Best Oil For Cars With Over 200,000 Miles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best oil to use in a high mileage vehicle?

The best oil to use in a high mileage vehicle is synthetic oil. This type of oil is designed to last longer and protect your engine better than conventional oil. It can also withstand higher temperatures without breaking down.

How do I maintain a car with 200k miles?

Assuming you would like tips on how to maintain a car with 200,000 miles: 1. Check your oil regularly and change it as needed. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, so keeping it clean and fresh is crucial.

2. Keep an eye on your coolant levels and make sure to flush and refill the system every few years. 3. Inspect your brakes regularly and replace them when necessary. Worn-out brakes can be dangerous, so don’t neglect this important component of your car.

4. Pay attention to your tires – they should be properly inflated and have enough tread to grip the road (replace them if they’re worn out). 5. Have your car’s alignment checked periodically to ensure that everything is in working order. This will help extend the life of your tires and keep you driving straight!

6. Finally, don’t forget about routine maintenance like getting your oil changed, checking fluid levels, etc.

Is thicker oil better for high mileage cars?

As a car’s engine racks up the miles, oil starts to break down and wear out. This is why many mechanics suggest switching to a thicker, or higher viscosity, oil when an engine reaches 75,000 miles. The theory is that thicker oil will better protect aging engines against metal-on-metal contact and prevent leaks.

But does this really make a difference? We asked two of our favorite car experts to find out. Here’s what they had to say:

According to Tom Torbjornsen, a nationally recognized automotive expert and columnist for USA Today, the answer is yes. He says that as an engine wears down, its parts start to move around more than they did when the engine was new. This can cause gaps between moving parts where oil can leak out.

Thicker oil will help fill these gaps and keep your engine well-lubricated. Engine builder Bruce Cunningham agrees that higher viscosity oils are a good idea for older engines – but he has one caveat. If your car originally came with conventional motor oil (API service category SA through CC), you should stick with it – even if it’s lower viscosity than what’s recommended for high mileage cars now (API service category SJ through CH).

That’s because most cars built before 1988 have piston rings that are designed to work with thinner oils. Thicker oils could cause these piston rings to seal less effectively, leading to increased oil consumption. So there you have it!

Two experts agree that thicker oil is better for high mileage cars – as long as your car wasn’t built before 1988 and originally came with conventional motor oil.

How often should a 200k mile car get an oil change?

Assuming you are talking about a gasoline car, most manufacturers recommend an oil change between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. However, this varies depending on the make of the car. For example, Audi recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles for its cars while BMW recommends one every 7,500 miles for its vehicles.

There are also other factors to consider when deciding how often to change your car's oil such as the type of driving you do (stop and go city driving versus highway driving), the age and model of your car, and what type of oil you use.