Five ways to use high mileage oil effectively

High mileage oil is formulated to tackle the unique requirements of older vehicles, delivering enhanced protection and performance. Knowing when to switch to high mileage oil is key for maximizing the longevity and efficiency of your vehicle.

Knowing when to use high mileage is of critical importance for most vehicle owners and fleet managers. Here are five ways to know when to use high mileage oil.

Understanding high mileage oil:

There are no fundamental guidelines on what should be considered high mileage. With today's technology available, standard road vehicles can last up to 300,000 miles or even 400,000 miles. Vehicle wear depends on how it has been driven and maintained, not just the number of miles.

Differences in high-mileage oils:

Most additive packages appear to be quite similar, making it difficult to distinguish any actual differences between many engine oils. Even with high-mileage oils, the additives hardly vary. The concentration of additives most likely is the primary distinction however motor oil formulations are shrouded in trade secrets, so obtaining specific additive amounts and quantities can be nearly impossible.

Knowing when oil in high mileage engines be changed:

With all the scheduled maintenance performed, a well-kept engine should be able to support longer intervals between oil changes.

To help you determine if your high mileage oil change intervals can be drawn-out, the following tips should be considered, namely:

• If your engine burns oil or you must add oil to it at regular intervals, try not to increase your oil change.
• If you have performed a compression test on your engine and found that you are losing pressure, avoid extended oil change intervals.
• If you are not using a quality filter, avoid extending your oil change.

Reconsider the filter you are using, since the better the oil is filtered, the longer the engine and oil will last.

When to use high mileage oil?

For vehicles with 75,000 miles or more, most high mileage oils are beneficial. However, when to switch is ultimately your decision to make, but always educate yourself to make the best determination.

On the other hand, if you have a well-maintained high mileage vehicle and are attempting to lessen more engine wear with genuine expectations, a high mileage engine oil might be the correct choice for you. 

Should new vehicles use high mileage oils?

This question has often been asked, however, there are no definite answers since with the changing fuel-economy standards and introduction of new technologies and engine metallurgy, the classifications for engine oils also need to change. In the end, it is always best to check owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the vehicle. It is better not to use a high-mileage oil in a new vehicle since no manufacturer would recommend this. While it is unlikely to harm the vehicle but it would be better to stick to what is specified in the owner’s manual, at least until the warranty has elapsed.

Conclusion:

Finally, it is crucial to know every oil formulation will have its own additive package, with each claiming to be better than the others, however, they all come with the ultimate goal of providing a lubricant to help ensure a long life for your engine.