Topping up with different kind of oil

[donsrno1]

Does it matter if you top up the oil thats in the car with a different type of oil?

This is for the 16v I just bought as it's a bit low on oil and I wanted to top it up a bit as I will probably want to run it a few times before I get a chance to do a full oil change and I don't know what sort of oil is in it.

Thanks.

[VIPERONE]

dont mix mineral and synth or semi synth and mineral

[Tommo]

As far as I'm aware fully synthetic shouldn't be mixed with semi, but don't quote me on that! To be safe I'd get the oil changed asap so you know exactly what's in it.

[Tommo]

Sorry gunner, beat me to it!

[donsrno1]

Thanks, it's just that the oil is just below the min level and I wanted to top it up but don't know whats in there. It's only to move the car on and off the drive and stuff but I still don't like running it at all with the oil fairly low.

BTW, what stuff would you recommend when I change the oil?

[Mattie]

what happens if u do mix it?.........foooked engine?

[VIPERONE]

it jst buggers the oil mix... layers and bubbles etc.. try it in a glass bottle lol

[Tommo]

From personal experience mate I'd avoid Mobil 1 as I found this far too thin for these engines. I use Shell Helix 10/40 semi which is good stuff. If you're into track days then maybe a fully synthetic like Helix Ultra 5/40 would be good as it copes with the higher temperatures better. There are loads of good oils though, Silkolene, Millers, Halfords mineral is supposed to be good too. PM oilman, he knows his stuff about oils!!

[VIPERONE]

thing is with oilman, he talks as if we run F1 cars lol.. good knowledgable man nethertheless

[BRUN]

all off the shelf oils will mix together fine, whether they are mineral, semi, or fully synthetic

it is always best to use whats in it as every oil has a different make up and you will upset that balance by using another brand/grade/type but dont worry about it, your engine wont just blow up, its better to keep it topped up than let it run low

[donsrno1]

Thanks brun.