Use of oil for high mileage engines. How to choose motor oil for high mileage engines Choosing oil for high mileage cars

As you know, it is subject to some wear and tear during operation. Without going into details, the cylinder walls gradually wear out, the gaps between mating parts increase, etc.

However, most recommendations for selecting engine oil are based on the instructions of the engine manufacturer, and these instructions are more focused on a new engine. It is quite obvious that if the power unit has covered 100-150 thousand km, then this must be taken into account when selecting a lubricant.

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How to choose oil if the engine has high mileage

Let's start with the fact that you need to additionally take into account the wear of the internal combustion engine on engines that have traveled, on average, 100 thousand km. and more. As a rule, from the moment of purchasing a new car, owners fill in one type of lubricant, for example, synthetic or oil with recommended viscosity-temperature characteristics.

It is also mandatory to take into account other lubrication parameters that are specified in the operating manual. The list of the most common options usually includes low-viscosity oils 0W20, 5W30 or 5W40.

However, after the engine passes the above-mentioned conventional mark of 100 thousand km, it is worth thinking separately about making some adjustments to the usual “oil program”, taking into account the natural wear and tear of the power unit.

So, before changing anything, you need to clearly determine whether certain problems arise with the engine or whether the internal combustion engine continues to work properly on the lubricant that has been poured into it since the purchase of the vehicle.

Problematic points that you should pay attention to include:

increased oil consumption (oil consumption due to waste);
and gaskets;
increased noise during engine operation;
in the lubrication system;

If nothing of the kind is identified, then when choosing motor oil you should be guided by the same general rules. First of all, you should start with the performance properties of the lubricant. The lubricant must strictly comply with the recommended classification and tolerances for a specific car model.

However, it is advisable to refrain from using a product that only minimally meets the acceptable requirements for. It is optimal to purchase the latest product development. If financial possibilities are limited, then it is better to opt for a modern middle-class lubricant.

The main thing is that the properties of the oil are higher than those of lubricants with minimum acceptable requirements and specifications. In other words, it is better to purchase a suitable semi-synthetic than to opt for the cheapest mineral oil, citing the fact that the engine is no longer new.

Let us also add that, regardless of the mileage and condition of the internal combustion engine, it is prohibited to use oils that do not meet the tolerances, specifications, class, viscosity and a number of other parameters. As a rule, if you study motor oil catalogs, they indicate various car models of different years of manufacture in which one or another product can be used.

At the same time, the oils themselves, which have exactly the same tolerances as in the manual for the old car, usually no longer exist. The fact is that they were simply supplanted by more modern developments that are of a higher class.

Taking into account the above, it becomes clear that more modern oils for older internal combustion engines need to be selected not according to tolerances, which have changed long ago, but according to the possibility of application in a specific engine. Such information should be reflected in the lubricant manufacturer's catalogs.

At the same time, it should be taken into account that some new generation motor oils are unsuitable for use in internal combustion engines of previous designs. Typically, we are talking about a lubricant that has a reduced high-temperature shear viscosity (HTHS).

In modern engines, these energy-saving lubricants are used to reduce fuel consumption, while the design of the power unit is specially designed for low-viscosity oil to be used in the engine.

If you pour such oil into a motor that does not require the use of this type of lubricant, then there is a high probability of a significant increase in wear, leaks and serious damage to the power plant. In other words, oils of this group are simply not suitable for many internal combustion engines of previous generations.

Oil viscosity for a used engine

So, having selected the appropriate type of oil for the internal combustion engine according to the tolerances, you need to immediately decide on the viscosity. Note that specialists, auto mechanics and experienced drivers separately recommend slightly increasing the so-called “summer” viscosity of the lubricant after the car’s mileage exceeds 100-150 thousand km.

This must be done even when the engine operates normally on oil with a lower viscosity. If the oil consumption of a used engine has increased slightly, oil seals, gaskets, etc. “sweat,” then increasing the viscosity of the lubricant in some cases can solve some problems.

It is important to understand that the viscosity must still remain within the limits determined by the engine manufacturer itself. In simple words, the manual usually says that the unit can use, for example, 5W30, 5W40 and 10W40.

