5 Best High Mileage Oils of 2023: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs

by Joshua Thomas

If you drive an older vehicle, the chances are it probably has an engine with a mileage that is over 75,000 miles. For such cars, you need the best high mileage oil to protect, preserve, and make the engine run more efficiently.

High mileage oils also contain additives that will help prevent regular wear and tear. In addition to this, most top-rated high mileage oils on the market have a seal conditioner additive that will help prevent oil leaks.

If you are the proud owner of a high mileage car, here we show you how to choose a good-quality oil for your vehicle with a review and a detailed buying guide.

Summary of 5 Best High Mileage Oils

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
Castrol 06470 20W-50 GTX High Mileage Oil

1. Castrol 06470 GTX (Best Overall)

  • Prevents wear and tear and the formation of sludges
  • It will not evaporate under high temperatures
  • Makes an old engine run more efficiently
  • Seal conditioner prevents leakages
Royal Purple HMX Synthetic High Mileage Oil

2. Royal Purple 11744 HMX

  • It will not lose its viscosity in low temperatures
  • Works with both old and new engines
  • Prevents leakages
  • Makes the engine run efficiently
AmazonBasics High Mileage Motor Oil - Synthetic Blend - 5W-30 - 5 Quart
AmazonBasics High Mileage Motor Oil - Synthetic Blend - 5W-30 - 5 Quart

3. AmazonBasics AM53BH3Q

  • You get 1 gallon. Value for money
  • You can choose the viscosity
  • Additives make the engine run efficiently
Valvoline 10W-40 High Mileage Oil

4. Valvoline 782482 10W-40

  • Prevents oil leakages
  • Ability to purchase in different sizes
  • You get 1 gallon of oil
Mobil 1 45000 5W-30 High Mileage Oil

5. Mobil 1 45000 5W-30

  • High-quality premium oil
  • Very efficient in cold temperatures
  • It will make your engine run smoothly

Top 5 Best High Mileage Oils

Editors' Picks: Top High Mileage Oils of 2023
Editors' Picks: Top High Mileage Oils of 2023

1. Castrol 06470 GTX - Best Overall

Castrol 06470 20W-50 GTX High Mileage Oil
Castrol 06470 20W-50 GTX High Mileage Oil

This Castrol 06470 GTX high mileage oil is a winner when it comes to protecting your engine. Indeed, it comes with many additives that will prevent not only regular wear and tear, but also prevent the accumulation of sludge and debris inside your engine.

This will make your engine run more efficiently and silently, while also ensuring your gas mileage improves significantly.

The only caveat we note with this high mileage oil is that the price is a bit steep, considering that you get only 1 liter of oil with this purchase. Also, this oil is only ideal if your vehicle has a compatible filter like a Bosch filter.

However, if you have an engine that is above 75,000 miles, then the Castrol 06470 GTX is one of the best high mileage oils that you can buy. We highly recommend it!

Pros

  • Contains many additives that prevent wear and tear
  • Full thermal protection against high temperatures
  • Specially formulated to make an old engine run more efficiently
  • Contains a seal conditioner to prevent leaks

Cons

  • Not ideal for cold temperatures
  • Recommended only on a few specific oil filters

2. Royal Purple 11744 HMX High Mileage Oil

Royal Purple HMX Synthetic High Mileage Oil
Royal Purple HMX Synthetic High Mileage Oil

If you live in an environment where the temperatures get very cold and have a high mileage vehicle, then this oil will interest you.

With its SAE rating of 5W30, this high mileage oil is perfect for cold temperatures. Better yet, this high mileage oil can also withstand very high temperatures and hence making it ideal for use almost all year round.

The engine oil contains zinc and phosphorous additives that will protect an old engine and help extend its lifespan. Additionally, the seal conditioners in this oil will prevent future leaks from happening.

This oil needs to be changed more frequently when compared to others, especially if you live in a cold environment. But this should not be a deal-breaker as it is easy to get.

Pros

  • Contains many additives to make your engine more efficient
  • Protects both new and old engines
  • Excellent resistance to low temperatures
  • Advanced seal conditioners inside prevent oil leaks

Cons

  • Requires more frequent oil change

3. AmazonBasics AM53BH3Q High Mileage Oil

AmazonBasics High Mileage Motor Oil - Synthetic Blend - 5W-30 - 5 Quart
AmazonBasics High Mileage Motor Oil - Synthetic Blend - 5W-30 - 5 Quart

If you need a value for money high mileage oil, then this AmazonBasics oil is an excellent choice to consider. You get no less than 1 gallon of the product with this purchase, so it should be enough for a full engine oil change.

Additionally, you can choose between an SAE rating of 5W30 and 5W40 depending on your needs.

