High mileage oil in new car

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mazdamonky

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I have been trying to research high mileage oil in a new car. People seem to think either, there is absolutely nothing wrong (including Valvoline) or be polar opposite and say don't do it as it can cause damage.

Some people here also seem to think using a high mileage oil before leaks occur will help keep them from happening in the first place.

What are peoples thoughts on using a high mileage oil from day one?
Why yes or why no?
 
If oil can cause damage, never use that oil. I'll be doing this shortly (maxlife in 72k mi)
 
Let's say your newer vehicle requires SM/GF-4 or above (SN/GF-5).

If the non high mileage oil is SN/GF-5 and the high mileage oil the same, they are both just fine for use in your newer vehicle since they have to meet the same requirements. They may have more seal conditioner than a non high mileage oil, but the amount still needs to fall within the SN/GF-5 guidelines.

Take Valvoline for example...

http://www.valvoline.com/our-products/motor-oil/full-synthetic-max-life

"...FSwMT is specially formulated to meet the needs of vehicles as they age past 75,000 miles. It’s advanced formula can also be used in newer cars to help prevent the causes of engine breakdown before they begin."
 
Originally Posted By: Dyusik
If oil can cause damage, never use that oil. I'll be doing this shortly (maxlife in 72k mi)


That is what I am thinking, if it can cause problems with a new engine why wouldn't it cause problems with an older engine.
 
Originally Posted By: mazdamonky
Originally Posted By: Dyusik
If oil can cause damage, never use that oil. I'll be doing this shortly (maxlife in 72k mi)


That is what I am thinking, if it can cause problems with a new engine why wouldn't it cause problems with an older engine.


It won't.
 
I was TOLD (correctly or not?) that all the 0W20 oils from Valvoline contain the "high mileage" additives, but it is only advertised in the Maxlife line as it is a semi-synthetic and is used as marketing to tout that it is "better " than their white bottle. The full syn 0W20 (other grades?) also contains the same add pack but it is not marketed as such.

In any event, I personally don't think there could be damage, and it would be reckless of Valvoline to claim that if it weren't true. In my opinion, the extra seal conditioners could be of extra benefit with an engine calling for 0W20. Have you seen any info from any of the oil companies (or car makers) that high mileage oil can cause engine damage in new engines? Lacking any proof or data, we're all just guessing, but I would think the oil and car makers would have data.
 
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I also put "high mileage" oil in my 2012 civic, just last week, at 14,570 miles. It's Valvoline 0w-20, and it was on sale. My owner's manual just states 0w-20. If you have contacted the maker of this oil, I'd be curious what their response is.
 
Originally Posted By: AmoryBlaine
I also put "high mileage" oil in my 2012 civic, just last week, at 14,570 miles. It's Valvoline 0w-20, and it was on sale. My owner's manual just states 0w-20. If you have contacted the maker of this oil, I'd be curious what their response is.


A few of us have. It is perfectly fine. As have advised Castrol and now Pennzoil.

If it meets the requirements and approvals of your vehicle, there is no problem. "High Mileage" is not an approval or certification. It's mostly a marketing term.
 
I ran Maxlife Synthetic in my 02 Passat starting around 10k miles. Traded it in at 75K with no leaks or oil consumption.

Ran it after the factory fill in my 07 Passat. But switched out after about 10k miles because dealer told me it was not "VW speced". Switched to regular Synpower 5w-40. Still have the car 9 years later and 45K miles. No problems.
 
High Mileage labeled oil is like First Cold Pressed olive oil. Marketing terms in the US. In Italy First Cold Pressed olive oil has a meaning according to gov. standards.
 
There prolly a million folks now using MaxLife (me included), and I see no reports of oil related failures... I just happen to like Maxlife Blend (red bottle) and it's reasonably priced for a good oil. I also like MotorCraft blend
smile.gif


I'm less of a fan of real straight synthetics for a number of reasons.

As far as I'm concerned, VR1 is their top oil. But, it's not for everyone and certainly not for all cars/trucks. For my hot-rodded flat tappet motors, it's either VR1 if they are aggressive builds, or MaxLife if they are closer to OEM motors. Similar add packs, but not as strong as VR1.

Putting it in context, I'm also a Chevron Supreme guy and a Delo400 guy. But my wife's '97 Jag gets QS so I'm not a brand loyalist
laugh.gif
 
I would happily run a quality HM oil in a new car if the oil meets the correct specs. No worries.

I think there are some very good HM oils out there, with slightly more generous add packs, but nothing radical or dangerous, just a bit more of the same that is in regular oils.
 
Originally Posted By: Y_K
M1 5W-30 has 3.3 HTHS


Yes plain M1 5W-30 has a HTHS of 3.1 and 900 ppm Zinc, but M1 HM 5W-30 has a HTHS of 3.3 and 1100 ppm Zn.
 
Originally Posted By: wemay
Let's say your newer vehicle requires SM/GF-4 or above (SN/GF-5).

If the non high mileage oil is SN/GF-5 and the high mileage oil the same, they are both just fine for use in your newer vehicle since they have to meet the same requirements.

Exactly. If it meets the requirements, and even has the formal approvals, then it meets the requirements. There's not much else one could ask for.
 
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