Moreover, if the owner previously filled the engine with 5W30 lubricant all year round, after 100 thousand mileage it is quite possible to switch to 5W40, and after 200 thousand to 10W40. The only point that also needs to be taken into account is the regional characteristics in which the vehicle is operated.

If the region's winters are very cold, then using a higher viscosity 10W40 product may cause cold starting problems in the winter. As you know, the most severe wear of the unit (about 70%) occurs precisely at the moment of starting a cold engine.

To prevent this from happening, the engine oil will need to be changed not only according to mileage, but also taking into account seasonality. It turns out that it will have an index of 5W30 (more liquid), while the quality needs to be filled with a lubricant with increased viscosity 5W40 or 10W40.

This approach allows you to ensure reliable starting and reduce wear in winter, as well as protect parts in summer. The fact is that more viscous oil allows you to increase the pressure in the lubrication system and compensate for the gaps increased as a result of wear.

Also, in some cases, the use of a thicker lubricant allows you to reduce oil consumption due to waste, and get rid of fogging of oil seals and gaskets. Simply put, natural wear and tear on the internal combustion engine often leads to deviations from normal engine operation. In such a situation, a lot depends on the viscosity of the oil.

First of all, if problems arise, it is advisable to abandon low-viscosity lubricants and energy-saving oils. As mentioned above, reduced low-temperature and high-temperature viscosity can lead to existing problems manifesting themselves in full.

Taking into account engine wear, the thickness of the protective film when using low-viscosity oils may not be enough, and such a film also becomes less durable. It is quite obvious that under such conditions the mating surfaces of parts wear out even more intensively and are quickly damaged.

In parallel, low-viscosity oils have a significant tendency to evaporate. In simple words, the lubricant is consumed faster by waste, and also more actively enters the combustion chamber through the oil scraper rings. As a result, the owner has to add lubricant more often and in larger volumes.

If we take into account that after the internal combustion engine reaches operating temperatures, such lubricants are greatly diluted, additional losses occur through gaskets, seals and other seals, which over time are not able to maintain maximum tightness.

It turns out that in problem situations you need to pour oil with increased viscosity at engine operating temperatures, for example 5W-50, 10W-50, etc. It is also important to select a lubricant not only by viscosity, but also to adhere to the recommended tolerances and specifications. In combination, a qualified selection of lubricants will extend the life of the engine up to.

Which oil is better to choose for a high mileage engine?

If you carefully study the fuel and lubricants market, then you will notice that there are products on sale with identical specifications, which at the same time differ in viscosity and oil base. In other words, for example, a product with an index of 10W40 may be mineral or semi-synthetic, 5W40 will be semi-synthetic or hydrocracked oil, etc.

So, the difference in viscosity and the distinctive properties of one or another oil base in many cases allows you to get rid of the problems that are characteristic of worn-out internal combustion engines. As an example, it can be noted that mineral water, which has an SAE index of 15W40, differs in kinematic viscosity when heated to 100 degrees from synthetic analogues 5W40.

After filling a used engine with such mineral oil at operating temperatures, a thick lubricating film is created, wear protection is improved, the oil pressure in the lubrication system increases, and there is less loss of lubricant due to waste. As a result, the old engine begins to run quieter and smoother on mineral water than on semi-synthetic oils or synthetics.

However, it must be taken into account that some ICE manufacturers specifically recommend using exclusively synthetic-based lubricants in their engines. It turns out that you cannot use a lubricant on a different basis. There have been cases where problems began even after using semi-synthetics in such units, not to mention mineral water.

Let us also add that we should not forget about the fact that, with the same operational properties and characteristics, mineral water, semi-synthetics and synthetics differ markedly from each other in terms of antioxidant and thermal-oxidative resistance.

This means that mineral oil oxidizes faster than others and loses its properties, that is, it simply ages. If we add to this a certain “fatigue” of the engine itself and its systems (injector leaks, coking, etc.), the aging of the lubricant will occur even faster.

What's the result?

Taking into account the above, several conclusions can be drawn. First, if the engine has high mileage but is running fine, then it is better to slightly increase the high-temperature viscosity of the oil without changing its base. It turns out that it is enough to switch, for example, from 5W30 to 5W40 lubricant (if the use of such a product is allowed by the engine manufacturer).

