, carefully studying their features and the manufacturer's recommendations.
