Choosing the Right Engine Oil for High Mileage Cars! What Are High Mileage Oils & Are They Worth It?

A look at what the difference is between a high mileage oil and a standard oil. Are High mileage oils worth investing in?
How do you properly look after a high mileage engine when choosing an engine oil to use?
Should you use a thicker oil as the car gets older, or should you stick with the same grade and change it less or more often?
Are you driving a high-mileage car? Does your engine's mileage affect the type of oil you should use or the frequency of oil changes? In this video, we dive into the essential considerations when selecting engine oil for vehicles with higher mileage. Understanding the nuances can help keep your engine running smoothly, even as it ages.
The Effects of High Mileage on Engine Oil
As engines age, they naturally experience wear and tear. The internal clearances within the engine widen, and various components begin to degrade. This leads to the question: does this wear and tear influence the type of oil you should use? Absolutely. Using the right oil can make a significant difference in maintaining your engine’s health.
What is High Mileage Oil?
High mileage oil is specially formulated for engines that have clocked significant mileage. These oils often contain additives designed to recondition seals, prevent leaks, and reduce oil consumption. Should you switch to high mileage oil as your car ages? It depends on several factors, including your driving style and the engine's overall condition.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Oil
When selecting engine oil for a high-mileage car, consider the following:
Mileage: How many miles has your car covered?
Driving Style: Do you frequently drive short distances or undertake long journeys?
Engine Condition: Has the engine been well-maintained, or has it experienced significant wear and tear?
If someone offers you oil advice without asking about your car's mileage, age, and model, it's best to seek more informed guidance. These factors are crucial in determining the right oil for your engine.
What is a High Mileage Car?
The definition of a high-mileage car can vary. Some consider 75,000 miles high, while others look at 200,000 miles or more. The key is the wear and tear the engine has experienced, not just the mileage. Just like people age differently based on lifestyle, engines age differently based on use and maintenance.
The Role of Oil Seals and Additives
As engines get older, oil seals degrade. High mileage oils contain additives that help rejuvenate these seals, preventing leaks. However, switching to high mileage oil won't fix severe issues like piston slap or significant power loss. Using the correct oil grade and switching to high mileage oil early can help prevent such problems from developing.
Real-World Insights from High Mileage Car Owners
Talking to owners of high-mileage cars, such as those driving old Toyota trucks with over 500,000 miles, reveals that many stick with the manufacturer’s recommended oil specifications. However, using oil that conditions aging seals is a prudent move, especially for cars exceeding 100,000 miles.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Owners of high-mileage cars often change their oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, even though 8,000 miles might be the general recommendation. Regular oil changes help maintain the oil's condition and provide necessary lubrication. If your engine burns oil and you frequently top it up, it can minimize oil dilution, but it's no substitute for regular oil changes.
When to Consider Changing Oil Grades
As engines wear, they might burn thinner oil more quickly. If your engine burns oil and a compression test shows it's in decent condition, it might be time to change the oil grade. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The advice for a small turbo engine will differ from that for a large V8 engine.
Get Personalized Advice
Have specific questions about your car’s oil needs? Drop a comment below with details about your car's model, mileage, and your region. Oil availability varies by region, and tailored advice can help you find the right oil for your car.
Like, Subscribe, and Stay Tuned
If you found this video helpful, hit the like button and subscribe to our channel for more expert advice on maintaining your high-mileage car. Check out the video linked here for more tips and insights. Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video!
#carcare #carmaintenance #oil #engineoil #highmileage
www.torquecars...
Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.

[@cozifpv2069]

I have a Honda civic Ep3 with 184k miles. It gets the limiter down the country lanes and I change the oil every 6 months with 5w40. It never skips a beat.

[@polarbear109p2]

I’ve got a 2016 golf 1.6 tdi. It’s sitting at 90k miles. What I’m doing is every 6k miles doing the oil change. So twice a year I’m doing the change. I plan on having the car for many more years so trying to look after that engine.

[@davidthompson7817]