In this case, you need to continue to pour a synthetic or semi-synthetic product that has all the approvals of the motor manufacturer and complies with the classifications and specifications. In other words, it’s not worth switching from synthetics or semi-synthetics to mineral water alone.

You can also use oils that belong to a higher class, but are suitable for a specific power unit. It should be remembered that in engines produced before 2000 it is almost always prohibited to use oils with a reduced high-temperature shear viscosity.

A common situation is when the engine already has problems during operation:

sealing elements sweat or leak;
appeared ;
the pressure in the lubrication system has decreased;
the motor is noisy;
increased oil consumption, etc.

In this case, increasing the viscosity of the lubricant eliminates some nuances and reduces noise. For the summer, you can try pouring thick mineral water (for example, 15W40) from the list of lubricant types recommended by the car manufacturer for a specific engine. In this case, before winter you will need to return to a less viscous semi-synthetic or synthetic product (for example, 5W-40) to eliminate cold start problems.

During the process of seasonal transitions, it is important to consider that. In some cases it helps, in others it is better to refuse such a step. For worn out and contaminated internal combustion engines, the use of active flushing can lead to final failure of the unit.

Finally, let’s add that it is optimal to change any viscous oils every 5-6 thousand km. regardless of the basis. The fact is that they quickly oxidize and also contain many viscous additives. At high temperatures, these additives lose their properties and “work out.”

As a result, the lubricant becomes less viscous, and the breakdown products of the additive package further contaminate the oil system. As for highly viscous mineral water, in this case it is necessary to further reduce the scheduled replacement intervals (up to 4 thousand km).

Signs of a Worn Engine

First you need to deal with the signs of a worn-out engine, when regular oil is no longer effective. There are 5 of them in total. Mainly, these are changes in the behavior of the engine on the road and most of them are visually invisible.

Check Engine Button. Over time, when starting the engine from the ignition switch, its appearance becomes noticeably more frequent. This indicates a malfunction of the automotive heart. Sensors report the beginning of a leak in the cylinders, an insufficiently thoroughly developed mixture of fuel and air.
Unstable engine operation. In normal mode, the motor operates properly without unnecessary knocking. As the mechanisms wear out, friction appears between the mechanisms and they begin to knock. The result is obvious - after some time, a piece of property will be added: the car will become “real estate”.
Sometimes the reason is . Abrasion of the electrodes can cause insufficient ignition effect and, as a result, fuel detonation inside the cylinders. Hence the feeling of war in the engine.
Unpleasant odors and discoloration of exhaust smoke also indicate engine malfunctions. Clogged exhaust ducts force them to visit the vehicle interior. The impurities they contain are unsafe for human lungs. Significant accumulation may result in loss of vehicle control and death.

Selection of oil for an older engine

The problem with choosing a lubricant is aggravated by the insistent requirement to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. But there are two nuances here. The first is the obligation to follow recommendations during the warranty period. Secondly, the warranty service ends at 100-150 thousand kilometers. Further, all responsibility for maintaining the performance of the motor falls on the owner.

Many owners continue to fill in the usual oil after the odometer passes the sixth digit. This can be done with a certain reservation. If there is any suspicion, a thorough diagnosis should be carried out, especially if olive consumption has increased sharply.

Avoid buying oils developed in the shaggy years; it is advisable to give preference to recent inventions. Compatibility with a specific motor in color is required, as well as in accordance with the season. The main condition is that the properties of the selected oil are an order of magnitude higher than the minimum acceptable standards.

When moving beyond a hundred thousand kilometers, you need to increase the viscosity of the oil. Let's look at an example. If 5w30 is poured into a new car, then after the first overhaul it is worth using 5w40. And from the 200 thousand kilometer mark, completely switch to 10w40.

The best oils for high mileage engines

Already when the mileage reaches 50 thousand kilometers, the Micro-Ceramic Oil additive must be added to traditional synthetic oil. It will also fit perfectly into mineral or semi-synthetic substances. Scope of application: all engines, including turbocharged ones, with manual transmission.

The principle of operation of such an additive is the adhesion of the main substance to the metal elements of the engine - cylinders and more. For as much as 60 thousand kilometers, the composition protects moving elements and prevents premature wear. In winter, it also solves the problem of cold starts due to a gradual transition to high-viscosity oil.

