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Looking out for the best oil for cars with over 200000 miles? Pretty well then, you’re reading the right article. Here, we reviewed some of the best motor oils that work best for old engines (also called high mileage engines). These oils are top-quality, well-formulated, and include proprietary additives in their formulas.
There are pretty many of them out there, but of course, not all of them are suitable for your already-weakened engine. Yeah, an engine that has run over 200,000 miles would be weak, and possibly have worn-out components if maintenance was not done properly.
At the bottom of this article is a detailing buyers’ guide and handy tips for buying motor oils for high mileage engines. Are you ready, let’s go!
What Type of Motor Oil is Good For a Car With Over 200k Miles?
Basically, a car with over 75,000 miles reading on the odometer is considered a high mileage vehicle, and for such cars, it’s advisable to switch to “high mileage” engine oils. In the same vein, for a car with over 200k miles, it is advisable to use high mileage oils (if you haven’t started using them already).
A high mileage oil typically includes premium additives, seal conditioners, and special ingredients that make them different from the regular (non-high mileage) motor oils in the market.
Related Post: 5w30 Vs 10w40 Engine Oil
Notwithstanding, certain full synthetic engine oils are not high mileage oils, yet they are good to be used on old vehicles, or cars with over 200k miles. The listicle below streamlines your choices to the best motor oils you need to consider.
Best Oil For Cars With Over 200000 Miles
1. Royal Purple High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil
- Better wear protection
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Better protection of the expensive catalytic emission system
- Improved compatibility with fuels containing ethanol
- Superior corrosion protection
We kick off from here. The Royal Purple brand is a reputable one; it is a brand known to produce top-quality products for vehicles, and this synthetic oil is really a good one. This motor oil is specially formulated for engines that have gone several miles – let’s say from 80k miles upwards.
It is fully synthetic oil, available in different grades, so you can get the one that matches your engine specification. This particular one (reviewed here) comes in a 5QT container, which is quite big.
The formula is a perfect blend of several ingredients that guarantee increased fuel efficiency, formidable protection against engine wear, and treatment of emissions system components.
Highlights:
- Patented anti-wear additive for optimal protection of core engine components
- Maximizes horsepower and fuel economy
- Improves Low Speed Pre-Ignition protection
Pros:
- Available in different grades
- The scent is not irritating
- Includes premium and patented additives
- Good price
Cons:
- Some users complain that it burns off faster
2. Castrol GTX High Mileage Oil
- Phosphorus Replacement Technology to help extend the life of the emission system
- Superior dispersancy that fights sludge build up
- Exceptional oil burn-off protection exceeding industry standards, based on API and ACEA volatility specifications
- Seal conditioners to help reduce leaks
- Advanced additives that minimize engine wear
Here’s a motor oil specified for high mileage engines – engines that have gone over 75k miles. It is a top-quality engine oil from a notable company.
The Castrol GTX High Mileage Oil delivers excellent performance on old vehicles; it protects the core internal engine components against wear, reduces friction, and improves fuel economy.
This motor oil also comes in a 5QT container, and it is available in different grades. The formula includes superior detergents that help to clean any dirt or sludge inside the engine – hindering the optimal performance of the engine. Furthermore, the formula seal conditioners help reduce leaks.
Overall, this is a premium full synthetic motor oil for all kinds of vehicles. It is a considerable choice for cars with over 200k miles.
Highlights:
- Advanced formula with detergents and seal conditioners
- Big container (5QT)
- Full synthetic motor oil
Pros:
- Specially formulated for high mileage engines
- Available in different grades
- Delivers all-around optimal protection
- Coming from a reputable motor oil manufacturer
Cons:
- A few complains from some users on Amazon
3. Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage Oil
- Full synthetic formula is engineered with Enhanced MaxLife Technology to prevent engine breakdown in vehicles with over 75,000 miles
- Formulated with seal conditioners to prevent and treat oil leaks, Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage minimizes oil consumption and maximizes engine life
- 50% better wear protection than the industry standard and 25% extra defense against deposits, sludge, corrosion and rust
- Meets or exceeds all requirements of ILSAC GF-6A, API SP, API SN with SN Plus, API SN
- American made and formulated, from the Original Motor Oil brand trusted for more than 150 years
Here’s another oil specified for high mileage engines. The Valvoline Full Synthetic motor oil is available in different grades, and the formula is carefully decided for high mileage engines. It is a powerful motor oil that cleans the engine thoroughly, as well as condition the seals to prevent leaks.
