Does high mileage oil really make a difference?

Reduced oil consumption: High mileage vehicles tend to leak and burn off more oil than younger cars due to degraded engine seals. 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.
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Does high mileage oil actually help?

High Mileage Oil Can Help Extend Engine Life

It lubricates and cools hundreds of close-tolerance moving parts to minimize friction and wear. It seals piston-ring gaps and cylinder-wall valleys to keep contamination to a minimum. It protects the engine from collecting lubrication-crippling sludge.
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Does high mileage synthetic oil make a difference?

Myth: Full synthetic oil is not good for high mileage cars or older vehicles. The myth is rooted in the idea that synthetic oil is “slipperier”—lower in viscosity, or not as compatible with seals and will therefore leak or leak more in places conventional oil might not. Again, completely untrue.
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Is high mileage oil really different?

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.
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When should I use high mileage oil?

WHEN TO DO HIGH MILEAGE OIL CHANGE
  • If your engine requires frequent adding of oil due to oil burnings.
  • If your engine is losing pressure.
  • If your engine isn't using top-quality filters (as filters have a huge impact on your engine's lifespan)
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Does Your Car Need High Mileage Oil: Pat Goss Answers Fan Question



Can I mix high mileage oil with regular?

High-mileage motor oil.

As you can see, each of these oils is scientifically formulated. Mixing them will not improve the performance or efficiency of your engine in any way. Nor will mixing improve the oil performance, either.
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Does high mileage oil swells seals?

High mileage oils contain seal conditioners, which cause gaskets and seals on mating surfaces to swell. Swollen seals help reduce internal and external leaking.
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Will high mileage oil hurt a new car?

High-mileage motor oil doesn't hurt and it could prevent leaks from starting. Most vehicle manufacturers would say it's normal for an engine to consume some oil between oil changes.
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How long does a high mileage oil change last?

It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
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What's the best oil for high mileage engines?

10 Top-Rated Oils and Additives for High-Mileage Vehicles
  • Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. ...
  • Pennzoil High Mileage Motor Oil. ...
  • Slick 50 Recharged High Mileage Treatment. ...
  • Gumout Fuel System Cleaner. ...
  • Royal Purple High Mileage Synthetic. ...
  • Techron Fuel Cleaner. ...
  • Mobil Super High Mileage Oil.
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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.
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Why do high mileage cars burn oil?

In order to reduce friction and achieve additional fuel economy, the auto manufacturers have reduced the piston ring tension. This ring tension change has resulted in small amounts of oil getting past the piston rings into the combustion chamber where it is burned.
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Can you go back to regular oil after using synthetic?

Synthetic Motor Oil Myths

However, synthetic oil would not cause the leak. You can't switch back to conventional oil: Once you switch to synthetic, you are not bound to it forever. You can switch back to conventional oil if you choose to do so and your vehicle manufacturer doesn't recommend otherwise.
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Is high mileage oil worth it car Talk?

Many automobile experts talk in favor of it. A vehicle running over 75,000 miles faces several issues, which a high-mileage oil can help address. It helps to run an old engine in optimum condition longer.
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Is premium oil worth?

There are a few more reasons why the premium motor oil might be worth the price for some drivers. The oil is a bit more loose and slick, so there is less build up of sludge, or not as quick. Many drivers have also noticed an improvement in gas mileage when using premium motor oil.
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Should you change oil based on mileage or time?

However, engine oil also degrades with time, so it's just as important to change your oil when the time-based interval has been reached. The general recommendation is to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three to six months, with twice a year being the minimum.
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Should I change my oil by date or mileage?

The quick-lube chains usually recommend it be done every three months or 3,000 miles, but many mechanics would tell you that such frequent changes are overkill. Indeed, most car owner's manuals recommend changing out the oil less frequently, usually after 5,000 or 7,500 miles.
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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.
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Is High Mileage Oil OK for low mileage car?

High mileage oils are specifically designed to address the issues faced by older cars running for 75,000 miles or more. So, using a high mileage oil in a low mileage vehicle will not be much beneficial indeed.
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Is 10w40 good for high mileage?

Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-40 motor oil is recommended by ExxonMobil for use in high mileage vehicles (even those that have used lower quality conventional oils), including: Cars. Trucks.
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Is 10w30 good 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.
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Is synthetic oil better for older cars?

It protects better, performs better, and lasts longer, and it's no longer made with a chemical compound that could hurt older vehicles. Modern synthetic oil is safe to use in all types of vehicles, ranging from new purchases to classics to aging not-so-classics.
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What are the disadvantages of synthetic oil?

A few disadvantages of synthetic oil to be aware of include: Probably the most glaring downside of synthetic oil is the cost. The price of synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions.
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Will the wrong oil damage my engine?

Cause damage to engine life

The wrong engine oil can cause engine damage because it does not properly lubricate its components. This will lead to metal-on-metal contact since the moving parts are not being lubricated. Friction quickly follows, causing engine parts to wear.
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What car needs synthetic oil?

Typically, high-performance vehicles will be more likely to require synthetic oil, as will vehicles that have a turbocharged or supercharged engine. However, if the automaker for your vehicle does not require synthetic oil for your engine, the oil choice is trickier — and there is no clear answer.
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