A good solution would be to use GT Coat Turbo synthetic oil. It contains additives made from Teflon and molybdenum compounds. Together they cover the worn surface of the car’s key components with a protective film, which also has a restorative effect. Viscosity class 10w implies its use in engines with a mileage of 200 thousand kilometers or more.

A similar product from Kroon Oil - Seal Tech - is suitable for engines with a mileage of 120 thousand km. Basic additives target worn parts. The remaining components reduce fuel consumption and prevent the formation of deposits inside the car.

conclusions

Motor oil for cars with high mileage helps keep them in good condition. But any additive cannot replace a complete overhaul. Therefore, do not put off visiting a car mechanic for too long.

One of the controversial and not fully clarified topics of numerous conversations among motorists is oil for high-mileage engines. The fact is that this issue conceals a whole forest of various nuances that have both objective and subjective prerequisites.

More often, drivers prefer to extend the life of the “steel heart” of the car through the correct use of fuels and lubricants.

For some, “by eye” it seems best to use a very specific type, while others, using the same product and seemingly doing everything “according to science,” get a completely opposite result. As a result of such misunderstanding, the engine suffers.

But there are still not many car owners who agree to solve the problem of engine durability by replacing a worn-out engine with a new one. More often, drivers prefer to extend the life of the “steel heart” of the car through the correct use of fuels and lubricants.

Therefore, it is better to figure out what the appropriate oil should be for a worn engine.

How to find out the appropriate option based on oil labeling?

It is very difficult to determine exactly which motor oils will work best in the lubrication systems of power plants with impressive mileage or with increased wear rates. Some clarity (especially for non-professionals) is provided by the vehicle operating instructions provided by manufacturers and the markings on cans of engine oil.

Typically, two most important parameters are indicated in large print on the packaging in accordance with the international SAE standard - the thickening index and the viscosity index of the oil. The following specific example will help you understand what we are talking about.

Let's take the viscosity designation SAE 10W-30. Here the number 10 comes first. It shows the oil thickening index. So, the lower this indicator, the lower the temperature the specified oil can operate normally.

The second number in example (30) is the viscosity coefficient that the product acquires when the engine temperature reaches 100 °C. In this category, the dependence is as follows: the higher this indicator, the thicker the oil.

The Latin letter W (from the English word “winter” - winter) tells us that this oil can be used in winter.

You can find out which oil is suitable for engines with significant mileage in the operating instructions for a particular engine.

In particular, if the engine has difficulty starting in winter, especially in areas with frequent temperatures below -20 ° C, it is recommended to use a lubricant with a reduced thickening index (for example, instead of the proposed SAE 10W-30 oil, it is better to fill in SAE 5W-30). In general, in regions characterized by cold winters, it is recommended to use oil with a thickening index of 5.

Another international standard is used to classify motor oils - the API quality standard. The lubricant is indexed in the format of this standard by two letters: the first is S, the second is an alphabetical letter. Moreover, the further the second letter is in the English alphabet, the higher quality oil it denotes. In particular, for engines with high mileage, oil with the SF index is recommended.

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What is better for the engine - mineral water, semi-synthetic or synthetic?

Currently, all motor oils, based on the material of manufacture, are divided into mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic products. Lubricants from the semi-synthetic category are used, as a rule, in the countries of the former Soviet Union.

Experts recommend strictly following the instructions for using a specific category of oil when operating the engine. The reason, again, is the individual approach to their use in engines. Indeed, in other cases, choosing the highest quality synthetic oil may not only help make the operation of the power unit more reliable and durable, but rather harm the engine itself.

For example, an ill-considered replacement of mineral oil with a synthetic analogue (who doesn’t want to fill their engine with better quality synthetics!) can lead to problems. Indeed, in an engine with high mileage and worn oil seals, such oil, which according to its design functionality is not intended to increase the wear resistance of the unit, will simply begin to break through these oil seals.

You should also very carefully select semi-synthetic oil for a worn-out engine. The fact is that semi-synthetic is a higher quality material compared to mineral water, but at the same time it also has greater “fluidity”. This circumstance may not have a very good effect on an engine with high mileage. Therefore, it is better to consult directly with an official representative of the manufacturer of this car about which oil should be used in the engine, depending on the mileage and degree of wear.

