Can You Mix 20w40 and 20w50 Oil? (Explained!)

A lot of people have been asking whether they can mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil. So if you also have the same question, you are on the right page. So keep reading!

So can you mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil? The answer is yes, you can mix both of them, but it is not recommended, so it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should mix them.

A mixture of two different oils does not provide significant problems, but it is also not recommended. So the rule of thumb is to avoid such activity. So if you can avoid mixing 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil, then you should. 

But many car drivers have already been mixing 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil, and they said it is okay to mix them. On the other hand though, people said that you should not mix these two motor oils. And this is where the confusion begins. 

It is just that this question has received a lot of answers from the public, and there has not been any official statement about this matter. So in this article, we will be talking about whether you can mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil and what would happen if you mix these motor oils. So let the talk begin.

Can You Mix 20w40 and 20w50 Oil

Can I Mix 20w40 and 20w50 Oil?

Yes, you can mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil, but it is not recommended. So the rule of thumb is to avoid mixing it because the activity of mixing is not advised for anyone to do. And it does not mean that you should do it just because you can. 

You also need to follow your owner’s manual and what is recommended by it. People have been mixing different oils in the past. You can make sure that the two motor oils might have the same brand to be a little bit more compatible. 

So if you are asking this question, now you have the answer. You can mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil if you want.

Can You Add 20w40 to 20w50 Oil?

Yes, you can also add 20w40 to your 20w50. But again, this idea is also not recommended. The ideal thing to do is to stick with only one motor oil for your engine. 

So you can follow that. However, there are times where you are left with no choice. This happens if you are in an area and cannot find the motor oil the same as you currently have. 

If you find yourself in this situation, you can add it up. If it bothers you, you can always have an oil change when you are at your destination. Having two different oils in your vehicle is better than not having enough motor oil or not having motor oil at all.

Can You Add 20w50 to 20w40 Oil?

This is also the same as the section above. So yes, you can add 20w50 to your 10w40 oil. But it is not recommended, though, so if you can avoid doing it, then you can. 

If you have no choice, you can do it. Having two motor oil is better than not having enough motor oil at all. Doing such a thing as mixing 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil will not cause any harm, but if you do not have enough motor oil, your engine will not be lubricated enough, which can cause damage.

Is It Ok To Mix 20w40 and 20w50 – Possible Downsides?

Yes, you can mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil, and it is okay. This is from those car drivers who are already mixing 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil, and they have encountered no serious problems with their engine. There are no engine failures and no bad results for their performance. 

The bad thing that can happen is losing your vehicle’s warranty over mixing two motor oils and using them for your vehicle. If you’re still under warranty, you should avoid mixing two motor oils and using them. If you are done with your warranty, then you have nothing to worry about.

What Happens if You Mix 20w40 and 20w50 Oil?

If you mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil, there is nothing serious that can happen. So saying that you will have an engine failure or damage to your vehicle’s components is an over the top assumption and is pretty unlikely to happen. So if you are afraid that something terrible will happen in your vehicle, you do not have anything to worry about.

Summary

In summary, people are wondering whether they can mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil. Furthermore, these people wonder if any problems can occur.

In reality, you can mix 20w40 oil with 20w50 oil. It is just not recommended, so if you can avoid it, then you should. But in case you will add, there is nothing to worry about because there will be no damages to your vehicle.

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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