Does it matter if you use different brands of oil in your car?

In short, it matters mainly that the oil you choose meets your car's required specifications. Brand labeling matters less than viscosity, certifications, and OEM approvals.

What brands mean for your engine

Before you buy, it helps to know what to look for when evaluating oil brands. The goal is to ensure the oil fits the engine’s needs and the manufacturer's standards.

• Correct viscosity grade for your engine and climate (for example, 5W-30 or 0W-20) as recommended in the owner's manual.


• Industry specifications and certifications such as API, ILSAC, and ACEA that indicate performance and protection levels.


• OEM approvals or designations (for example, Dexos, MB 229.x, BMW LL-01, VW standards) required by some vehicles.


• Oil type choice—conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic—and its compatibility with your drain intervals.


• Quality of the additive package—detergents, anti-wear agents, and friction modifiers that protect engine parts over time.


• Brand reliability and availability in your region, which can affect consistency of supply and service support.

In practice, the most important factor is meeting the exact specs your car requires. If an oil meets the right viscosity and official approvals, most reputable brands will perform similarly under normal driving conditions.

Mixing brands and changing intervals

There are practical rules to follow if you’re topping up with a different brand or mixing oils during an oil change.

• You can mix brands if the oils share the same viscosity and the same required specifications, but it is generally not recommended for routine use.


• Mixing can upset the balance of the additive package, potentially affecting detergents, anti-wear protection, and deposit control.


• If you must top up with a different brand, ensure the oil still matches the vehicle’s spec and plan to return to a single-brand fill at the next full drain and replacement.


• Some manufacturers discourage mixing or have warranty considerations; always consult the owner's manual or a dealership if you’re unsure.

Bottom line: for routine maintenance, it’s best to stick with one brand that meets your car’s specifications and follow the recommended service intervals.

When OEM specs matter most

For certain vehicles and driving conditions, following OEM-specified standards can be crucial for performance, longevity, and warranty protection.

• Many automakers require oils that meet specific OEM approvals (for example, Dexos for GM, certain MB 229.x specifications for Mercedes-Benz, BMW LL-01, VW 502.x/503.x, and similar designations from other brands).


• Engines with turbocharging, direct injection, or strict emissions controls may benefit from synthetic oils and particular viscosity choices to maintain efficiency and reliability.


• Diesel engines and vehicles with long drain intervals often rely on oils with advanced additive packages and higher performance standards.

Always verify the exact OEM spec in your owner's manual and choose an oil that carries that approval or designation to protect performance, efficiency, and warranty terms.

Summary

For most drivers, the name on the bottle is less important than whether the oil meets the car’s required viscosity and certification standards. By checking viscosity, industry specs, OEM approvals, and the appropriate oil type, you can select a brand that protects your engine. When in doubt, consult your owner's manual or a trusted mechanic, and avoid long-term mixing of different brands unless you’re certain they’re compatible.

Can I mix Valvoline and Mobil 1?

Yes, you can mix Valvoline and Mobil 1, as all motor oils are chemically compatible and miscible. However, doing so is not recommended, as it can reduce the performance benefits of high-quality oils like synthetic Mobil 1 and may shorten the oil's lifespan. If you need to mix them, ensure both oils are the same viscosity and change the oil sooner than the recommended interval. 
Potential downsides of mixing oils

• Reduced synthetic performance: Mixing synthetic oil with conventional oil dilutes the benefits of the synthetic oil, such as its superior performance at extreme temperatures and its longer lifespan. 
• Compromised additives: Different brands have unique additive packages. Mixing them can lead to incompatible additives, which could reduce overall protection for your engine. 
• Shorter service interval: Mixing conventional with synthetic oil means the oil's lifespan will be limited by the conventional oil, not the synthetic oil. You should plan to change the oil sooner than if you used a full synthetic. 

Best practices

• Match viscosity: If you must mix, make sure both oils are the same weight (e.g., 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30) to avoid making the oil too thick or too thin. 
• Stick to one brand: For optimal performance and protection, it's best to use the same brand and type of oil for all your oil changes. 
• Check your manual: Always refer to your owner's manual to ensure the oil meets your car's specific requirements, especially for engines with specific needs like a turbocharger. 
• Don't let it run low: If you're just topping off, it is better to add a different brand of the correct viscosity than to let the engine run with a low oil level, which can cause serious damage. 

Does it matter what brand of oil I get for my car?

