What oil should I use for high mileage?

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


What is the best oil for high mileage cars?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on autoweek.com


Is Thicker oil better for high mileage cars?

The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil - 10W - can help protect worn engine bearings as well. As long as you're not hearing knocking or serious mechanical noises from the engine, the heavier oil should buy you many more miles of service from your vehicle.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tucson.com


Is 5w30 good for high mileage?

Pennzoil High Mileage SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil is engineered for cars that have accumulated more than 75,000 miles, particularly those that are experiencing oil leaks and oil burn off. Engines with higher mileage tend to experience more wear than new engines.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homedepot.com


Is 10w40 good for high mileage?

Designed for high mileage vehicles

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mobil.com


My Favorite Engine Oil for High Mileage Cars and the Reasons Carefully Explained



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


Should I use 10w30 or 10w40?

There's not much difference between 10W-30 and 10W-40 motor oil. What sets them apart has more to do with temperature fluctuations and engine load. For moderate weather, either engine oil grades should work fine. Your choices will become more critical when you start getting into high-heat situations.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on repairsmith.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 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


What happens if I put 10w40 instead of 5w30?

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


What oil is better for older cars?

Monograde oils are still widely available, primarily because they're used in very hot climates, or in heavy-duty applications such as mining or construction equipment. These single-grade oils can be used in 1950s and older cars – generally SAE 30 to SAE 50 – but most owners use multi-grade.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on driving.ca


When should I use 20W 50 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


Do high mileage cars need synthetic oil?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pennzoil.com


Is synthetic oil better for high mileage cars?

High mileage oil is designed for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles. Such oil features additives that help protect seals. This leads to less leakage and oil burn-off, which can be common in older cars. If your vehicle is high-mileage and high performance, it's suggested that you go with this type of synthetic oil.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on blog.carvana.com


Is high mileage oil Really Better?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on firestonecompleteautocare.com


Will synthetic oil hurt 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. Modern synthetic oil is safe to use in all types of vehicles, ranging from new purchases to classics to aging not-so-classics.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on caranddriver.com


Will thinner oils damage your engine?

Just like using an oil with too high a viscosity may lead to problems in Brad's engine, using a thinner oil can have the same result. Oil that's too thin can fail to develop a consistent lubricating film, inviting metal-to-metal contact that causes wear. Extreme stress and heat add to the challenge.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on blog.amsoil.com


Will full synthetic oil hurt my engine?

Answer. 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mobil.com


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

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rxmechanic.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


What happens if I put 10W40 instead of 10w30?

Between a 10W-30 and 10W-40, 10W30 motor oil would run smoother in colder climates while a 10W40 would be more effective in preventing engine wear and tear in warmer temperatures.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on offroadingpro.com


Is 10W50 better than 10W40?

At 100ºC, the 10W50 has a viscosity of 18.1cS, the 10W40 is at 13.1cS. What this means is, at low temperature, they perform similarly, but at operating temperature, the 10W50 has better protection (higher film strength) than the 10W40.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on quora.com


When should I use 10W40 oil?

Using the correct viscosity oil eases starting, reduces friction, and slows wear. For even more effective start-up protection, use a synthetic 10W-40 instead of a conventional 20W-50. The synthetic 10W-40 flows easily and still maintains enough viscosity to protect piston skirts and bearings when it gets hot.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on motorstate.com


Is 10W30 good for summer?

As a general rule, you'll get the best protection in the summer when you use a slightly thicker grade of oil, such as a 10W30 instead of a 5W30. Engines need a thicker oil in the summer months because of the summer heat and its effects on thinning the oil out.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bellperformance.com
Next question
How did the Vikings make rope?