What is the best oil for high mileage cars

If you are running an older engine that has broken into the 6-figure mileage range, then you are going to be looking for the best high-mileage oil that is available.

But just as we get older so do our vehicles and they need some special care and attention. This is where the best oils for high-mileage cars come into their own.

Our top pick is Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20 as it offers exceptional wear protection, prevents leaks and build up as well as working at low temperatures.

In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top Three Picks

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1. Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20

Mobil is one of the largest oil manufacturers around. Mobil 1 high mileage oil provides outstanding wear protection as well as extreme lubrication. It also prevents gap formation in components.

If you have sludge in your engine then this oil is perfect for removing it as well as any other deposits that may be lurking there. As a result, this oil can increase the life of your vehicle’s engine as well as its performance.

Another huge plus of this oil is the seal conditioner strength.

Pros

• The best wear protection.
• Works well even at low temperatures.
• Prevents leaks as well as deposits.
• Best lubrication and prevents gap formation.

Cons

• No apparent cons.

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2. Castrol03112 GTX High Mileage 20W-50 Synthetic Motor Oil

This fully synthetic oil from Castrol is specifically designed for cars over 75,000 miles. Castrol is the manufacturer of some of the best motor oils in the world. And they are famous for high performance as well as outstanding reliability.

They state that it maximizes both short and long-term engine performance while also reducing leaks and oil burning. This oil from Castrol also includes a dispensary system ensuring that sludge is not produced.

Seal conditioners help to reduce oil leakage and the oil also complies with ACEA and API standards.

Pros

• Great job lubricating when cold.
• The engine is smooth.
• Meets API and ACEA standards for preventing oil burn-off.
• Contains a high-quality dispensary system.

Cons

• Quite expensive.
• Not as high performance as Mobil 1 or Royal Purple.

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3. Royal Purple 11748 HMX SAE 5W-30 High-Mileage Synthetic Motor Oil

Royal Purple synthetic motor oil provides unforgettable performance and reliability. It is one of the best motor oils for high-mileage engines on the market today. Royal Purple ensures durability, and longevity and gives your engine a functional boost.

It is perfect for a maximum of 75,000 miles and provides an amazing anti-oxidant composition. So there is no worry of your engine getting clogged up with sludge.

Royal Purple oil is also ideal for providing drain intervals and anti-wear properties. It can also help to increase the life span of your engine.

Pros

• Increase engine efficiency.
• Perfect for old and new engines.
• Protects from wear, corrosion, and sludge.
• Reduces engine deposits.

Cons

• Not budget friendly for many people.

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4. Pennzoil High Mileage Conventional 10W-40 Motor Oil

Pros

• An ideal blend for protecting old engines.
• Wear protection and rejuvenation of engines.
• LSPI protection.
• Seal protection.

Cons

• The oil does not come with AMP SN Plus certification.

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5. Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-30

The Valvoline high mileage oil is another great option if you have a high mileage engine. Not only does it increase your engine’s lifespan but it also lubricates everything correctly and can help to breathe new life into worn-down components.

The oil contains seal conditioners that help to prevent oil leaks. It also contains high anti-oxidants that prevent sludge production and does not inhibit your engine’s performance.

Maxlife Technology provides your engine with extra wear protection and again increases the durability of your engine. If you have an engine with over 75,000 miles on it, this oil is ideal as it contains extra cleaning agents, anti-wear additives, and friction modifiers.

Pros

• Contains anti-oxidants that prevent sludge production.
• Contains rust inhibitors.
• Increases engine durability.
• Provides extra wear protection for high-performance engines.

Cons

• Some issues with the durability of the container.

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6. Castrol 03129C Edge High Mileage 10W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Yes, this is the second product on our list from Castrol but that shouldn’t really be a surprise. This high-quality product is amazing and comes with some huge benefits for your high-mileage engine.

It contains anti-oxidants as well as seal conditioners to prevent both leakages and blockages in your engine. It also boosts fuel efficiency. This Castrol oil is designed to extend the life of your old engine as it uses fluid titanium technology.

Pros

• Maximum fuel efficiency.
• Protects against high temperatures.
• Prevents leaks, build-up, and wear and tear.
• Boosts extra engine strength through the extra flow of fluid titanium technology.

Cons

• May not perform as well at low temperatures.

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7. SAE 10W-40 Hot Rod Motor Oil 3X1/5Q

This 10w-40 oil includes a wide range of additives such as zinc, molybdenum, and phosphorus. This additive package allows the oil to provide a thicker film for maximum protection. It also helps to improve pressure in worn engines and can withstand high operating temperatures.

The oil is also compatible with methanol and racing fuel as well as both synthetic and non-synthetic oils.

Pros

• Perfect for classic cars.
• Budget-friendly.
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Cons

• Issues with container leaking.

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8. Amazon Basics High Mileage Motor Oil – Full Synthetic – 10W-30

This amazon basics oil provides a budget-friendly option for anyone looking for a high-mileage oil. It is ideal for engines with over 75,000 miles on the clock.

