Dangers of using the wrong engine lubricating oil

Lubricating oil is one of the essential components for the proper functioning of the vehicle's engine, so it is essential to understand the diversity of oils available and the risks associated with the wrong choice. 

There is no universal oil. Lubricants are formulated with a lubricant base and specific additives depending on the segment (motorcycle, passenger vehicle, heavy-duty vehicle, industry, etc.), the application (engine, transmissions, etc.) for which they will be used, and the characteristics and specific needs of certain models and vehicle manufacturers. Therefore, our first recommendation is the most important of all: see your vehicle's manual or our vehicle search engine to know which is the most suitable oil for your engine.  

Using the wrong oil can damage the engine, for example, wearing down the components, because of formation of sludge in the sump, or varnish on the piston. But it doesn't only have consequences in the engine, other vehicle components can also be damaged by the use of the wrong oil: clogging of the particulate filter, catalyst poisoning, EGR failure, etc. If you put in the wrong oil, we recommend that you change it for the correct oil as soon as possible. 

Incompatibility between two lubricants can lead to a physical and chemical reaction between the base oils (they can form two phases or degrade completely) and/or a chemical reaction between the additives (possibly creating deposits). In both cases, the lubricant degrades. This can lead to faster wear, and even to the equipment breaking. An extra additive mustn't be added to the engine, since lubricants are formulated using engine tests and checks. An extra additive could destabilize the balance and degrade the properties.  

As long as the lubricants used are of the same quality and SAE grade, there is no problem in changing oil brands without affecting the engine. Our recommendation is to empty the oil from the sump and refill with the new lubricant.   

There are lubricants prepared solely for gasoline (Otto) engines and diesel engines, as happens with the American API regulation, but there are also lubricants that are valid for both types of engine. What is important is to use a lubricant that meets the specifications given by the manufacturer.   

Repsol markets a wide range of high-quality lubricants to cover all professional and private needs for the various sectors: automotive, motorcycles, trucks and buses, public works, recreational boating, industries, shipping, and cogeneration.