I have a 2012 mini Cooper countryman All4. Now at 130 thousand miles starting to notice slight leak from oil filter/coolant housing which is typical on these cars… Been using Royal purple 5W-30 which is the weight recommended by manufacture. I change oil + filter every 3000 miles never more than 5000 miles (a few times)but retired from work and driving less; was wondering if you thought seals should be replaced or try using high motor oil to see if the seals will stop the leakage? Did recent engine flush with BG product; put in high mileage Royal Purple (1 time used)and ran it for 100 miles them dumped it out, replaced with new filter again and added G6 rated oil that I found at Tractor Supply * ULTRA PLUS Brand…for a really good price(The G6 oil is a higher quality oil then SN-plus API rated Royal Purple high mileage(HMX designated R.P. Brand name). Thinking about going back to the Royal Purple high mileage to see if the seals will STOP leaking. G-6 oil is supposed to be better in many ways, including the seals …Is this a possibility or do I just need to spend the thousand dollars or so and have someone replace those seals? My spouse died & I swore to her on her deathbed that I would keep this car running(damn cancer got her… it was her car and we’ve spent so much money on this thing with the initial price of it and the interest rate on the loan plus constant maintenance… Had to replace valve timing chain at 90,000 miles but other than that it runs pretty good… Always has check engine light come on when I drive up a/ any significant hill (I do live at high elevation) …which no one has ever been able to figure out why… Never changed any of the performance except for a few times it did reduce my turbo boost. CODE said *Vonos* (exhaust?) solenoid problem. Had it replaced worked fine for two months and then check engine light continues to come on; BMW’s!). I get the same gas mileage that I always have and I do not seem to be burning any oil. I did have to replace the valve cover; That has the integrated positive crank case ventilation valve… Took it to a mechanic and they want me to spend way more than the cars worth to replace seals and I don’t have the money to do that so I’m thinking the high mileage oil might prevent this extremely small leak… I can smell it burning as it drips down onto the exhaust, so I covered the exhaust point where the drip hits it…with a little aluminum foil to try to prevent any fires…!!!,HELP.😂 I hope you get this message and I know you’re in Europe/UK and I don’t really want to divulge exactly where I live in North America other than we have hot summers and cold winters). Also was wondering if using a lighter weight oil which seems contradictory with high mileage car, but that would reduce oil pressure possibly and prevent what I was told as a high crank pressure that’s why I replaced the valve head, cover myself after being told, this was part of the problem, I crank case pressure which doesn’t make sense except for positive crank case ventilation valve was needing to be replaced before the 130,000 mile point which only makes sense… Rubber only lasts so long! Thanks for any response😊. -DT

[@carlm7764]

I like the idea of more freq changes with the recommended grade. I have a A7 TDI with 230,000 km and it needs that low sulphur 507 grade, only a couple of companies in Canada put it out in my area

[@vincebarela2678]

I have a 2012 Ford Focus with 150,000 miles can I still use regular mobile one or do I have to change to high mileage

[@monkeymagic4555]

Any car any age 5k miles max oil changes RELGIOUSLY......

[@carlovanrijk4039]

Monkeymagic, at that mileage, I’d be doing my oil changes every two months as I drive a lot of hwy miles. I do 6500-7000 mile oil changes every 3 months.

[@monkeymagic4555]

@@carlovanrijk4039 Again as stated.....A fool would go about things otherwise this is simple HARD fact.....NOTHING else....

[@vermontvermont9292]

Yup, and high mileage is fine, if not better to use even as low as 20,000 miles.

[@DGQ1Q2]

100% agree

[@m.newman7722]

I understand that certain engines that utilize a manufactures recommended viscosity can somewhat malfunction if one utilizes a heavier weight oil when regulating variable valve timing, etc. above the manufactures viscosity recommendations. Yes there is a very small to minute loss of miles per gallon with thicker oil but, using a thicker oil may offset those functions of the modern engine dependent on a certain oil viscosity. Older engines not so much, more modern engines, your opinion. Do you feel that going from a 0-20 to a 5-30 viscosity may or may not affect the engine, or going to an even higher viscosity may indeed potentially cause problems. Fact or myth in your opinion? I am in Southern California. It is hot at this time of year in June.

[@marksmith8663]

Been using mannol 504/507 5w30 in my Audi and T5 not owned from new but running well 292k miles . It’s cheap oil but meets the spec and changed once a year sooner if done more miles . Not sure if changing the manufacturer spec is necessary unless there’s a problem. Ps I agree 8 k 10max millage between oil changers

[@ΑρηςΜπορνοβας]

Hello there!!! Thank you for the informative video! If you have the time can you please answer the following question: Should a jeep liberty 2002 3.7 engine use a thicker oil at 130.000 km in Greece or should I stick with manufacturers specific oil. My Mechanic suggests to go significantly thicker to prevent engine wear but I worry that the hydraulic lifters won't operate as specified from the factory. What is your opinion? Thank you! Tha manufacturers suggestsled oil is sae 5/30 and the Mechanic is suggesting 10/40.

[@torquecars]

I don't have much experience with those engines as we rarely see them over here. But the range I see people using on these go from 5W30 right up to 15W50, the key is to use a good synthetic oil. These engines are pretty easy on oil so your choices are quite forgiving. Your mechanic is best placed to recommend an oil as he's seen the engine and his suggestion is within the ballpark commonly used on these engines. Frequent oil changes will help keep the oil within spec. Are you getting any lifter rattles or top of engine noises at the moment?

