Where and when to use high mileage oils for optimal engine performance
Which vehicles should be using high mileage oil?
Traditionally, vehicles with over 75,000 miles on the odometer are classified as high mileage, but they don’t necessarily have to hit that milestone to benefit from high mileage oil. Vehicles that are over 7-8 years old or that work under a lot of stress will experience similar levels of engine deterioration. Engine components like seals, gaskets and non-metal parts will gradually loosen over time.
Additionally, many modern vehicles have new engine technology that allows them to be more fuel efficient, but it also means they require a higher level of protection over time. The combination of turbo charging, higher mileage and increased heat and loads puts newer engines under a lot of stress. They require greater protection from deposit buildup and turbo charge.
Vehicles providing severe service are also ideal candidates for high mileage oils, even if they haven’t hit 75,000 miles. Consistently driving in stop-and-go traffic, for example, would provide a lot of opportunities for deposits to develop inside the engine. Vehicles that have missed recommended oil change intervals, that regularly tow heavy loads or that are driven infrequently can also benefit from the additives in high mileage oils.
What’s the difference between high mileage oil and regular oil?
The combination of additives in high mileage oils is the key distinction between high mileage oil and “regular” engine oil. The additive package in their formulations is what helps them achieve the higher level of protection that older, more worn engines usually need.
Regular oils will provide protection for your engine, but high mileage oils are specifically formulated with specific conditioners, seal compatible conditioners, antioxidants, detergents and additives to combat the issues that high-mileage vehicles often experience as they age. They protect against cracked seals, oil leaks and oil burn-off, helping extend equipment life and maximize performance.
Why High Mileage Oil is Worth It
As vehicles age and accumulate more miles, they are more susceptible to wear-and-tear. It may seem like overkill to use an oil that is specifically formulated for older engines, but it’s worth it in the long run. The additives in high mileage oils offer a myriad of benefits that will keep your engines working efficiently and reliably for longer.
Slow Down Leaks
Engine seals deteriorate over time, and it can happen before 75,000 miles. A degraded seal means that the oil is leaking, which prevents the engine from performing efficiently. Higher mileage oils are formulated with seal conditioners that increase flexibility and restore shape to prevent future leaks.
Improve Fuel Efficiency
Older engines are susceptible to increased wear. A high mileage oil change cleans sludge and deposits, rejuvenating engines that are worn down and keeping them performing efficiently for longer.
Minimize Engine Wear and Tear
High mileage oils have higher viscosities and film strengths that help reduce the risk of metal-to-metal contact. Plus, the additives in their formulations are designed to eliminate deposit buildup, extend protection against rust and corrosion, and reduce sludge formation and general engine wear.
Is high mileage oil the only option for older engines?
If you’re looking for stronger protection for an engine with a lot of miles or wear, you can also opt for a pour-in solution. Instead of buying a new oil, you can add the supplement to a regular oil. The supplement will function the same as a high mileage oil change and deliver the same benefits.
Kendall GT-1® High Mileage Booster is the first oil supplement in the industry that, when used as directed, meets current API and ILSAC performance standards. It is a concentrated boost of key additives for higher mileage gasoline powered vehicles, and it can be added it other Kendall GT-1 motor oils to provide greater protection. When combined with GT-1 High Performance, for example, the High Mileage Booster becomes the exact same synthetic blend high mileage formulation as GT-1 Endurance. When combined with GT-1 Max, it becomes a full synthetic high mileage blend. Learn more about the benefits and applications of the GT-1 High Mileage Booster.
Add the High Mileage Booster to any Kendall GT-1 Motor Oil to achieve superior protection for your high-mileage vehicles.
Kendall GT-1 Motor Oil
Kendall GT-1 High Performance Motor Oil
Kendall GT-1 Max Motor Oil
Save Inventory Space
Kendall GT-1 High Mileage Booster also tackles another common challenge – managing inventory space. Different vehicles require different lubricants and trying to keep stock for a variety of customers often means your tank storage or shelf space fills up fast. The booster is designed to function as a pour-in solution to combine with Kendall GT-1 motor oils, so there’s no need to replace the rest of your inventory with new products. Adding a booster into a motor oil results in a high-mileage oil change – without putting additional strain on your inventory space or budget.
Learn more about enhancing the performance of high mileage vehicles.