Thus, if a car’s odometer shows a mileage of 100 thousand kilometers or more (especially if it is a domestic car), then mineral lubricant will most likely be the best choice for the engine. Among other things, such an engine has to be topped up with oil more often, and mineral water provides significant financial savings.

Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of mineral and synthetic raw materials in certain proportions. For fairly old domestic cars, the use of these oils can be risky, if only because they are capable of damaging the rubber parts of the unit with their aggressive chemical components.

Changing your engine oil may seem easy to you, but it is not.

As soon as you look at the quality seal, you will see that the oil meets the standards of the American Motor Oil Institute (API). In addition, on the canister you will find 2 more distinctive quality marks. The second sign, for example, is the marking “SL”. SL oils belong to a group of laboratory experiments, including the latest series of high-temperature additive control.

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Your main task is to select the viscosity, because it determines the temperature ranges of your engine.

You will find all these markings on every can of motor oil. The API tells you that the oil is classified as SL (C for diesel engines). There you will also find the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) marking, and next to it the viscosity index, which tells you that the oil has passed the energy saving test successfully.

This is a fairly popular type of motor oil, described above.

Why do you need oil for a car?

It, like the blood in the human body, which carries nutrients to the cells, provides lubrication and protection - "nutrition" - for the engine. However, without oil to lubricate and cool the moving parts, the engine will only run for a few seconds. Thus, oil is essential for the normal operation of the engine. Oil for a car is so important that we sometimes even try to buy something more expensive.

Time to change the oil in the car, what to do

So, now it's time to change the oil, let's figure out how to change it. As soon as we change the oil, the car can be driven for approximately 10,000 km until the next change.

__________

See step-by-step instructions for changing the oil using a specific car as an example.

_______________________________________________________________________ __________

You don't need to be a professional to produce it. So, at the next replacement, we must choose the right oil from the entire huge range of the world's assortment. What you should pay attention to when choosing oil for your car.

Oil viscosity, where it is written on the cans.

Viscosity (fluid resistance to flow) is calculated at 0°F (represented by the series preceding "W" (Winter)) and at 212°F (on the front side the second number indicates viscosity). For example, it has a lower viscosity at cold and hot operating temperatures than 20W-50. Please note that motor oil tends to deteriorate and become unusable. Thus, with the right additives, the oil is better able to resist deterioration and contamination. Some additives protect well at low temperatures, while others, on the contrary, at high temperatures. The more stable the oil, the higher the second number (10W-40 compared to 10W-30, for example).

Viscous oil generally seals better than thin oil and keeps moving parts in better condition. During low temperature operation, the oil must be resistant to thickening so that it flows more easily through all moving parts of the engine. Additionally, if the oil is too viscous, the engine requires more energy to turn the crankshaft, which is partially submerged in the oil bath. Excessive viscosity may make the engine difficult to start. For example, "5W" oil is recommended for use in winter.

Choice of synthetics

However, some synthetic oils may flow even more easily in cold weather, so they are able to pass tests that meet the 0W rating. Once the engine is running, the oil will begin to heat up. The second number in the viscosity grade - "40" in 10W-40, for example - tells us that the oil will remain viscous at higher temperatures than a lower second number - "30" in 10W-30, for example.

Types of oils, why are there so many types of oil.

Look on the shelves of auto parts stores and you will see oils designed for all sorts of specific purposes: high-tech engines, new cars, high-mileage vehicles, heavy-duty SUVs, for example.

Additionally, you will see a wide range of viscosities. If you've read your owner's manual, then you'll probably know what the car manufacturer recommends for a brand new car. This is not a guarantee of better fuel economy, but most leading brands have at least a few viscosities listed on the label. Let's take a look at the different types.

Types of car oils

Premium, Regular Oil: This is a standard automotive oil. All leading brands produce several viscosities. Generally, or , work great at lower temperatures, 10W-30 in particular at higher ambient temperatures.

Replacement interval

It's even more important to change your oil and oil filter regularly. An interval of 8-10 thousand km / 4 months is normal. Absolute minimum twice a year.

