High mileage vehicle oil changes, should I use synthetic oil or is the standard oil sufficient?

Question

I have a 1998 Chevy that has nearly 200,000 miles. I've always changed the oil & filter at 3,000 miles. I've rebuilt everything on the vehicle, except the motor itself. Was wondering if I could extend the motor's life if I changed to synthetic oil for the oil changes. Anyone have any advice ?

Answer 1

I spoke to a customer service rep at Mobil. Although there are many benefits of using a synthetic vs. organic he mentioned that using a synthetic in any vehicle and notably as in your case, a high mileage car, that the tendency for increased oil leaks is likely. He also went on to say that a synthetic should not be used during a vehicles break in period. My advice is to stay with organic and use viscosity thickening agents as used in "high mileage" oils currently on the market or better yet, simply buy the aforementioned oil products which are offered by the majors.

Answer 2

High Mileage Synthetic Oil

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
High mileage vehicle oil changes, should I use synthetic oil or is the standard oil sufficient?
I have a 1998 Chevy that has nearly 200,000 miles. I've always changed the oil & filter at 3,000 miles. I've rebuilt everything on the vehicle, except the motor itself. Was wondering if I could extend the motor's life if I changed to synthetic oil for the oil changes. Anyone have...

Answer 4

I am very keen on regular oil changes and used to use Mobil 1, my main driver now has 100,000 and I have dropped to a semi synthetic every 4000 miles, the car is used for 100 freeway miles a day at a steady 65-70.

I think you would be safe enough going to a good mineral oil and changing at 3000,

One question should be asked on here - who has the highest mileage gas and diesel engine and how do you keep it running so long!

I know of a couple of 600,000 mile 4 cylinder 2000cc cars where the engines are untouched and another which did 200,000 in two years on which the engine only stopped at gas stations and to change the oil

Answer 5

You've received some good advice here. I would go with the synthetic, personally. However, one of the answers you received was wrong.

The only time you should be concerned about a detergent oil loosening deposits and harming your engine is if you have been running a non-detergent oil previously.

Unless you have been specifically requesting a non-detergent oil, either at the parts store or service center, this is highly unlikely.

Answer 6

Should I Use Synthetic Oil

Answer 7

William, if you've already gotten 200k on regular oil, why would you want to switch to a synthetic at this point? In fact, I would have done it the other way around, starting with a synthetic and then switching back to a regular oil when you start using/burning oil in the car. At this point in your car's life, I'd save the expense and stick with the regular oil.

Answer 8

Synthetic lubricants do provide superior lubricating qualities and less viscosity breakdown at higher operating temperatures versus fossil or "standard" lubricants. However, you should be more concerned whether the lubricant you're using has "detergents" in it. Your engine with close to 200k miles on it, typically will have carbon deposits, and if a lubricant containing a detergent is used...chances are the detergent(s) will loosen these deposits causing the engine to burn excessive oil. Use either one, but make certain it is detergent free, and I believe most of the new synthetics contain detergents...but check.

Answer 9

I would always use regular oil than synthetic, my oil is change often with good oil and the engines never wear out. Last one had 380,000 miles.

Answer 10

I usually like to us synthetic. Synthetic are better at not breaking down the molecule at high heat. Also have other components that help lubricate the engine along with better detergants.