One good thing about this oil is that it has a formula that prevents wear and tear in old engines. Let's not forget that a high mileage engine usually suffers from more extensive wear and tear of the engine's moving parts, so this high mileage oil should help.

Also, it has excellent resistance against high temperatures and will not lose its viscosity regardless. If you have a high mileage vehicle that usually runs hot and want an oil change, this oil is one of the best high mileage synthetic oil for the money.

The only caveat we have with this oil is that it lacks versatility and must be used in gasoline engines only.

Pros

  • You get 1.25 gallons of oil. Value for money
  • Ability to choose between different viscosities
  • Contains many additives that make your old engine more efficient

Cons

  • Intended for gasoline engines only

4. Valvoline 782482 10W-40 High Mileage Oil

Valvoline 10W-40 High Mileage Oil
Valvoline 10W-40 High Mileage Oil

Valvoline is a top-rated high mileage oil that you will get many professional garages. It has a unique formula that prevents leakages for old engines with high mileage.

There is a special seal conditioner inside this oil that will prevent oil leakages from happening. Oil leakages are a common problem with high mileage engines, and hopefully, this product will help reduce any leakages from happening.

Another good thing about this high mileage oil is its flexibility. Indeed, you can purchase it in a wide range of sizes, depending on your needs.

Also, it has several additives that will help prevent sludge and deposits from happening. And it will improve your fuel economy as well as make your engine run more efficiently.

The only problem we have with this oil is that it is next to impossible to get in any other viscosity other than 10W-40.

Pros

  • Ability to purchase in different sizes depending on your need
  • Special seal conditioner inside prevents oil leakages
  • You get 1.25 gallons of oil. Value for money

Cons

  • Difficult to find this oil in a different viscosity

5. Mobil 1 45000 5W-30 High Mileage Oil

Mobil 1 45000 5W-30 High Mileage Oil
Mobil 1 45000 5W-30 High Mileage Oil

Mobil makes some of the best motor oil for high mileage engines that you can buy. This particular product is no different as it is a premium-grade oil which is particularly useful in cold temperatures.

This synthetic motor oil contains many cleaning and anti-wear additives. When used in an old engine, it will protect the moving parts inside and prevent the accumulation of sludge and debris.

This then translates to a vehicle that runs more efficiently and consumes less fuel. Also, there is a chemical seal conditioner inside this oil. It will penetrate the seals of your motor and prevent leakages.

Also, due to the SAE rating of 5W30, this oil can be used in freezing temperatures without losing its viscosity.

If you need a high-quality grade oil for your high mileage vehicle and live in a cold region, then this oil by Mobil comes highly recommended. Even if the price is a little high for our taste, and this is not fully synthetic oil, it is still a fantastic choice.

Pros

  • Premium grade oil. Resistant to high temperatures and pressures
  • Will not lose its viscosity in cold temperatures
  • Contains many additives that make the engine run more efficiently

Cons

  • Not fully synthetic
  • The price could have been more competitive

How to Buy the Best High Mileage Oils

How To Buy The Best High Mileage Oil
How To Buy The Best High Mileage Oil

1. Motor Age

The age of the motor engine, as well as the mileage on the counter, are essential factors that you need to consider.

Most people will consider a motor engine with a mileage of above 75,000 miles to be old. The opinion on what engine we consider old varies from one motorist to the other, and from expert to expert.

You may want to use a high mileage oil on a vehicle with 75,000 miles or a little higher than this. There is no exact science to it. Whatever you choose, there is no harm done to the vehicle's motor engine, even if it does not technically count as a high mileage vehicle.

2. Types of Oil

There are several types of high mileage motor oils on the market. Here are a few of the most common high mileage motor oils you will encounter.

Mineral oil

Mineral oil is fully organic and it contains little additives. Engine oil brands will market them as organic or conventional oil.

This type of oil is generally a little more affordable when compared to other types because it is cheaper to make.

However, the major disadvantage of the mineral oil is that it has a low tolerance to very high temperatures.

Semi-synthetic oil

Just like its name suggests, the semi-synthetic oil is a hybrid between synthetic and mineral oils.

This type of oil is one of the most popular motor oils on the market because it has the right balance between efficiency and price.

Moreover, it comes in many SAE viscosity ratings, which makes it versatile and adaptable to a wide range of vehicles out there.

Synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is a wholly man-made oil. It has the highest number of additives and usually works in many vehicles, whether it is a new vehicle or a high mileage one.

The major disadvantage of synthetic oil is its price. Indeed, when compared to other types of oils, it is more expensive because it is costlier to make a synthetic oil than mineral oil.