Synthetic oils

Oils made for high-tech engines installed, for example, in the Chevy Corvette or Mercedes-Benz, are full owners of synthetics. If these oils have passed stringent, specific tests (indicated in their labeling), this means they have better, longer-lasting performance in all critical areas and applications, from viscosity index to sludge protection value. They perform better at low temperatures and maintain peak lubricity at high temperatures.

So why doesn't everyone use high-tech oils? Answer: These oils are expensive and not every engine needs them. In fact, they may have some features that are required by the car's engine.

Synthetic Blend

Blended oils: have some synthetic oil mixed with organic oil and are generally needed to provide protection under heavy loads, high temperatures.

This generally means they are less volatile, so they evaporate less rapidly, reducing oil loss and increasing fuel economy. These oils are popular with pickup/SUV drivers who need protection in high temperatures. And they are much cheaper than full synthetic oils.

Oils for cars with high mileage.

Today, cars with six-digit mileage are often found on the roads. If you are the owner of such a car, then special oils have been developed for you. Almost two thirds of the vehicles on the road have 100,000 km on the odometer.

Thus, the companies, taking into account the interests of buyers and clients, created and produced a type of oil that was needed by the majority of the population.

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When your car or light truck has significantly higher mileage, after parking the vehicle in the garage for a while, you may notice a few oil stains on the floor.

This often occurs before an oil change, and serves as a kind of guideline for approaching the change date. Perhaps the crankshaft seals have lost their flexibility, which is why they leaked (particularly at low temperatures). In most cases, rubber seals are designed to swell to stop leaking. But car oil manufacturers choose their ingredients carefully. You may also have noticed a loss of some engine performance and smoothness as a result of wear and tear on your car's engine. also have a fairly high viscosity (even if the numbers on the container don't indicate it, there is a fairly wide range for each viscosity rating and mileage.) In addition, they can have even higher viscosity as a result of increasing the index in them.

As a result: Such oils protect the clearance between the piston and cylinder better. They may also have a higher dose of anti-wear additives to slow down the wear process.

Viscosity index.

Resistance to wear as temperature increases is called viscosity index. Even if the second number is good, the oil must also be stable. That is, it (viscosity) should remain for thousands of km. until the next oil change. For example, oil tends to lose viscosity from shear—the sliding movement between large, mounted, metal surfaces of moving parts such as bearings. Thus, resistance to loss of viscosity (shear stability) is necessary for the oil to maintain a lubricating film between these parts. Unlike antifreeze, which is 95 percent of one basic chemical base (usually ethylene glycol), oil contains a mixture of several different types of base oil, some more expensive than others. Motor oil manufacturing companies typically produce five groups of oils, each of which is produced differently and with different viscosities. More expensive, more highly processed bands may, in some cases, be classified as synthetic. So-called full synthetics contain chemicals that can be derived from petroleum, but they have changed so much that they can no longer be considered natural oils. The base oil package ranges from 70 to 95 percent of the mixture, with the rest made up of additives. Does this mean that an oil with only 70 percent base oil is better than one with 95 percent base oil? No, because some of the base oils have natural characteristics that result from their processing, which reduces or eliminates the need for additives. And although some additives make an important contribution to lubrication, they are not necessary in themselves. The ingredients in the additive package vary in cost, as we have already said, but price is only one factor. Some of them work better in certain base oil combinations, and some of the less expensive ones are good choices for blends due to the fact that they have popular additives. Bottom line: every motor oil has its own recipe. Automotive companies constantly come up with a list of goals based on the needs of their customers (automakers, for example) and create oil to achieve those goals.

Many car owners are interested in the question of which engine oil is most favorable for engines with high mileage. All parts and components of automobile internal combustion engines require constant high-quality lubrication. The performance properties and characteristics of the engine depend on the quality of the engine oil.

The effect of lubrication on the operation of a car engine

The correct choice of engine oil brand ensures stable operation of the internal combustion engine of each car, regardless of its model and year of manufacture. The following performance indicators depend on how the machine’s lubrication system works:

Total fuel consumption.
Vehicle mileage before the next major repair.
Lubricant consumption.
Time between complete oil changes.
Wear resistance of parts and components of the power unit.
Engine power characteristics.
Exhaust gas purity.

