(Updated on July 28, 2022)
The type of engine in your vehicle has a lot to do with its performance and fuel economy. However, the type of oil you use to lubricate the components of a high mileage engine (75,000 miles or more) will directly correlate with the amount of additional miles of problem free usage.
If your car or truck is classified as having a high mileage engine, then you will want to use a synthetic oil that is specifically formulated for high mileage use.
Many oils are formulated for this purpose, but certain types of synthetic oils will better protect your engine than others. You just need to know which synthetic oils on the market are the best.
Top 9 Full Synthetic High Mileage Motor Oils
Below are the top rated high mileage synthetic oils for cars, trucks, and SUVs.
1) Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Pennzoil Platinum is a highly recommended motor oil by many auto experts in the industry. The “high mileage” variation of their popular oil is specially formulated for vehicles over 75,000 miles. Although the oil is 100% synthetic, it is derived from natural gas.
The PurePlus technology of Pennzoil Platinum can actually turn a gas into a liquid. In this case, it converts natural gas into a base oil. This is a much cleaner oil because it doesn’t contain the impurities and contaminants like you’d find in crude oil.
This is one of the best synthetic oils for dry or cracked seals found in many high mileage cars and trucks. It actually conditions seals to reduce leaks and oil burn-off. Your pistons will be 50% cleaner when introduced to this oil.
In fact, your entire engine will be cleaner in comparison to most other synthetic oils on the market. One of the best things about Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage is that it is formulated to protect your engine and keep it running for as long as possible.
You should be able to get at least 5,000 miles of driving time on this oil and many vehicle can go as far as 10,000 miles before the next oil change. It depends on which type of vehicle you have as well as your driving conditions.
Another important thing worth mentioning is how well Pennzoil Platinum performs under extreme temperature conditions. This not only includes extremely hot temperatures, but also extremely cold temperatures. If you live in a region where you experience the common weather elements of each season, then you will want to use this versatile engine oil to accommodate your summers and winters.
As with other fully synthetic engine oils, expect to pay more than a conventional oil. This is perhaps one of the only reasons why someone might look elsewhere. Hard as it may be, you shouldn’t go cheap when it comes to your motor oil. After all, how often do you change your oil in the first place? The peace of mind you get with a good quality oil is worth it and it may even prevent future costly repairs due to oil that broke down too quickly.
2) Castrol EDGE High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil
If you are familiar with oil brands, then you have probably heard of Castrol before. They are a widely recognized company which has developed a worldwide reputation for their high-performance synthetic oils. Most vehicle owners with high mileage engines will find Castrol EDGE High Mileage to be a safe oil to use.
It is 100% synthetic and contains a unique titanium technology that causes the oil to change its behavior whenever it is put under high-pressure situations. Basically, the titanium technology causes the film power of the oil to double, resulting in the friction of the engine components to be reduced.
3) Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage Motor Oil
Valvoline full synthetic high mileage motor oil with MaxLife technology is 100% synthetic and works great in the average car engine. It is formulated to clean your engine thoroughly and to protect it under high temperatures.
Most importantly, the conditioners, detergents, and thicker anti-wear film in this oil will better protect your high mileage engine as it gets older and you continue to drive it.
4) Royal Purple HMX High Mileage Synthetic Motor Oil
Royal Purple has a huge following among auto enthusiasts and is a brand that is known for both their oil filters and synthetic oils. Most auto professionals agree that Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil is the best.
This high mileage version is formulated specifically to minimize wear and restore lost performance in older engines. Its additional detergents remove carbon deposits and buildup while the conditioners revitalize dry, hardened seals.
Royal Purple might not advertise themselves as much as their competition but instead rely on word of mouth. Not cheap but so worth it.
5) Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil
If you have a diesel engine in your high mileage vehicle, then you should consider Shell Rotella T6 Diesel Synthetic Motor Oil.
It offers a technology called “Triple Protection Plus” which works thoroughly to prevent oil deterioration, overheating, wear and tear, and deposit accumulation. Your engine performance and fuel mileage can actually improve as you continue to use this oil in it.
See also: Symptoms of: Clogged, Leak and Wrong Oil Filter in Your Car
6) Mag 1 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Mag 1 Full Synthetic Motor Oil is one of the top viscosity grade oils which is shown to reduce engine wear and increase fuel efficiency in high mileage engines. This specific synthetic oil is one of the best at protecting against cold star wear.
Mag1 synthetic engine oil is suitable for most sized engines of passenger cars and trucks throughout North America and around the world.
7) Mobil Super Synthetic Motor Oil
Mobil Super Synthetic Motor Oil is an affordable synthetic oil which gives you a lot of great benefits. Made for vehicles of all ages and miles, you will be able to get up to 7,500 miles on this oil before it needs changing.
In the meantime, your engine will stay protected from debris and overheating. This oil is compatible with all oil filters, so you will have no problems there.
8) Liqui Moly Premium Synthetic Motor Oil
Liqui Moly Premium Synthetic Motor Oil is made in Germany and popular with many German cars. Your high mileage engine will be protected from the common wear and tear that occurs during its use.
This oil has some of the best lubricating properties around and it doesn’t matter if you have 25,000 or 250,000 miles on your vehicle. Known more for their excellent engine additives, Liqui Moly also produces and excellent engine oil.
9) Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Mobil 1 Extended Performance synthetic oil is guaranteed to provide up to 15,000 miles of protection. This is a great mileage range that surpasses most of its competition but you should still follow your vehicle’s recommended oil change interval.
Many have reported minor oil leaks stopping after switching to this oil so we know it does a great job conditioning old seals. A good premium oil that many compare to Royal Purple.
10) Schaeffer Supreme 9003D-012S Full Synthetic Engine Oil
A true premium oil, Schaeffer Supreme does an excellent job of improving engine durability and fuel economy, even in high mileage vehicles. This oil will not thicken under the coldest temperatures and it will keep the engine cool under hot temperatures.
It will also prevent sludge buildup and it will keep your engine as clean as possible. While it may be more expensive than others, auto enthusiasts agree it’s one of the best.
I have Chevy 2500hd, it has 155.000 miles. Can hear tapping when I start it ..?? What would tapping be and should I change to a synthetic oil?? Thank you. Henry Kelley
Sounds like lifter noise. May try a synthetic oil that is better for cold start dry damage—it is supposed to cling to otherwise dry surfaces. Also a lifter conditioner might not hurt.
I should never have used Quaker State it sucks, my motor sounds like its gonna blow up.