Is Thicker oil better for old engines?

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 thicker oil damage my engine?

Using oil that is thicker than recommended may lead to a decrease in fuel economy, a higher load on your engine, and even a shorter life for your engine. Conversely, using thinner, lighter-weight oil than recommended can cause excessive wear and shorter life.

What oil is best for old engines?

Is Thicker oil better for high mileage engines?

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.

Does engine oil get thicker or thinner with age?

Does Oil Get Thicker Or Thinner Over Time? The oil becomes thinner as it heats up, so it is less dense. If it cools down, it could become thicker. If your engine runs at operating temperature, you need 30 pounds of oil.

Thicker Oil For Older Engines? Myth Busted!

What is the best oil for a high mileage car?

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 synthetic oil OK for older engines?

It protects better, performs better, and lasts longer, and it's no longer made with a chemical compound that could hurt older vehicles.

Should you use synthetic oil in older engines?

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.

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.

What happens if I put 10w30 instead of 5w30?

Can I Mix 10w30 and 5w30? 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.

Does thicker oil affect performance?

Thicker Oil May Not Flow Quickly Enough

Its lower viscosity allows it to flow faster and fill the tiny clearances between parts, leading to a durable, consistent lubricating film. Not only that, but the engine will waste energy pumping the thicker oil, reducing fuel economy.

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.

Is mineral oil better for older engines?

The refining process removes many of the contaminants, unwanted hydrocarbons and impurities. As we mentioned before, this is how engine oils were produced since the early years of automobiles. That's why mineral oils are better suited to older models of vehicles that were not made with modern technology in mind.

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

Synthetic Motor Oil Myths

If there is a spot where oil could leak out in your engine, then synthetic oil is more likely to leak than conventional. 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.

Can I mix synthetic and high mileage oil?

Yes. It won't harm your engine to mix, for example, Quaker State^® motor oil with Pennzoil, as long as the oil you use is the weight (or viscosity) recommended in your vehicle owner's manual.

Can I switch to full synthetic oil?

As long as your engine's seals are in decent shape, you can switch back and forth to your heart's content. You can mix and match, you can use blended synthetic and mineral oil or you can use mineral oil for 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) and synthetic oil for the next 5,000 miles (8,047 kilometers).

Is 5W30 good for high mileage engine?

Furthermore, high-mileage 5W-30 motor oil is specially formulated for late model vehicles or newer vehicles with over 75,000 miles/120,000 kilometers. High mileage motor oil, with its unique additives and formulation, helps to reduce oil burn-off, and helps prevent oil leaks that may occur in older engines.

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.

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.

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.

Is 5W30 or 10W30 better for winter?

Low Temperature Viscosity

Now, the lower the number before 'W' is, the less likely the motor oil will thicken at a low temperature. So when you compare 5W30 vs 10W30, 5W30 oil has a lower number (5), implying the oil thins fairly in an extremely low temperature, making it a better winter engine oil than 10W-30.

Is it worth getting full synthetic oil?

Is synthetic oil better for my engine than conventional oil? Yes, synthetic oil is better for your engine than conventional oil. Although conventional oil (i.e., mineral oil) can provide adequate lubrication performance, it can't compete with the overall engine performance and protection provided by synthetics.