Should I use a high-mileage formula at 167K?

[Illinichief]

Dear all. I'd appreciate if you give me an advise. I'm currently using the Pennzoil 10w30 conventional(5w30 during winter)in my 93 Prizm(rebadged Corolla) with over 167K miles on it. It does not burn or leak any oil. A perfectly oil tight engine. 3.9qts in and 3.9qts out at every oil change on 3 to 5 month OCI's. Am I supposed to use or should I have already started using a high-mileage formula to prevent a future oil leak? All High Mileage oil bottles say "for vehicle over 75K" sounding as if I must use the more expensive High Mileage formula if your car has more miles than that. Does oil leak eventually develop if I don't use it? Any benefit using it? or is this another marketing tactic to sell more expensive oil to the consumers? Thanks in advance for any advise, opinion or thoughts.

 

[rationull]

I don't think I'd bother changing if the car's running well and doesn't use/leak any oil. Unless you just feel like changing for whatever reason.

 

[Steve S]

Don't mess with success.

 

[jorton]

Originally Posted By: Illinichief
Am I supposed to use or should I have already started using a high-mileage formula to prevent a future oil leak?


I don't think so, and a very nice testimonial for good routine maintenance and Pennzoil. But I think you should have already started using synthetic for 4 months a year in winter.

 

[VK56VD]

When did you start using the yellow bottle on this vehicle?

I would stick with what you are using now. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

 

[ericthepig]

I'd keep that Prizm forever - or at least till the electronics start to dry rot.

And I'd keep doing what you're doing. An High Mileage oil will soften and perhaps swell the seals - normally that's a good thing in an old engine - but that Prism engine seems to like it's present diet.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Nope. Keep doing what you are doing.

Forget the marketing of High Mileage oil (and their dumb 75k number

) and continue with the miles.

I have in the family a 1986 Jetta (I bought it new) which has seen about the same OCI (and 5w30 conventional oils once they came out) for 329k miles.

Same success as you, put the oil in and take it out. Still running great, gets great MPG and passes dyno smog every other year.

I hope my 2005 Corolla makes it to 400k plus. So far 106k and it is like new.

Welcome. Bill

 

[Audi Junkie]

I'd go with High Mileage oil.

 

[OVERKILL]

Oil leaks develop because stuff wears out or deteriorates. While a "High Mileage" oil may temporarily mask the problem by swelling the seal or gasket, ultimately, that seal or gasket needs to be replaced.

I'm not a fan of band-aid solutions. When the rear-main started leaking on my Mustang at 280,000Km, I waiting until I was doing my clutch and did both the clutch and the rear-main at once. Problem solved. No magic additives and it's a much more long-term solution.

 

[02zx9r]

i would stick with what has been working for you. If you had consumption issues or leaks maybe switch to HM.

Like Bill is hoping for, Im shooting for 400K on my '08 Corolla, have just under 11K on it now, so getting closer.....