[@jonathanbond915]

Hi there I have a 2012 golf 1.6 tdi with 140k miles never missed a beat until last week it popped an injector out due to loose stretch bolt. Fixed that but now thinking about more frequent servicing on the oil side of things. Usually annual or 10k max. Any suggestions on better quality oils for higher mileage engine such as mine. To not when the injector came out the copper sealing washers was disintegrated so I expect that has gone through the engine and some diesel has washed down the bores Would a flushing agent be advisable too?? Thanks

[@Bobby-v1c]

I have a 2002 neon and it has 207051 miles on it and I just moved to Florida and it’s very Hot here and driving around town what oil would you run in it? And additive.

[@Richard_L_Y]

UK NI Audi A3 1.9tdi sport 2006 112K miles; last ten years changed LL oil every year before winter always 5W30 LL; before that it was changed only every 2 years (unfortunately?) with and by LL spec; always VAG 507 spec. Have used Archoil oil additives (rightly or wrongly!?) over the last 8 years; AR9100 first and then AR9200 v2. Only loses (not necessarily 'burns'?) oil noticeably with excessive speeds over long distances e.g. 170 mile trips x 2. So should I change from LL and/or 5W30 at this and at increasing mileage!? (I still think the engine will outlast the bodywork and floor by far!!)

[@JR-tl8tg]

thank you for touching on this topic and like you say just many variables to take into consideration so I own 1.4tsi cavd jetta and its current at 215k km and get an oil change every 8k km but lately it hasn't done many kms at times only a 1000 kms and it has past the 6 months mark already the oil still look ok. Should I still proceed with an oil change? thanks

[@torquecars]

You should be ok, because wear on the oil happens when the engine is used and particularly if it gets used on mainly short runs or on cold engines. Time is not really a factor in oil changes in my book unless you are talking about a very long time. If you've done 200x5km journeys I'd consider an oil change for example.

[@JR-tl8tg]

@@torquecars Thank you for the response friend. I am relieved to learn that mileage takes priority vs time on condition it doesnt cross a year. Once again thank you the advise.

[@daveharrison5298]

Hi there I really enjoy watching you on your channel I have got a 2006 audi a3 2.0 tdi 125000 miles on it, I have been looking for a really good oil to put in next week I have seen the liqui molly Liqui Moly 8973 Top Tec 4200 5W-30 is this something that you would recommend

[@torquecars]

That is a very good oil, but probably one of the most expensive, I put Fuchs TITAN GT1 PRO C-3 XTL 5W-30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oi in mine and it worked really well (BKD 140hp 2.0 Tdi). You don't mind changing oil often if it doesn't cost a small fortune.

[@MrCungaLunga]

I have EA288 EVO Interval is on 25-30k under warranty. I did 15k in 3 months. 80km highway and 10km country everyday. They dont even want to make service before factory intervals

[@thepreserver83]

Golf V 1.9 TDI 210k+ Which oil would you recomend? Thanks

[@torquecars]

The recommendation is VW504 or 507 spec oil. Is this the 105hp version? 5w30 would be my preferred option but I know some people are using 5w40 on these in some areas but I would only do this if the 5w30 is burning off or levels are dropping. Make sure it is VW 504 spec though at a minimum. A brand I have used and can vouch for is the Fuchs TITAN GT1 PRO C-3 XTL 5W-30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil There are also good options from Mobil the 1 ESP 5w-30 and Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL

[@thepreserver83]

@@torquecars yes, its 105 hp version of Golf V, 1.9 TDI Last 2 years I use Motul 8100+ X-Clean+ 504 00 / 507 00 5w30 full synthetic, changing it under every 10k km. The problem is that every month i need to add 150-200 ml oil... I think something isn't ok. Do you think its time to use thicker oil or to continue using the same oil?

[@carlmcdonald5864]

I have a 2011 CTS-V wagon manual with 732,482 Km never used high mileage oil I use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum and I change it every 3 months

[@ridwanyousuf971]

I have Lexus ES350 2013 with 250k miles on it. What grade oil should i use?

[@vermontvermont9292]

High mileage whatever grade the cap or manual says.

[@brandonoconnor1092]

I have a s5 2008 4.2 done 75 thousand miles what’s the best oil uk

[@DGQ1Q2]

The one you replace quickly. I do each 3k miles. I bough any brand which comply with the viscosity. MY Honda has 183k miles on clock.

[@theenglishtrucker1849]

Good luck buying High Mileage oil in the UK. WHERE the hell is it sold.? Other than Ebay - shipped from the US.

[@lorenray9479]

Son and friends gahha at my frequent lube scheduals. 80,000 to 100,000 miles and their almost new looking cars are trashed. Using oil like a drunk. 0w-20 may have helped at 10,000 mile green new scamm scheduals. My mechanic buddies are going 200,000 to 500,000 miles with minimal oil burn. Slightly heavier oil 5w-30 to 10w-30. 3,000 to 5,000 intervals and quality filters! We rub our tail pipes and wave our finger with such pride! Lol

[@cantwealljustgetalong2]

high mileage oil is great