The presented list does not include all parameters that depend on the quality of the motor fluid poured into the tank of a particular car. The effectiveness of the lubricant used is determined by the condition of the working surfaces of the motor elements and the stability of its operation.

Starting the engine when cold, vehicle acceleration time, speed, power and other performance characteristics directly depend on the correct choice of engine oil.

Choosing oil for high mileage cars

Lubricant manufacturers create products suitable for different situations. Automakers, for their part, provide recommendations on which components should be preferred in specific situations.

For new cars, this issue is easily resolved. They are under warranty; drivers have the opportunity to contact auto service companies at any time to find out the appropriate brand of motor oil. In addition, the car's passport contains detailed instructions on the appropriate lubricant for this model.

However, difficulties with the right choice arise when you need to purchase engine oil for an engine with high mileage. In this case, the activities for topping up and replacing lubricant become significantly more complicated.

The criticality of the path traveled

Many people are interested in what mileage is the maximum for a given vehicle. After all, the term “high mileage” does not give a complete idea that it is time to repair the internal combustion engine due to changes in its parts and components (wear, destruction).

To determine that many kilometers have been traveled, there are no clear indicators in numbers. It is believed that a domestic engine that has worked for 100 thousand km has a high mileage. At the same time, the characteristics of some Japanese power units do not change after ten thousand kilometers. The average distance without the need for major repairs and the risk of breakdown from wear for imported engines is 150 - 200 thousand km.

If a foreign engine begins to fail before the established mileage standards, it means it is being operated in violation of:

use of low-quality fuel;
the brand of engine oil does not correspond to the recommended one;
violation of the recommended regime between service replacements of lubricant.

Compliance with established rules when carrying out the procedure for changing engine oil is of great importance. It is recommended to trust these activities to experienced employees in a car service center.

Features of engine operation after long runs

Parts and components in internal combustion engines that have gone through a long journey experience significant wear. Elements of the cylinder-piston group are especially susceptible to it. Wear of pistons, cylinders, seals and valves leads to the following disturbances in the operation of the power unit:

Reducing engine compression.
Increased fuel consumption.
Deterioration of dynamic performance.
Difficulty starting the engine.
Increased harmful effects of oxidative processes.
Loss of effectiveness of additives in the lubricant.

Switching to synthetics

The wear of the working elements of the engine is immediately reduced, and fuel consumption is normalized. With the help of synthetics, metal surfaces are protected from oxidation and corrosion for a long period.

Synthetic lubricant facilitates the “cold start” of the power unit. Its low viscosity gives it additional fluidity, allowing the crankshaft to rotate freely at low ambient temperatures. When using synthetics, fuel is saved when the engine is turned on. Start-up is quick, preventing parts from wearing out quickly.

Efficiency of special additives

During the operation of the car, parts of the power unit receive constant wear. There are several wear conditions:

running-in stage;
steady state;
emergency condition.

Parts and components of engines with high mileage are at the last emergency stage. Their wear develops quickly, which can lead to rapid failure. To overcome such situations, motor oil manufacturers have developed additives - lubricant additives.

Thanks to the presence of an anti-wear booster, the thickness of the protective film increases. The oil layer protects parts from destructive frictional forces that arise during the mutual contact of moving surfaces inside the motor. This technology is the most effective protection against wear.

Additives that prevent the formation of various sediments and deposits do not paralyze the operation of the internal combustion engine. They actively wash away sediments formed earlier. As a result of the action of these additives, engine power increases, oil and fuel consumption is reduced.

In any case, worn-out engines cannot be made new and young. Experienced experts advise using lubricants with high viscosity. For example, if the engine data sheet contains recommendations for using 5w 40 motor lubricant, you need to fill in 5w 50 oil instead.

This solution is a temporary compromise. It will help smooth out the operation of the power unit, but will not improve its physical condition.

Operation of high mileage engines using semi-synthetic lubricants

When using semi-synthetics in engines with high mileage, an indelible thin protective film is formed. This effect occurs due to the unique magnetic properties of the complex elements that make up these lubricants.

Conclusion

When choosing the right lubricant for your car, you must follow the recommendations of the automakers. The instructions contain detailed information about the permissible viscosity and other characteristics of the engine oil.

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