Yes, engine oil brand matters, but specifications and standards like API certifications are more important than the brand name itself. As long as the oil meets your vehicle's required specifications (viscosity and API/ILSAC ratings) listed in the owner's manual, it is generally safe to switch between brands. Some reputable brands may offer premium products with more advanced additives, leading to better engine protection, so brand choice does impact quality, but the key is ensuring the oil meets the correct standards. 
Why specifications matter more

• Industry standards: Oil brands must meet industry standards, such as the API donut label or ILSAC starburst, ensuring minimum performance and compatibility requirements. 
• Compatibility: Using oil that meets the correct specifications guarantees compatibility with your engine and is crucial for your warranty. 
• Consistency: Switching between brands is not harmful as long as you use the correct type and viscosity grade recommended by your manufacturer. 

How brand can influence quality

• Additives: Different brands use varying additive packages. Premium brands may include more detergents and anti-wear agents for enhanced engine protection. 
• Quality: Reputable brands often provide higher quality assurance, and some may have higher-performing products beyond the basic standard, which could last longer and provide better protection. 
• Performance: Higher-quality oils can lead to better engine performance and efficiency, which may result in lower fuel costs. 

Can I use different brands of oil in my car?

Yes, you can use different brands of oil in your car, but it's best to only mix brands in an emergency and to stick to the same brand for consistency, as long as all oils meet your vehicle's specific viscosity and performance standards. All major brand oils are compatible and will mix, but mixing can reduce the effectiveness of additives, especially for oils with extended drain intervals, so using the same brand and type for every oil change is recommended for optimal performance. 
When mixing brands is acceptable

• Topping off: Mixing different brands is generally fine for topping off your oil between changes, especially since a significant amount of the old oil will remain after a full change anyway. 
• Matching specifications: The most critical factor is ensuring that both oils have the same viscosity (e.g., 000w-202020) and meet the minimum industry standards (like the API "donut" mark) specified in your owner's manual. 

When to avoid mixing

• Different oil types: Avoid mixing different types of oil, such as conventional and synthetic, as they have different base stocks and properties that can compromise performance. 
• Extended life oils: If you are using an extended-life oil, mixing it with a conventional oil will reduce the extended life capabilities of the mixture. 
• Motorcycles: Be sure the oil you use has the "MA" or "MA2" label if you are mixing it in a motorcycle, as this indicates it is designed for wet clutches. 

Key takeaways

• Use the right specs: Always prioritize using the viscosity and quality rating recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. 
• Consistency is best: To ensure you are getting the full benefit of the additives and lifespan of the oil, it is always best to use the same brand and type of oil for all oil changes, according to Jiffy Lube. 

What happens if I put 5W-20 instead of 5w30?

Putting 5W-20 instead of 5W-30 oil means you are using a slightly thinner oil when the engine is hot. This can lead to slightly less engine protection, especially in hot weather or during heavy use, and a minor reduction in fuel economy. However, for most modern cars, the difference is minimal and there is no need for immediate concern unless your vehicle is a high-performance model, in which case you should consult your owner's manual and consider changing to the correct oil as soon as possible. 
Potential effects of using 5W-20 instead of 5W-30

• Reduced protection: 5W-30 is thicker at operating temperature, which provides a slightly better protective film on engine parts. The thinner 5W-20 may lead to a minor increase in wear. 
• Increased fuel economy: Because 5W-20 is thinner, it requires less energy to pump, which can result in a small improvement in fuel efficiency. 
• Impact on high-performance engines: Some high-performance engines have tight tolerances and are designed for thinner oil. However, putting 5W-20 in an engine that specifies 5W-30 can be problematic for some modern high-compression engines, potentially leading to bearing failure if driven hard, says Quora. 
• Warranty concerns: If your car is under warranty, using the wrong oil could potentially void your warranty in case of a powertrain failure. 

What you should do

• Check your owner's manual: The safest bet is to always use the oil recommended by your car's manufacturer. 
• If the wrong oil was added during an oil change:
  • Modern cars: For most modern cars, this will likely not cause any immediate damage, but you should have the oil changed to the correct weight as soon as possible. 
  • High-performance cars: If you have a high-performance vehicle, change the oil to the recommended weight immediately to avoid potential damage. 
• If you just added a small amount of 5W-20 to an engine that calls for 5W-30: This is generally not an issue. 
  • For most modern cars, you can continue using 5W-30 as recommended in your owner's manual. 
  • However, if you have a high-performance vehicle, check your owner's manual to see if you need to change the oil to 5W-30 immediately.