Whats the difference between high mileage oil and synthetic oil

Whats the difference between high mileage oil and synthetic oil
Car Maintenance ▸ December 3, 2020

Why is it so important to use the correct oil when performing an oil change in your car or truck’s engine? Today’s vehicles have requirements for low emissions, high fuel mileage, and customers want high horsepower.

To meet these requirements modern engines are much more complicated, with internal systems such as variable valve timing. There are actuators inside the engine that are operated by engine oil based on oil pressure. If the correct grade or viscosity of the oil is not used problems with how the engine performs can arise. This could cause a check engine light to come on. We have plenty of examples of fixing a check engine light. Engine drivability problems can be solved by using the correct oil during an oil change.

What is the difference between high mileage oil and regular oil?

There have always been two different positions when it comes to this topic. Many believe that you should switch to high mileage when your vehicle reaches 75k miles. Another opinion is that you should switch if your vehicle is getting older and your engine is showing signs of loosening. If you frequently notice oil leaks on your older vehicle, you should start using high mileage oil. Engine noises such as rattling can benefit from a denser high mileage oil as well.

If you arent experiencing any of these issues there is no need to change your engine oil. Typically high mileage engine oils are not licensed and using them could affect your warranty

What makes high-mileage oil different?

High mileage oil is designed to care for older engines. The ingredients in high mileage oil care for the seals, have antioxidants, detergents, and wear and friction additives. High mileage oils contain viscosity modifiers that are durable and won’t diminish over time. This causes the oil to stay thicker for longer periods of time, helping protect your engine parts.

Over the course of the life of a vehicle, everything begins to loosen. As the engine ages, your gaskets, seals, and non-metal parts begin to wear. High mileage oils are designed with additives that increase flexibility and restore shape to these parts. This can help with oil leaks in the long run. High mileage oils are designed for engines that are beyond the warranty mileage.

What’s the downside of high mileage oil?

Some of the thicker oils, such as 10W-30 full synthetic and 5W-20 full synthetic can make your vehicle harder to start. This is especially true in colder temperatures. They can also reduce the circulation around the engine and increase your overall oil pressure. This will result in more pressure trying to push the motor oil between seals and gaskets.

What can happen if the correct oil isn’t used

If the correct oil is not used the vehicle warranty could be affected. For these reasons, at G&G Auto Repair we always look up the manufacturer’s required oil specification for every vehicle when we change the oil, and we only use an oil that we verify meets that specification. We use oil from a variety of sources. Even popular brands of synthetic oil don’t meet the specifications of every manufacturer. Whether you have your oil changed here or at another repair facility, it’s important that the correct oil is used in your vehicle’s engine.

Whats the difference between high mileage oil and synthetic oil

Oil performs the vital function of lubricating your auto’s engine, so it’s a good idea to choose the right oil for your vehicle.

Two main types of engine oils exist – conventional and synthetic. Understanding the differences between these two oils will help you answer confidently the next time you have your car serviced and the auto technician asks what type of oil you want in your car.

Conventional oil

Conventional oils are mineral-based and created from naturally occurring crude oil that has been removed from the earth. These oils are formulated with special additives to ensure that they possess just the right heat tolerance and viscosity, the latter of which refers to thickness and the ability to flow.

Conventional motor oils usually cost half the price of synthetic motor oils, but need to be replaced more often.

Synthetic oil

In existence since the 1970s, synthetic oils often have a conventional oil base, but as their name suggests, they’re created in a chemical plant with chemical compounds. Synthetic oils are engineered to provide the highest level of lubrication in temperature extremes. Such oils also have built-in cleansing properties that lead to a cleaner engine.

A recent independent evaluation of motor oils by AAA found that synthetic oil outperforms conventional oil by an average of almost 50 percent. You do pay a price for this superior performance. Synthetic oil costs twice as much as conventional oil.

Which oil to choose for your car?

Synthetic oils are durable and generally last two to three times longer. They’re also thinner and resist temperature extremes. When you use synthetic oil, you require less frequent oil changes than when you use conventional oil.

Synthetic oil may also be ideal for your car if you drive in conditions that involve stop and go traffic, hot and cold temperature extremes or short trips.

On the downside, synthetic oil is substantially more expensive than conventional engine oil.

High mileage oil

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.

Not every car requires synthetic or high mileage oil. To determine which type of oil is best for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual or ask your auto technician.

As a rule of thumb, most new cars require synthetic oil. Older cars generally run well with conventional oil, unless your vehicle has more than 75,000 miles on it, in which case high-mileage oil is recommended.

Looking to start your own car buying quest? Search our inventory of thousands!

Whats the difference between high mileage oil and synthetic oil

ico-OwnersManual-32 Owner's Manual

September 28, 2022

4 Minute Read

10 automatic transmission maintenance tips that’ll take your car care up a gear

Want to take your car care up a gear? Today, we're handing out ten automatic transmission maintenance tips that can help keep your car running smoothly.

Whats the difference between high mileage oil and synthetic oil

ico-OwnersManual-32 Owner's Manual

September 23, 2022

3 Minute Read

What is a digital car key? How “keyless” cars really work

A digital car key, or remote access feature, allows you to access your vehicle remotely from your smartphone. These days, finding new cars that aren’t attached to the driver’s smartphone …

Whats the difference between high mileage oil and synthetic oil

ico-OwnersManual-32 Owner's Manual

September 15, 2022

4 Minute Read

Can I convert my gas car into an EV? Understanding crate motor conversion

Wondering if it's possible to convert a gas car into an electric vehicle (EV)? You're not alone. Today, we're covering how gas to EV conversions work so you know what to expect.

Is synthetic or high mileage oil better?

As a rule of thumb, most new cars require synthetic oil. Older cars generally run well with conventional oil, unless your vehicle has more than 75,000 miles on it, in which case high-mileage oil is recommended.

Is high mileage oil the same as synthetic blend?

High mileage oils are usually synthetic oils. They are typically based on either full-synthetic oil or a blend of synthetic and conventional oil.

Do high mileage oils make a difference?

It can help reduce oil consumption, smoke, and emissions from older engines. High mileage oil also works to minimize leaks and oil seepage. While you could use high mileage oil in a younger car without harming it, the issues that high mileage oil addresses usually don't appear in vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles.

Are High Mileage synthetic oils worth it?

It may seem like overkill to use an oil that is specifically formulated for older engines, but it's worth it in the long run. The additives in high mileage oils offer a myriad of benefits that will keep your engines working efficiently and reliably for longer.