Adding oil - can you mix?

1. FILVTR Regular Poster Joined: Oct 2006 Manchester Posts: 440 VTR '52.

   #1 22nd December 2006, 08:06

   Driving home for christmas...
   
   Want to top the oil up before departing. Without any idea of what oil I currently have (prob a 10w), can I put in say a 5w oil as a top up?
   
   What will this do if anything?
2. Mysticp Scotland Joined: Jul 2005 Edinburgh Posts: 9556 Saxo 1.6i 16v VTS, 2 Classic Minis

   #2 22nd December 2006, 09:04

   Yeh it should be fine. I topped up my oil with a litre of [oil brand & viscosity here*] and havnt had any problems, better having an engine full of 2 oils than half an engine full of one id say
   
   *cant remember the stuff i used but i have no idea what was already in there!
3. Scottp Administrator Joined: Dec 2002 Glasgow United Kingdom (Scotland) Posts: 26097 Chelski Traktor

   #3 22nd December 2006, 09:16

   i personally wouldnt unless i had to, i dont think adding a small amount would do anything and i cant confirm anymore would do any damage.
   
   It should be 10w-40 in it at the moment
4. KamRacing Saxperience Addict Joined: Nov 2006 A farm shed in Aylesbury Posts: 14916 Corolla AE86 Peugeot 205 B18C (in bits)

   #4 22nd December 2006, 11:16

   how low is the oil? if its on the minimums and you had to travel then I would top up. Otherwise I'd do a full oil change and top up with a single brand.
   
   If you have to top up make sure you use the same type as what is in there currently - ie semi synth or full synth
5. Dan Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2003 Middlesbrough United Kingdom (England) Posts: 23676 Seat Leon FR

   #5 22nd December 2006, 16:48

   If you worried about it, irt only takes 30 mins or so to do a full oil change.
6. drew Regular Poster Joined: Oct 2006 Co Durham Posts: 412 Saxo 1.1 Turbo! haha

   #6 22nd December 2006, 16:57

   i'd top up, then dependin when you intend gettin your next oil change, (if it's gonna be a long time) i'd do a full change includin filter!
7. FILVTR Regular Poster Joined: Oct 2006 Manchester Posts: 440 VTR '52.

   #7 23rd December 2006, 01:27

   Filter is only 3 months old. BMC CDA.
   
   Only needs a dash I think.
   
   Will do till next week. Ta though
8. KamRacing Saxperience Addict Joined: Nov 2006 A farm shed in Aylesbury Posts: 14916 Corolla AE86 Peugeot 205 B18C (in bits)

   #8 23rd December 2006, 10:17

   what he meant was the oil filter really.. your air filter will be fine Although if you have a cleaning kit for it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep that in tip top condition.
   
   If the engine only needs a dash of oil - ie its currently just slightly below maximum - then I wouldn't worry until you do an oil change. Keep an eye on it though.
9. TheMadSaxo Frequent Poster Joined: Oct 2006 Derby (Yorkshire Exile) Posts: 531 172 cup - Honda Civic Jordan.

   #9 23rd December 2006, 14:01

   Before you decide to change the oil, just make sure some tea-leaf hasn't nicked your spare wheel and jack which happened to me recently....
10. KamRacing Saxperience Addict Joined: Nov 2006 A farm shed in Aylesbury Posts: 14916 Corolla AE86 Peugeot 205 B18C (in bits)

    #10 23rd December 2006, 17:06

    should use axle stands when working under a car. I wouldn't trust those flimsy Peugeot jacks