Thanks to the multiple grades, you can make the perfect choice for your engine. Valvoline has earned a good reputation over the years of its existence.
Related Post: High Mileage Oil Vs Synthetic Blends
This motor oil from the brand is rated almost 5-stars on Amazon by over 4,000 different customers; undoubtedly, it is one of the best oils to use on your old high mileage engine.
Highlights:
- Made with MaxLife technology
- Includes seal conditioners in the formula to prevent leaks
- Extra detergents for thorough engine cleaning
Pros:
- Reputable brand
- Good price
- Formula includes proprietary MaxLife technology
- Different grades available
Cons:
- Just a few complains from some users
4. Mobil 1 High Mileage Motor Oil
- Mobil 1 High Mileage full-synthetic motor oil 10W-30 is designed for engines with over 75,000 miles to go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.*
- Utilizes Mobil 1’s signature Triple Action Formula to deliver outstanding engine performance, protection, and cleanliness
- Meets ILSAC GF-6 standards to help provide low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection while keeping your engine clean and helping to improve your fuel economy
- Provides excellent internal engine heat protection (up to 500 degrees F) and low temperature protection (to -30 degrees F)
- Mobil 1 is specially formulated to help remove sludge and lower engine temperatures
Mobil 1 is a top brand that manufactures top-quality motor oils for all types of engines. This particular engine oil from the brand is specified for high mileage vehicles, and the formula is very much advanced than regular full synthetic oils. It comes in a 5QT container, and there are different grades available.
While using this oil, the manufacturer recommends you change oil within 10,000 miles intervals. This full synthetic motor oil is suitable for all kinds of vehicles; it cleans out sludge and deposits, as well as coats the engine to protect against wear.
The Mobil 1 high mileage oil is one of the most advanced options in the market.
Highlights:
- Offers maximal protection to high mileage engines
- Flows evenly in low and high temperature
- Reduces oil burn offs
Pros:
- Works on European and Asian models
- Up to 5 different grades available
- Advanced full synthetic oil
- Provides optimal protection
Cons:
- The price is quite high
5. Pennzoil High Mileage Motor Oil
- Conventional High Mileage 10W-40 engine oil specially formulated to help stop leaks and reduced oil consumption in worn engines
- Recommended for vehicles with over 75,000 miles
- Helps prevent sludge and other damaging deposits
- Provides proven wear protection for engine parts
- Exceeds the requirements of the following industry specifications: API SN and all previous categories
As we continue with this listicle, the Pennzoil high mileage oil is one of the best in the market. It is available in a 5QT container and the formula is fortified to deliver optimal protection against wear, reduce oil burn-off, and also prevent leaks (although it doesn’t contain seal conditioners).
While this is not full synthetic motor oil, it delivers good performance on high mileage engines, thanks to the advanced formula.
More so, the additives are tested and certified. If you wouldn’t mind using conventional motor oil for your old engine, this is an ideal choice – available at an affordable price.
Highlights:
- Meant for engines with over 75k miles
- Cleans sludge and deposits
- Good for vans, trucks, and cars
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Improves fuel economy
- Delivers better protection against wear
Cons:
- Not compatible with most newer vehicles
6. Amsoil Small Engine Synthetic Motor Oil
This motor oil is also suitable for high mileage engines; it is fortified to deliver optimal protection against wear, as well as reduce oil burn-off. Coming from a notable brand, Amsoil, this motor oil is made with a strong formula that outperforms most other full synthetic motor oils in the market.
Interestingly, this oil can be used on trucks, vans, and cars. However, due to the small container, you may need to buy at least two (especially if your engine takes more than 3QT of oil. Notwithstanding, there is a 5QT model, which goes for a higher price (as expected).