This oil helps to reduce friction so there will be less wear on your engine. It can also help to reduce exhaust emissions and has a high resistance to viscosity and thermal breakdown.

Pros

• Ideal for engines over 75,000 miles.
• Reduces friction and engine wear.
• Helps to reduce exhaust emissions.

Cons

• The container does not have a visibility strip.

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9. Ford MOTORCRAFT – Oil – Engine

From the well-known and popular Ford brand. This synthetic oil can be used in both Ford vehicles and other makes. It comes with specially designed performance additives that help to minimize wear and tear as well as deposits.

The oil also helps to protect against high-temperature oxidation ad turbocharger deposits.

Pros

• Budget-friendly.
• A great option for Ford vehicles.
• Offers excellent protection.

Cons

• Issues with leaking containers.

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10. Idemitsu Full Synthetic High Mileage 0W-20 Engine Oil

This fully synthetic oil is a Japanese OEM and is specifically designed for Japanese engines over 75,000 miles. It helps to ensure your engine produces maximum horsepower and greater fuel efficiency.

The oil contains friction modifiers as well as detergents to help fight sludge build-up and offers superior antioxidation, and engine cleanliness.

Pros

• Increased engine smoothness.
• Fuel efficiency improved.
• Feel the difference.

Cons

• Some concerns about needing to change oil sooner than expected.

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What Is Considered High Mileage?

At this time any car with mileage over 75,000 miles is considered as being a high mileage vehicle. To be honest around this mark is when many people begin to look to trade in their vehicles and look for a new one.

But there are ways in which you can help to prolong the life of your car’s engine such as:

• Changing your motor oil regularly.
• Using oil specifically designed for high-mileage vehicles.

High Mileage Oil Buyers Guide

Every vehicle and every engine has had a very different life and they have all required and received different levels of care. So it is difficult to choose the perfect oil product for all high-mileage engines. 

But it is imperative that you choose the right oil for your vehicle to ensure that your engine gives the best performance and lasts the longest.

Motor Oil Types

The type of oil that you use is most definitely going to impact your engine’s performance. Don’t get me wrong all high mileage oils are designed for high mileage engines but they do not all work the same.

The way in which each engine will not only lubricate but also protect the engine is very different. There are three main types of motor oil.

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil is also known as mineral oil and this oil is made from organic substances. There are no additives added to the final product, they are generally lower in price and also have a low tolerance for high temperatures.

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is man-made and so has many additives and chemicals added to it. These types of oil are versatile, compatible with a range of conditions, and work at high performance. But they can be expensive.

Semi-Synthetic Oil 

Now, this oil is a mix of conventional oil and synthetic oil. These often have a range of advantages such as having a better heat tolerance but having very few chemical additions. They are available in a range of viscosity ratings offering options to the motorist.

Motor Age

Every high mileage oil can support a different vehicle mileage. Firstly check the mileage it is rated for as well as check your vehicle mileage.

Some oils are suitable for engines with over 75,000 miles while others are suitable for those under 75,000 miles.

Another thing to consider when choosing an oil is what additional minerals or additives it contains to look after your high mileage engine.

Weather Conditions

Where you live and the weather conditions your car is exposed to are also something that needs to be considered. Different external temperatures will affect how your engine is ignited and therefore impact your engine condition.

If you live in an area where low temperatures are the norm you would be best looking for an oil that can sustain high performance at those low temperatures.

While if you live in an area where the normal temperatures are high you should look for high-temperature sustainability in the oil as your engine isn’t only dealing with heat inside the engine but outside as well.

Additives

Additives can enhance the performance of synthetic oils. They can also provide extra protection to high-mileage engines.

Commonly used additives are:

• Detergents – They help to remove any deposits that have accumulated in the engine. They also prevent clogging and improve efficiency.
• Viscosity Index Improvers – These additives prevent the oil from getting too thin as the temperature increases.
• Dispersants – These don’t allow particles to stick together. So the better the dispersants in your oil the less chance of sludge forming and blocking up your engine.

FAQs

Should You Use Thicker Oil With High Mileage Cars?

Yes, this would be a practical method to improve oil pressure in an older high mileage vehicle. The heavier weight oil – 10W – can help to protect worn engine bearings.

Is It Ok to Use Synthetic Oil in High-mileage Cars?

It is ok to use synthetic oil and is in fact a myth that synthetic oil is slipperier and has a lower viscosity meaning that it will leak in places that conventional oil might not.

Will Synthetic Oil Hurt Older Engines?

Certainly not in fact it protects better, lasts longer, and performs better. It is also no longer made with chemical compounds that could cause damage to older engines.

Can You Switch Back to Regular Oil After Using Synthetic?

You certainly can you are not bound to synthetic oil forever after using it. But using synthetic oil can help prolong the life of your engine and therefore your vehicle.

Conclusion

High mileage engines need more care and one of the easiest, yet most effective ways to do so is by using the best high mileage engine oil. 

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, Mobil 1 high mileage full synthetic motor oil has taken the number one spot on our list, but the rest of the options provide a sound alternative. No matter which one you choose, it’s guaranteed to be good for your car’s engine.

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