Oil for top up

Author
Discussion

52classic

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

211 months

Friday 24th January 2014
quotequote all
This is where I admit to being a dinosaur! Always used mineral oils in my cars. Nothing special, non branded fleet stuff usually. My 'modern' (02 CR-V actually) needs a top up but since I haven't changed the oil since buying it I don't know what's in there.

Can I identify synthetic, semi synthetic or mineral? If not, are they mixable for top up purposes?

Finally, what choice for an oil change as part of my spring service later on?

Any other advice about current practice to bring me into this century would be very welcome!

theshrew

6,008 posts

185 months

Friday 24th January 2014
quotequote all
Most modern cars have a spec for both Semi and fully Synthetic oil.

How to tell whats in there im not aware you can just checking it TBH im not sure about mixing it ive never been in your position but i cant see it would do any harm ( just a guess at that )

As for what to put in at service. Just put in whatever you want as long as it meets the spec. Semi is quite a bit cheaper than fully.


DJP

1,198 posts

180 months

Friday 24th January 2014
quotequote all
I wouldn't worry. Most oils are compatible so you can mix pretty much anything with pretty much anything.

And there's nothing wrong with mineral oil, either.

Plenty of so called "Semi" and "Fully synth" oils are actually just hydrocracked (ie high quality, highly refined) mineral oil anyway.

52classic

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

211 months

Friday 24th January 2014
quotequote all
Semi synth it is then. Thanks for your help gents.