Do high mileage cars need thicker oil?

High-mileage oils have ingredients to take care of older engines, like conditioners, seal swells, antioxidants, detergents and wear or friction additives. Typically they use a viscosity modifier that is durable and won't lose viscosity very easily. These oils need to stay thicker longer to protect engine parts.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cenex.com


Should you use thicker oil with high mileage cars?

A: Yes. This is a practical method to improve oil pressure in an older, high-mileage engine. The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil - 10W - can help protect worn engine bearings as well.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tucson.com


What oil is recommended for high mileage vehicles?

If you know your vehicle has received regular oil changes at the manufacturer's Mobil 1™ High Mileage synthetic motor oil is the best choice. Why? This high mileage oil contains a higher base oil viscosity to help reduce leaks and provide better high temperature protection.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mobil.com


What weight oil should I use in a high mileage engine?

Some mechanics recommend switching to a thicker (higher viscosity) oil — such as 10W-30 full synthetic oil instead of 5W-20 full synthetic — or using oil additives to stop leaks.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cars.com


Is higher viscosity oil better for high mileage?

The clearances between the crankshaft journals and main bearings are tighter, for one. This is purposely done to allow modern engines to use lower-viscosity motor oil, like 0W-20 and even 0W-16. Lower-viscosity oils reduce internal friction since they flow more easily than higher-viscosity oils, improving fuel economy.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on blog.amsoil.com


The Truth About Engine Oil Consumption in a Modern Car | Auto Expert John Cadogan



When should I use thicker oil?

There are some circumstances where drivers have used thicker oil in an engine. If, for instance, clearances between engine components have increased, gotten sloppy, a thicker oil can help to fill the void. Within reason, thicker oil maintains a better lubricant film between moving parts.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on columbiatireauto.com


Is 5w30 good for high mileage?

Amazon Basics Full Synthetic is the best 5w30 oil for high mileage vehicles. This oil should only be used on vehicles exceeding 75,000 miles. This motor oil is formulated for longer drain intervals. It helps in preventing a build-up on drain intervals and preventing rust and corrosion.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rxmechanic.com


Is 10w30 better for high mileage?

10W-30 motor oil makes for a decent high-mileage oil. It gives a better fuel economy while reducing the oil consumption for older engines. Older engines with more than 75,000 miles on them require a thicker oil that will properly lubricate their critical engine parts and prevent oil leaks, sludge, and deposits.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on repairsmith.com


Is 20w50 good for high mileage?

Is 20W-50 Oil Good For High Mileage? 20W-50 is only used for certain older vehicles or worn engines that require the extra cushioning of a high viscosity oil. Other than that, it really isn't a high mileage oil.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on repairsmith.com


Can I use full synthetic oil on a high mileage car?

A full synthetic oil is not suitable for high mileage vehicles or older ones. Older vehicles with higher mileage will benefit from synthetic oils, just as they will from new engines that are designed for new vehicles.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mcnallyinstitute.com


Which oil is thicker 5w30 or 10w30?

So both the oils 5W–30 and 10W–30 have exactly the same viscosity (SAE 30) when your engine is running, and will perform in the same way. However, the 10W–30 oil will be thicker (higher viscosity) than the 5W–30 when it is cool.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on olezol.com


Is there a difference between high mileage oil and regular oil?

What makes high-mileage engine oils different? High-mileage oils have ingredients to take care of older engines, like conditioners, seal swells, antioxidants, detergents and wear or friction additives. Typically they use a viscosity modifier that is durable and won't lose viscosity very easily.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cenex.com


What is the advantage of high mileage oil?

High mileage oil rejuvenates degraded seals, which leads to less oil consumption and burnoff. Less engine sludge: Older engines tend to accumulate sludge left behind by other motor oils. High mileage oil breaks up and dissolves residual sludge.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on firestonecompleteautocare.com


Is thinner oil better for older cars?

Is Thicker Oil Better For Older Engines? The use of thinner oils allows new engine parts to be lubricated more quickly. The oil in older, high-mileage engines, on the other hand, is thicker to prevent friction and oil loss.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mcnallyinstitute.com


What happens if I use 20w50 instead of 10w40?

Nothing much will happen. You engine will putter as happily as ever. With those engines (I assume single cylinder motorcycle) you must be careful with the oil level, that's all; all of them burn some. Must engine oil be changed after a certain time, even if it hasn't reached the recommended mileage?
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on quora.com


When should you use 20w50 oil?

A SAE 20W-50 motor oil is typically used in older vehicles or in particularly warm climates. Castrol GTX 20W-50 has been specially formulated to help extend the life of your engine by keeping it free from sludge, even when operating in extremely high temperatures.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on castrol.com


Can I use 20w50 instead of 5w30?

Use in Cars

A 5W-30 oil is commonly used in passenger cars for normal use throughout the year. A 20W-50 oil will not protect a car as well in a cold winter and its greater viscosity will increase drag and friction in a passenger vehicle.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on itstillruns.com


Is 5w30 or 10W30 better for high mileage?

5W-30 multi grade oil is ideal for private vehicles and light-duty petrol and diesel engines. It also provides a better cold temperature start than 10W-30 oil. On the other hand, the slightly thicker oil,10W-30, provides better lubrication for commercial vehicles and heavy-load engine cars.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on repairsmith.com


Can I put 10W30 instead of 5w30 High mileage?

Most oils will mix perfectly, provided they have a similar synthetic. Therefore, there is no problem in mixing 10w30 and 5w30 since one will be topping up. Mixing the viscosity of oils will not have any effect on the engine. 5w30 and 10w30 engine oils have close viscosity, and thus there is no harm in mixing them.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rxmechanic.com


Is it OK to switch from 10W30 to 5w30?

on December 29, 2021. Synthetic oils will mix perfectly, as long as they have the same chemical composition. As a result, mixing 10w30 and 5w30 is not a problem since one will be topping up. It is not harmful to mix engine oils because 5w30 and 10w30 engine oils have close viscosity, so mixing them is not harmful.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mcnallyinstitute.com


Is 5W30 better for older cars?

5W-20 and 5W30 motor oil are winter viscosity grade oils primarily recommended for older engines and light-duty use. These oils are best utilized in colder temperatures.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on repairsmith.com


Is 5W-20 oil good for high mileage?

Designed for high mileage vehicles

Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-20 motor oil is recommended by ExxonMobil for use in high mileage vehicles (even those that have used lower quality conventional oils), including: Cars. Trucks.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mobil.com


Can I mix high mileage oil with regular oil?

High-mileage motor oil.

Mixing them will not improve the performance or efficiency of your engine in any way. Nor will mixing improve the oil performance, either. This is illustrated by these two equally important points: Adding synthetic oil to regular motor oil will not enhance the regular oil.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jiffylube.com


Will 10w40 hurt a 5w30 engine?

Your vehicle does not use 5W-30 oil. The recommended oil viscosity for your vehicle, according to Kia documentation, is 10W-40. If you drive the vehicle in exceptionally cold weather, well below 32 degrees, you can use 5W-30 oil but even 10W-40 is still perfectly OK to use if outdoor temperatures are below freezing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yourmechanic.com


Does thicker oil affect performance?

Your engine has to work harder to move internal parts with thicker oil in the crankcase, sapping energy before you ever have a chance to use it.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on autoguru.com.au
Previous question
Is slavery legal in Russia?