If your car is leaking oil, then it may be the perfect time to use high mileage oil. 

A critical factor to keeping your high-mileage vehicle healthy and in good condition for longer periods of time is by making sure to use high-mileage oil. This type of oil differs from regular oils in that it has special additives that allow it to minimise any engine oil leaks, both internal and external, as well as seal enhancers. 

Oil leaks and burning often happen in older engines. Using high mileage oil is a recommended way of preventing this. 

High mileage oils are designed to aid engines that have more than 75,000 miles under their belt. Although the decision to switch to using high mileage oil is ultimately up to the owner, experts still advise car owners to do so. 

However, there are some cases that won’t be fixed by switching to high mileage oil, such as vehicles that have combustion gases leaking between the cylinder wall and a piston into a car’s crankcase or those that have undergone more severe damage like cylinder snap, power loss, etc. In cases like those, they are most likely caused by mechanical failure and can only be fixed by a professional. 

To the same effect, maintaining your high mileage engines allows them to benefit from high mileage oils.

What ‘High Mileage’ Means

It’s not uncommon to hear people ask how many miles a car can last or what high mileage means. 

The thing is that there is no one right answer to this question. Although 75,000 miles or 120,000 kilometers is typically the mark of a high mileage vehicle and is applicable to most cars, there are no clear rules as to what determines a high mileage car.

There are experts who claim that cars with more than 45,000 miles in them should count as high mileage vehicles, saying that a car’s life expectancy can reach up to 200,000 miles with the right maintenance. On the other hand, regular cars that take advantage of the technology today can go up to 400,000 miles. 

City Miles vs Highway Miles

Driving around a city is not the same as driving on a highway. 

Other than the difference in fuel consumption, the toll on the engine also differs. Research studies have reported that, in terms of engine wear and tear, city miles are more demanding than highway miles. 

In other words, driving across highways involves having fewer starts and stops with the engine running at a steady temperature and at peak efficiency. On the other hand, there are numerous and frequent alterations in the performance of an engine on city miles. What this means is that engines that have 75,000 city miles under their belt are potentially just as worn out as engines that have 150,000 highway miles. 

Of course, several other factors are at play, such as:

• The type and quality of fuel and oil being used
• How the car is driven
• Whether the car undergoes regular maintenance, etc. 

Depending on the factors mentioned above, you need to decide whether you should use high mileage oil for the specific condition of your engine. 

When To Change High Mileage Oil

It’s not that easy to answer this question as there are conflicting opinions found online or at local car repair shops, along with multiple factors that can affect your choice. Instead, experts suggest gathering as much best-practice data as you can and then applying it to your situation. 

There are two conflicting opinions found online:

• There are people who think that it’s a better idea to change your oil a lot more frequently as the mileage of the car increases. This is because of engine loose tolerances that can result in soot aggression and blow by. 
• There are others who claim the opposite, saying that oil changes should happen less frequently as the mileage of the engine goes up. They believe that it is inevitable for a car to undergo wear and tear and that owners shouldn’t worry about having their warranty voided. 

It’s trickier when you realise that neither opinion is completely right or wrong. 

Should High Mileage Oil Be Used In My New Car

Not only is it not recommended but there is no need to use high mileage oil for your new car. 

Although it won’t harm your vehicle, it’s always best to stick to the instructions indicated in the car’s owner manual. 

For more information on the best oil change options and to get oil change coupons, contact Valvoline Express Care.