Can You Mix 0w40 and 5w40 Oil? (Explained!)

People have wanted to know whether you can mix 0w40 oil to 5w40 oil. In addition, they want to know if you can mix 0w40 oil to a 5w40 oil and what would happen if you mix 0w40 oil to a 5w40 oil. So in this article, let us discuss this matter.

So can you mix 0w40 oil to 5w40 oil? The answer is yes. You can mix 0w40 oil with a 5w40 oil, but it does not mean that you should.

A lot asks this question of car owners. These people want to know if it is safe to mix 0w40 oil with 5w40 oil and if there are no significant damages that it can cause to your engine. The function of each motor oil is to lubricate the engine of the vehicle and all its components. 

So mixing two motor oils, even with their differences in viscosity and weight, will still do the job of lubricating the vehicle. So if you mix 0w40 oil to 5w40 oil, both the motor oils will still do their job of lubricating the engine. However, many car owners still want to know the effects of mixing 0w40 oil with a 5w40 oil and if you can indeed mix the two of them. 

So in this article, we will be discussing if you can mix 0w40 oil to 5w40 oil and what would happen if you mix these two motor oils. So let us start.

Can You Mix 0w40 and 5w40 Oil

Can I Mix 0w40 and 5w40 Oil?

Yes, you can indeed mix 0w40 oil with a 5w40 oil. But you should know that just because you can mix them, it does not mean that you should. This means that mixing 0w40 oil with a 5w40 oil is not recommended. 

It does not only apply to these motor oils but all motor oils. The recommended and ideal thing to do is to stick with just one motor oil. Mixing two motor oils is not ideal. 

However, you have the choice to do it. For example, you can mix 0w40 oil with a 5w40 oil if you want to, and if you do not want to, you have the choice not to do it.

Can You Add 0w40 to 5w40 Oil?

The rule of thumb is not to add 0w40 oil to a 5w40 oil, but you can do it. This comes in every situation where you do not add different motor oil to your existing one. 

For example, you might be in a bind situation where no available motor oil is the same as your current oil. If you are in this situation, you can add a different oil to your existing one.

Can You Add 5w40 to 0w40 Oil?

Yes, you can also add 5w40 to your 0w40. Having two oils is better than not having enough oil or no oil at all. 

Even if you add two motor oils, and these oils might have their difference in weight or viscosity, these motor oils can still do their job of lubricating your engine. That means you can add them up. No harm can happen to your engine.

Related: 5w40 vs. 0w40 Engine Oil

Is It Ok To Mix 0w40 and 5w40 – Possible Downsides?

Yes, it is okay to mix 0w40 oil with 5w40 oil. Mixing two oils is not recommended, so you have to know that you are doing something that is not recommended in your owner’s manual or your manufacturer. However, if you decide to mix 0w40 oil with 5w40 oil, you shall be fine. 

Your vehicle shall be acceptable. The problem that you can experience is the voiding of your vehicle’s warranty if your vehicle is still under warranty. 

If your vehicle is already out of warranty, then you have nothing to worry about. The idea of mixing 0w40 oil with a 5w40 oil might not be recommended, but there is no harm done on doing it.

What Happens if You Mix 0w40 and 5w40 Oil?

If you mix 0w40 oil with a 5w40 oil, nothing can happen, not significantly. If you mix two different motor oils, your engine will experience no failure, and you will have no damages to your vehicle. 

These two oils are not prohibited from being mixed; they are just not recommended to be mixed. There is a difference. This means that there is no significant harm and severe damage to your engine if you mix 0w40 oil to 5w40 oil.

Summary

In summary, mixing two motor oils with different viscosity and weight is not recommended, and it is not advised for car owners to do. However, many people have already been doing the mixing, and they say that there are no problems they have encountered.

Mixing 0w20 oil to 5w20 oil will not damage your vehicle, but it does not provide any good results. So you might as well avoid mixing them.

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Image credits – Canva

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My name is Hank, and I've been in the automotive industry for 27 years. I've been working in my own auto repair shop for the last 13 years, and now I want to help you here, on my blog. Let me know if you have any questions. Read more