When You Run Out Of Oil And Are Driving, The Best Course Of Action

For each engine, there is a prescribed manufacturer, type, gradation, and quality of oil.

We often forget that apart from fuel, cars also use oil—especially petrol engines. In the case of newer small-volume turbo petrols, fuel consumption is moderate, but oil consumption can be higher. It’s inconvenient when it happens during a trip, and you don’t have oil to top up—what to do then?

Fill the car with oil or drive?

So, if you don’t have oil in your vehicle to top up, you’re left to stop at the first pump and stock up or grit your teeth and keep driving, which is definitely not a good option and is guaranteed to have serious consequences on your car’s engine.

Pump like pump, each one has a certain selection of engine oil, some less, some more, but what is almost certain is that the chances of finding an oil that suits you (the same manufacturer, type and grade) are quite small.

To begin with, it is important to remember that for each engine there is a prescribed manufacturer, type, gradation and quality of oil. That information is in the manual that comes with the vehicle, and whether you follow it depends on the owner, that is, the service where he maintains the car.

A more meticulous service will stick a sticker in the engine compartment with the type of oil and the date of the last change, or at least enter that information in the service booklet, which is valuable information if you are not sure what is in your engine.

What can be mixed, and what can’t be mixed?

We have mentioned the type and gradation. When we talk about the type of oil, there are mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils, which are most often used in cars today.

Semi-synthetic oil is actually a mixture of mineral and synthetic oils, so it can be combined with both. In practice, a less bad option is to combine semi-synthetic (e.g., 10W-40) with synthetic (e.g., 5W-40), because their properties and viscosities are closer than, say, mineral 15W-40 with semi-synthetic 10W-40.

As for the gradation, the situation is like this. If oils of the same type are mixed (let’s say both are synthetic) but of different viscosities, the consequences are generally not serious. Some medium viscosity is obtained, which usually will not immediately damage the engine.

You can continue driving to your final destination and change the oil and filter later in the service without any consequences. However, it is always best to stick to the exact prescribed viscosity and manufacturer’s specification, as this ensures optimal engine protection.

In addition to the type and gradation of the oil, they also have a quality level mark, most often listed as ACEA (European) or API (American mark). Oils of the same type, gradation, and quality level can be mixed, but this can also have consequences. Take care to follow what the engine manufacturer prescribes – if ACEA C1 is prescribed, then C1, if it is C2, then C2. This is the best guarantee that the engine will work properly and that there will be no problems.

If C2 were to be poured into an engine that requires C1, it would not cause serious damage, because C2 is a slightly stronger oil. However, the reverse (C1 in an engine that requires C2) can be more risky, because the engine may not have sufficient protection under higher load.

Does the specification vary between manufacturers?

In the end, there is a trivial question at first glance, but it should definitely be asked. What if I have oil of the same type, gradation, and quality level but of a different manufacturer compared to what is already in the car? Can there be problems for the engine in this combination? In short, no.

If, for example, ACEA C3 viscosity 5W-30 synthetic oil goes into the engine, and you add another manufacturer’s oil with the same markings, it is the most painless variant, and you should not have any problems driving.

The conclusion is self-evident: Whenever possible, it is best to stick to the oil that has already been filled in at the service station during regular changes, together with the filter. That way, you stay consistent with one manufacturer and one formulation, which is always a safer engine solution.

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