Another Oil Thread - Full Synthetic vs. High-Mileage Synthetic

With the intention of this thread not becoming a this-brand-is-better-than-brand discussion, I ask this question:

What are the additional (or replacement) additives in the "High Mileage" versions of synthetic oil as opposed to regular synthetic oil?

For the record, I use Valvoline Synthetic, and have used Valvoline oils for many, many years. This is not a discussion about that. I believe other brands have high mileage versions as well.

My 4.0L has 186,000 miles on it, has had only Full Synthetic oil in it for its entire life, and has not issues. No leaks, no burning oil, etc.

So what is in high mileage oil? Is it truly necessary?

 

It’s Thursday, this thread is a day early!

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+additives+are+in+high+mileage+oil

Yes there are differences in the additive package. The biggest additive is MARKETING. If nothing is broken with your current oil change regiment you likely don’t need it at all. Your money would be better spent to do a Blackstone oil analysis and find out what’s really going on inside before spending anything on high mileage oil.

Also 190k for a Tacoma isn’t high mileage - that’s just nicely broken in.

Don’t trust me, visit bobistheoilguy.com and read thousands of threads debating if 5w30 tastes better than 10w30 like they are wine tasting in a California vineyard. I’m kidding (sort of).

 

So, while I appreciate the reply, you didn't answer my question. I tried very hard to word the question so I wouldn't get snarky, smart-ass answers. Oh well, maybe next time....

 

I was hoping for a serious discussion about this, in regard to our (Toyota) engines - which are better than most out there. The engines do not seem to wear out as fast as others, and keeping the oil changed regularly will inhibit sludge build up - both things HM oil is designed to fight. Since we don't have that problem, does HM provide anything necessary?

I can read web sites - I was really looking for actual experiences. Apparently, I didn't ask the question correctly.

 

This. ^^

No oil can fix any wear as I'm sure you are aware.

There may be an elixir that would reduce further wear of certain bits, but IMHO (and that of a tribologist acquaintance), it would be unmeasurable.

A lab report from Blackstone or other independent lab will give you a current health status, and you can discuss with them options for altering OCIs, weights or additives if those results are problematic.

I too am of the mindset that 'high mileage' oils are more fluff than need.

 

You’re not going to get any worthwhile “first hand” information. These trucks run for 500 000 miles on Dino oil with regular changes.

Google can provide you with all the information you need, or are you one of those people that likes other people to waste their time doing the research and summarizing for you?

 

There is nothing going on with my engine that causes me any concern. It was really a question of curiosity, to increase my knowledge.

That said, I think I will do a Blackstone analysis. Can't hurt, right?

 

Wow - I wish people could read.

I see what kind of person you are, and people like you are why I was hesitant to start this thread. Obviously, TW is not the place to have a technical / experience discussion.

 

You wish people could read but you aren’t willing to read a few articles online and answer your own questions?

 

My question is to have a discussion and hear about other people's experiences. People with Tacomas - not random people off the internet.

Who said I haven't read any articles on the subject?

Either my question was too subtle, or you are looking to cut down anyone who asks certain types of questions.

I am sorry I posted this thread. Mods, feel free to delete it.

 

So to summarize you are looking for other people’s experiences on what additives differ between regular and high mileage synthetic oil. You have read the articles and manufacturers data sheets but somehow people on the internet know better based on “personal experience.” You also don’t want to hear from “random people on the internet” as though every person on here isn’t a random person on the internet. And you surmise that somehow these oils perform differently in Tacoma engines versus other manufacturers engines.

Awesome thread bro. Maybe try again next week. I think you are one of those people who just like to start a thread and be the center of attention.

 

Exactly.

Anything else is pure speculation. And in that comment I include all the folks who chose greatly shortened OCIs, different weights, etc etc.

For the folks that say 3k, 5k etc is 'cheap insurance' I'd point out that oil is a limited commodity, screwed up by the governments of the world, and it just makes good sense to get a safe amount of use out of what you have.

And a test is the only way to know what your specific engine would benefit most from.

New & new-ish trucks should just follow the owners manual, not what grandpa's like me did in the 60's or Jiffy Lube had propagated for decades.

 

Good questions! I hope this isn't too far off a side bar question:
My 2010 Tacoma switched for normal oil to synthetic a few years ago. Nothing changed in the mileage but no engine problems either, now at 135,000 miles.
On my last oil change, the auto parts store shelves were almost empty so I ordered online. I thought I ordered full synthetic (Castrol GTX High Mileage) but when I looked closely, it says it is a "synthetic blend"! I am not going to cry but when should I do my next change? Dyno oil I changed every 3-4 thousand miles and full synthetic I changed about every 6,000 miles.

 

This is part of the drive behind my question.

When I built a 5.0L in my Ranger, I got to know some engine gurus, and learned a lot of the composition of various engine oils, and how the composition has changed over the years.

That was many years ago, and I'm sure things have changed again.

Anyhow, Blackstone it is.

 

Not sure why you would specifically want to hear Tacomaworld experiences. Whatever additives they may or may not add to HM variants aren't made with Tacoma engines in mind. Engine oil formulation is intended for all engines and marketed for all vehicles. We're all just dumb apes that fall prey to marketing wank and nobody here is an oil formulation scientist.

If I could run my truck to a million miles on regular oil and then go back in time and do the same thing, but switch to HM variants only after 75k miles and see how the two compare, I would, but I can't. I still don't know what information you're trying to gather.