Can I top up with a different oil?

[Spetz]

Is it ok to top up with a different oil than the one currently used?

If so, are there some "rules"?
ie, synthetic if that's already in there, viscosity, etc?

 

[Tdbo]

Use what you have.

 

[Olas]

if its low, top it up!!

Any oil is better than no oil..

 

[Spetz]

Yes of course, but when I buy oil to top up with, what should I look out for?

 

[Sawdusted]

Any that has the same rating as what's already in there and is specified for your engine.

Only add the same oil and weight if you plan to do a UOA.

 

[toneydoc]

Truly, you can use any brand and weight, synthetic or dino oil. Just be sure it is a good brand of oil and meets specs for your car. It will not hurt the car to mix brands, synthetics and dino, or even grades of oil.

 

[Astro14]

You can use anything if it's low. They're all compatible.

If you just want to "top up" then my preference would be the exact brand, type and weight, which is easy because you're in no rush. If you can't match all 3, try to match brand and type (again, my preference from the old days of differing chemistries) and if you're low and need it now, then try to match brand...

Because I run a lot of old iron, and cars I've owned used oil, I always have a spare QT of the exact fill in the back of the car...

 

[Spetz]

Using the same oil is difficult as it isn't sold in 1 quart containers

 

[SatinSilver]

I was running MC syn-blend, Motorcraft btw and topped off with Mobil 5000 and was shortly down another quart. Then topped off with Valvoline MaxLife and no more consumption issues.

 

[Donald]

Yes, but forget the UOA.