Highlights:
- 100% full synthetic motor oil
- Advance formula to prevent leaks and wear
- Available in different grades
Pros:
- Good price
- Reputable brand
- Works for cars and trucks
Cons:
- This model comes in a small container
7. Havoline High Mileage Synthetic Blend
- Havoline High Mileage Motor Oils with Deposit Shield deliver value through:
- Helping to prevent oil consumption
- Exceptional wear protection
- Exceptional wear protection
High mileage engine oils are the best-recommended oils to use on engines with over 100k miles. This Havoline high mileage oil is specified for 5w20 engines; however, it is also available for other grades such as 10w30, 0w20, and 5w30. You should pick the one that matches the specifications for your engine.
Well, this motor oil is a synthetic blend – not full synthetic as the ones above – but it still delivers a good job. The Havoline 5W20 high mileage synthetic blend motor oil is made with a well-thought formula targeted to improve the performance of high mileage vehicles.
Related Post: Overdue Oil Change Symptoms
This motor oil comes in a 5QT container, and it meets the industry’s standards.
Highlights:
- Delivers exceptional protection against engine wear
- Includes detergents in the formula
- Resistance to oxidation
Pros:
- Reduces oil burn off in old engine
- Good price
- Improves fuel economy
- Cleans the engine pretty well
Cons:
- It is not full synthetic
8. Chevron Supreme Motor Oil
- For best performance, follow the manufacturer's recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual.
- Chevron Supreme Motor Oils deliver value through:
- Excellent anti-wear protection
- Protection against thermal breakdown
While this oil is not specified as a high mileage motor oil, it is still suitable to use on engines with over 200k miles. Yes, the additives included in the formula are advanced and match the same additives in most “high mileage” motor oils.
Even so, you could purchase a high mileage oil additive and mix it with this oil before pouring it into your engine with 200k miles. High mileage oil additives are available in auto stores (offline and online). But you could still use this motor alone, without adding any additive.
Highlights:
- Patented additives to prevent excessive wear
- Formulated to withstand thermal breakdown
- 5QT bottle/container
Pros:
- Great price
- Works perfectly as expected
- Suitable for all types of high mileage cars
- Good in cleaning the engine
Cons:
- The formula does not include seal conditioners
How Often Should You Change Oil On a 200k Miles Engine?
An engine with 200k miles has really gotten worked up; thus, you need to change its oil sooner than you usually do.
For example, if your oil change interval is 10,000 miles, you should bring it down to 8,000 miles, or even 7,000 miles. This is to checkmate wear in the internal engine components.
What to Consider When Buying Motor Oils For Cars With Over 200k Miles
When you drive past 200,000 miles and your next oil change time is close, these are the things to consider to buy new motor oil for your high mileage engine.
1. Go For Synthetic Oils
While you could use conventional motor oils like Pennzoil high mileage oil and your car would still drive, it is advisable to stick with synthetics since the car has already gone past 200k miles.
Synthetic motor oils are typically made with better additives and base oils than conventional ones, but conventional oils are cheaper.
2. Viscosity and Grade
A 200k miles engine has really tried and deserves to be carefully treated. That said, if you’ve not been using the recommended oil grade for your engine, it’s time to go back to your manual, check the recommendation, and stick with that.
So to say, if your engine is to use 5w30 oils, make you use only 5w30 oils henceforth.
3. Brand
It is also important to consider “brands” when buying motor oils. There are some notable brands that produce top-quality engine oils; the brands include Royal Purple, Amsoil, Mobil 1, and Castrol. Notwithstanding, there are other good brands out there too.
Read Also: How Many Miles Can You Go Over An Oil Change?
Important Takeaways
- Switch to high mileage oils when you drive past 100,000 miles
- Reschedule your oil change intervals when the numbers in your odometer hit 200k (make the interval shorter).
- You can further mix motor oils with high mileage oil additives for improved performance.
- Full synthetic oils are the BEST
- Always read other people’s opinions, reviews, and feedback about the oil you’re about to buy.
- Stick to the instructions and recommendations in your car’s owner’s manual
Summary
These are the best oils for cars with over 200k miles. There are pretty many other oils in the market, but we advise that you choose from these carefully hand-picked options.