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.

Does high mileage oil 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.

Can you use regular oil in a high mileage car?

As a rule of thumb, most new cars require synthetic oil. Older cars generally run well with conventional oil, unless your vehicle has more than 75,000 miles on it, in which case high-mileage oil is recommended.

Is high mileage oil thinner than regular oil?

High mileage engines will need thicker oils. Thicker oils have additives such as conditioners, antioxidants, seal swells, detergents and friction additives that are engineered to take care of high-mileage engines. Gaskets, seals, and non-metal parts start decaying as an engine ages. This is where thicker oils come in.

Is full synthetic and high mileage oil the same?

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.

Does Your Car Need High Mileage Oil: Pat Goss Answers Fan Question

Can you switch to synthetic oil with high mileage?

You can switch from conventional motor oil to Mobil 1™ synthetic oil (and back again, if you want) without following any special procedures. There are two exceptions to this: a higher-mileage engine that has never used synthetic motor oil, or an engine that has used conventional motor oil and been poorly maintained.

When should I start using high mileage oil?

The first is to switch when your vehicle reaches 75,000 miles. The second is to switch if your older vehicle is beginning to show signs of engine loosening. If you notice an oil drip, that's a sign you should start using high-mileage engine oil.

How long does high mileage oil last?

Quick-lube chains say 3,000 miles, auto manufacturers recommend 5,000 to 7,500 miles and synthetic oil companies, 10,000.

What oil is best for high mileage cars?

Why can't you go back to regular oil after synthetic?

Synthetic oils typically provide better protection than conventional oils, but switching back and forth between full synthetic and conventional oil will not damage the engine. Of course, this depends on the current engine condition and the quality of the conventional oil being used.

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.

Should I use thicker oil in a high mileage engine?

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.

Will high mileage oil cause leaks?

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.

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.

What's more important for oil change time or mileage?

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.

What is the benefit of high mileage oil?

High mileage oil is infused with a unique blend of conditioning agents and additives that regular oil doesn't have. The agents and additives help: Slows leaks by conditioning engine seals that may have degraded over time. Break up and dissolve sludge left behind by other oils.

Is high mileage oil more expensive?

Whether full or partially synthetic, high mileage oil is more expensive than standard grade oil. High mileage synthetic or synthetic blend oil, as with the conventional variety, is available in various weights that are labeled according to their viscosity, a measurement of an oil's thickness or resistance to flow.

When should you not use synthetic oil?

Better For Older Engines

This being said, however, it is still not recommended to use synthetic oil in engines that have experienced significant actions – specifically, those that have reached around 75,000 miles on the odometer.

What is the best oil for an old engine?

Is synthetic oil OK 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.

What happens if you put high mileage oil in a low mileage car?

In short, there is no harm in using high mileage oil in low mileage vehicles or newer and newer vehicles. But, the oil is specially designed to target the problems which develop in older cars with more than 75,000 miles of experience. So, it will not be beneficial for younger vehicles or low mileage vehicles.

Does high mileage oil swell seals?

Oil with high mileage contains seal conditioners and additives that swell o-rings, gasket, and seal. It is possible that older valve-guide seals in engines have reduced seepage in some cases. As a result, oil consumption can be reduced.

Does synthetic oil help seals?

In fact, because they are more painstakingly designed than petroleum oils, AMSOIL synthetic oils help maintain seal integrity better, rejuvenate shrunken seals, and extend seal life far better than conventional oils.

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.

Is 5W 20 or 5W 30 better for high mileage?

As you have likely now concluded, 5W20 is better suited for colder temperatures. If you need motor oil for summertime performance, 5W30 is going to be the better bet. However, you should only switch to this oil type of your car manufacturer or personal mechanic recommend doing so.