Putting the wrong oil in your car’s engine might seem like a simple mistake, but the medium- and long-term consequences can be serious and costly. Understand the impacts of this error and learn how to choose the correct lubricant to keep your engine running perfectly.
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Why Using the Correct Oil is Essential for Your Engine
Engine oil acts as a vital system for the life of your vehicle, ensuring lubrication between moving parts, heat dissipation, cleaning, and corrosion prevention. When the lubricant does not meet the specifications indicated by the manufacturer, problems can arise that go beyond conventional wear and tear.
Inadequate oil—whether due to incorrect viscosity, inferior quality, or incompatibility—can lead to increased internal friction, impair oil circulation, and promote the accumulation of deposits, such as varnish and sludge, which compromise engine performance. Furthermore, lubrication failure can affect components like valves, pistons, and bearings.
It is worth noting that modern engines, such as those featured in the analysis of the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, require highly specific oils to ensure their high performance and durability.
Main Problems Caused by the Wrong Oil
When using oil with inadequate specifications, several symptoms may appear, signaling that the engine is vulnerable to damage:
- Oil leaks: Incorrect viscosity can cause sealing failures, resulting in lubricant loss;
- Difficult cold starting: Oil that is too thick does not circulate quickly upon startup, especially at low temperatures, hindering ignition;
- Poor performance and increased fuel consumption: Parts with greater friction require more engine effort and additional fuel;
- Burning smell: An indication of degraded or insufficient oil that is overheating;
- Premature wear and deposit formation: The presence of sludge and varnish on internal parts limits oil flow and weakens lubrication.
Besides the engine, other systems can be affected, such as the EGR, particle filters, and catalytic converters, which also rely on the correct oil to ensure efficient operation and prevent clogging or failure.
Can I Mix Different Types of Oil in the Engine?
While not a recommended practice, mixing different oils—such as a synthetic oil with a conventional one—does not usually cause immediate engine failure. However, the chemical differences between additives and mineral bases can degrade the properties of the higher-quality oil, compromising its effectiveness.
The problem tends to be even more serious when oils with different viscosities are mixed. This can increase friction between moving parts and accelerate the formation of harmful deposits.
If you need to top up the level, prefer using oil of the same quality and viscosity, even if from different brands—this helps maintain the integrity of the lubrication system. For more details on engine maintenance and longevity, check out our content on maintenance tips for travel.
How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Vehicle
Choosing the correct oil for your car starts with the owner’s manual—it provides the exact specifications recommended by the manufacturer, which consider the engine, operating temperature, environmental regulations, and change intervals.
- Viscosity: Usually indicated by the SAE classification (example: 5W-30, 10W-40), it represents the fluidity of the oil at cold and hot temperatures;
- API Classification: Certifies the quality of the oil according to universal standards and compatibility with specific engine types (gasoline, diesel, hybrid);
- Synthetic vs. Conventional Oils: Synthetics offer greater resistance to oxidation and better protection at high temperatures, especially for modern and high-performance vehicles, such as those analyzed in the BMW M5 Touring (G99) 2025;
- Brand-Specific Oils: Some manufacturers, such as Honda and Porsche, specify oils developed especially for the materials and tolerances of their engines. It is worthwhile to follow this recommendation to avoid damage.
If you are unfamiliar with the correct type for your car, it is essential to consult the manual or seek specialized guidance, thereby avoiding the problems mentioned.
How to Act if You Have Put the Wrong Oil in the Engine
If you identify that you have used inappropriate oil, the recommendation is to change the lubricant and filter as soon as possible, even if the car does not yet show visible symptoms. This prevents the degradation of internal parts and the onset of more serious damage.
Changing the oil and filter is a relatively inexpensive and simple procedure when compared to the cost of engine repairs, which can surpass alarming levels of investment. More than saving money, it is an investment in mechanical safety and peace of mind in the daily use of the vehicle.
To stay up-to-date on car care, be sure to read our article on the performance and technology of the Mustang RTR Spec 5 2026, which also highlights the importance of correct maintenance.
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Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.