3. Viscosity

Each vehicle manufacturer usually makes and calibrate their motors for use with a specific oil viscosity. The SAE rating is the most common way to denote the oil viscosity.

The most common SAE rating for a high mileage oil is generally 10W40. The "W" stands for winter. The lower the value of the "W," the better it would be able to withstand cold temperatures.

For example, a high mileage engine oil rated at 5W30 will flow better and has a superior viscosity at low temperatures when compared to an engine oil with a rating of 10W40.

If you live in a cold environment, it is always best to go with a high mileage oil that has a lower SAE rating like 5W30.

However, you should always refer to your manufacturer specs to see which type of viscosity is mostly suited to be used in your high mileage vehicle.

4. Additives

Additives are simply chemicals that oil manufacturers add to enhance the performance and effectiveness of their oils. Almost all the best high mileage oils on the market have some additives in them.

For example, there can be an additive that minimize regular wear and tear. Additionally, other additives will make the oil more resistant to high temperatures, as well as high pressures.

Therefore, you must ensure that the engine oil you are interested in has additives inside that will make the engine run more efficiently.


Buy on Walmart

Sea Foam High Mileage Motor Treatment HM16, 16 oz, Pack of 1, Silver - Walmart Link

Castrol 03128C Edge High Mileage 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quart - Walmart Link

High Mileage Oil Stabilizer - Walmart Link

Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil 5 QT - Walmart Link

Pennzoil 550045217 5 quart 10W-40 High Mileage Motor Oil (SN Jug) - Walmart Link

Slick 50 750002 Recharged High Mileage Engine Treatment, 15-Ounce - Walmart Link

Gumout 510023 Regane High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner, 6 oz. (Pack of 6) - Walmart Link

Royal Purple 11745 HMX SAE 5W-30 High Mileage Synthetic Motor Oil, 1 Quart (Pack of 6) - Walmart Link

Chevron Techron High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner, 12 oz, Pack of 6 - Walmart Link

Mobil Super (112903-6PK High Mileage 5W-20 Motor Oil - 1 Quart, (Pack of 6) - Walmart Link

Mobil 1 High Mileage (120769) 5W-30 Motor Oil - 5 Quart - Walmart Link

Amazon Basics High Mileage Motor Oil - Full Synthetic - 5W-30 - 5 Quart - Walmart Link

Pennzoil 550045205 5 quart 10W-30 High Mileage Motor Oil (SN Jug) - Walmart Link

Royal Purple 11748 HMX SAE 5W-30 High Mileage Synthetic Motor Oil - 5 Qt. - Walmart Link

Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil (1-Quart, Case of 6) - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Sea Foam High Mileage Motor Treatment HM16, 16 oz, Pack of 1, Silver - eBay Link

Castrol 03128C Edge High Mileage 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quart - eBay Link

High Mileage Oil Stabilizer - eBay Link

Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil 5 QT - eBay Link

Pennzoil 550045217 5 quart 10W-40 High Mileage Motor Oil (SN Jug) - eBay Link

Slick 50 750002 Recharged High Mileage Engine Treatment, 15-Ounce - eBay Link

Gumout 510023 Regane High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner, 6 oz. (Pack of 6) - eBay Link

Royal Purple 11745 HMX SAE 5W-30 High Mileage Synthetic Motor Oil, 1 Quart (Pack of 6) - eBay Link

Chevron Techron High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner, 12 oz, Pack of 6 - eBay Link

Mobil Super (112903-6PK High Mileage 5W-20 Motor Oil - 1 Quart, (Pack of 6) - eBay Link

Mobil 1 High Mileage (120769) 5W-30 Motor Oil - 5 Quart - eBay Link

Amazon Basics High Mileage Motor Oil - Full Synthetic - 5W-30 - 5 Quart - eBay Link

Pennzoil 550045205 5 quart 10W-30 High Mileage Motor Oil (SN Jug) - eBay Link

Royal Purple 11748 HMX SAE 5W-30 High Mileage Synthetic Motor Oil - 5 Qt. - eBay Link

Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Engine Oil (1-Quart, Case of 6) - eBay Link

Conclusion for High Mileage Oil Buyers

As we have seen, every high mileage vehicle owner needs to have the best high mileage oil to keep their engine in peak performance.

A good oil will not only make the engine run more efficiently, but it will also minimize wear and tear from happening, which in turn will make the engine last even longer.

And you can be sure there is at least one oil that will work well for your high mileage vehicle in our list above.

High Mileage Oil Sources

  1. High Mileage Oil: A Practical Guide - Machinery Lubrication
  2. When You Should Start Using a High Mileage Oil? - Valvoline
  3. Top Benefits of High Mileage Oil - Tires Plus Total Car Care

About Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.

He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.

His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.

Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.

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