A Handy Guide to High Mileage Oil: All You Need to Know

What is High milage Car?

A high mileage car is a vehicle that has accumulated a significant number of miles on its odometer, typically above the average for its age. The term “high mileage” is relative and may vary depending on the type of vehicle, its maintenance, and driving conditions.

Generally, a car with over 100,000 miles is considered high mileage. However, with the advancement in car manufacturing technologies, some cars may not be considered “high milage” till 200,000 or even 300,000 miles.

What is the difference between high mileage car and new car?

The difference between high mileage cars and new cars lies in the number of miles driven and their effect on them. A high mileage car has been used more extensively, which could lead to increased wear and tear on components, potential reliability issues. A new car, on the other hand, has fewer miles and may have experienced less wear and tear, making it potentially more reliable and valuable.

It is hard to determine if your car is high mileage, but it is important to decide if it is because this decision means that it is time to switch to high-milage lubricants.

Difference between High-milage Oils and Regular oils

Although both High-mileage oils and regular oils serve the same primary function of lubricating and protecting an engine’s internal components, they are not exactly the same.

High-mileage oils are specifically designed for vehicles with extensive wear, therefore, they have different composition. In other words, high-milage oils have other additives to provide the extra protection needed. Here is some of the differences between them:

Additives: High-mileage oils contain a unique blend of additives to help prolong the life of older engines. These additives can include anti-wear agents, detergents, dispersants, and friction modifiers. High-mileage oils may also have seal conditioners that help rejuvenate and maintain the flexibility of engine seals.

Viscosity: The viscosity of High-mileage is typically higher to improve oil film strength and reduce oil consumption in older engines with worn parts. Regular oils are available in various viscosities, but they may not offer the same level of protection for high-mileage engines.

Compatibility: High-mileage oils are specifically designed for vehicles with higher mileage, while regular oils cater to engines with lower mileage or newer vehicles. Using a 5w30 motor oil high mileage high-mileage oil in a newer vehicle may not cause harm, but it may not be necessary, and the specialized additives may not provide any additional benefit. Conversely, using regular 5w30 motor oil in a high-mileage vehicle may not provide the same level of protection and could lead to increased wear and tear.

Price: High-mileage oils are often slightly more expensive than regular oils due to the specialized additives and formulations. However, the additional cost may be worth it to help prolong the life of an older engine and prevent oil leaks.

How Can Your Car Benefit from Using High Milage Oils?

High milage oils are specially formulated to cope with the effects of aging on your engine. Using them on your car is similar to adding the vitamins an elderly vehicle needs to remain healthy for longer periods of time.

But how can they benefit your motor? Here are some examples:

Reduce wear and tear: with anti-wear additives, they can help reduce friction between engine components better than regular oils providing extra protection that older engines definitely need.

Improve seal condition: Over time, seals can shrink and lose their flexibility leading to more oil leaks from the engine. Buying a high milage 5w20 motor oil gets you engine oil with seal conditioners that help rejuvenate and maintain the flexibility of these seals, reducing the risk of leaks and maintaining proper lubrication.

Decrease sludge and deposit buildup: Sludge and deposits can build up in an engine, especially when they are old. Build-ups can leave a mark on the performance causing damage. To address the issue, high-mileage oil contains detergents and dispersants that help break down and prevent sludge and deposit buildup.

Reduced oil consumption: Older engines with worn parts usually consume oil more quickly than newer engines. High-mileage oil is typically more viscous, which can help reduce oil consumption by creating a stronger oil film between moving parts and sealing small gaps in worn components.

Enhance protection under high-stress conditions: Older engines may be more susceptible to damage under such conditions, such as high temperatures or heavy loads. Being designed to maintain its protective properties even under these challenging conditions, ensure continued engine protection.

How Often Should Oil in High Mileage Engines Be Changed?

While some people suggest more frequent oil changes for older engines, as they may be less capable of withstanding the effects of worn oil, many argues that oil change frequency is less critical because the engine’s health will decline regardless.

Who is right here? Unfortunately, No body knows for sure. However, and to help all of you protect your cars, here are some of the common advised practices for high milage cars oil changes:

For a car with approximately 150,000 to 200,000 miles on it, it’s advisable to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or roughly every five to eight months.

This guideline can be adjusted based on your driving habits and distances. Additionally, using high-mileage oil can prolong the time between oil changes, especially when paired with a quality oil filter.