As cars age, their engines experience wear and tear that can reduce performance, increase fuel consumption, and create reliability issues. What many drivers might not realise is that upgrading old car oil to modern, high-performance engine oil can give old vehicles a new lease of life. Gulf Oil’s advanced lubricants can significantly improve performance, efficiency, and engine longevity, keeping your car running well for years to come.

What Happens to Cars As They Get Older?

The effects of age on a car range from mechanical issues and component failure to costly repairs and reduced fuel efficiency. AAA statistics found that cars 10 years and older were twice as likely to break down, and four times more likely to require towing, than newer vehicles. Parts of a vehicle that suffer from wear and tear over time include:

• Mechanical Parts: Engine parts, the gearbox, suspension, and brakes all have moving parts and elements that will gradually wear out.
• Electrical Issues: Corrosion and insulation deterioration can cause wiring failure, leading to problems with the electrics.
• Rust and Corrosion: Rain, snow, debris build-up, dust, sand, and pollutants can all cause damage to bodywork, allowing rust and corrosion to set in.
• Breakdown of Rubber and Plastic Parts: These materials become brittle over time, allowing cracks to occur - hoses, seals, and interior parts can all break down as they age.
• Failure of Other Components: Batteries, water pumps, alternators, and timing belts all have a finite lifespan, and need replacing as the car ages.

All of these can result in more frequent and costly repairs. Issues like oil leakage, overheating, and warning lights on the dashboard indicating a variety of problems with the engine become more and more likely to occur.

Thankfully, specialised lubricants can help guard against many of these issues - but which engine oil is best for an old engine? The best option will be a higher viscosity oil with additives tailored to the issues commonly encountered by older cars.

Why Do Older Cars Need Special Oil?

The wear on engine components over time results in carbon build-up within the engine, reduced compression, and increased oil consumption. Hardening of seals and gaskets can also cause leaks, but the right choice of high-performance engine oil can help prevent all these problems by:

1. Minimising Friction and Wear on Moving Components: Modern synthetic and high-mileage oils are designed to provide enhanced protection and superior lubrication for engine components, containing anti-wear additives that augment the barrier that the oil provides.
2. Keeping the Engine Clean and Free of Deposits: Build-up of debris and sludgy deposits within the engine can clog oil channels and compromise efficiency. Powerful detergents within specialised oil formulations help dissipate particles of debris and keep the engine clean.

Finding the right oil for your older vehicle can not only prevent these common issues, but also optimise fuel efficiency, keeping your car running smoothly and reducing emissions at the same time. 

What Type of Oil is Best for Older Cars?

Many people ask ‘Should I put thicker oil in an older car?’, but just opting for a thicker, or higher viscosity, lubricant can potentially mask underlying problems, and leave engine parts insufficiently lubricated. 

When deciding what oil is best for a high mileage car, a thicker viscosity option might be appropriate if the engine has covered over 150-200,000km. If you’re using thicker oil to counteract low oil pressure or increased oil consumption, be aware that these issues can indicate leaks. Underlying issues like oil leaks will need addressing before long. 

It’s always best to consult an expert mechanic like one of Gulf Oil’s advisors before using an oil not recommended by the original manufacturer. They will be able to tell you if a higher viscosity oil is suitable, or if your car might have undiagnosed problems that need remedying.

How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Older Car

When it comes to choosing the right lubricant for your old car, additives and formulations are just as important as viscosity. Things to consider include:

• High-Mileage Oils: For cars that have clocked over 70,000 miles, or 120,000km, a specially-designed high-mileage oil can offer enhanced protection of components prone to deterioration. Seal conditioning compounds, for example, help prevent leaks, while wear-guard agents - like those in the Gulf Ultrasynth oils - provide additional protection to engine parts. 
• Synthetic and Semi-Synthetic Oils: High-performance synthetic oils like the Gulf Formula range are highly resistant to oxidation and degradation, even under extremes of heat and pressure. 

Older engines typically operate under greater stress than newer vehicles, so benefit greatly from a more resilient lubricant. While fully synthetic oils can be more expensive, semi-synthetic options can be a more affordable option that still delivers enhanced performance.

• Additive-Enhanced Oils: Anti-wear additives like zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), friction modifiers, and detergents that help clean the engine all help older engines perform optimally. The Gulf MAX range of semi-synthetic oils contains Engine Clean Technology that prevents the build-up of sludgy deposits. These oils also experience 78% less oxidation than standard lubricants, helping protect your engine for longer.

With all these options available, it might seem a daunting task to find the right choice for your car. During Gulf Oil’s oil change service, our expert mechanics can analyse your older car’s condition and select the perfect oil formulation for its requirement. It’s an easy way to achieve optimal lubrication for your car, and peace of mind for you.

How to Take Care of An Older Car

As well as upgrading your choice of engine oil, good maintenance habits can prolong the life of your old car and keep it running efficiently. Best practices include:

• Regular Oil Changes: Clean, fresh oil is essential for older cars to function well. Sticking to recommended oil change intervals, and changing the oil sooner if you notice it becoming contaminated, is imperative.
• Monitor Oil Consumption: Worn engine components fit more loosely, so can lead to faster oil consumption. As a result, oil may need topping up more frequently, so monitoring consumption is key.
• Checking for Leaks: Leaks occur more frequently in older cars, as seals and gaskets become worn. Reduction in oil pressure and increased oil consumption can indicate a leak within the engine. Promptly addressing any leaks is the best way to prevent further damage to the engine and maintain its performance.
• Choosing High-Quality Oil Filters, and Changing Them Frequently: Oil filters are responsible for preventing contaminants from circulating within the engine, which can accumulate and damage components. Choosing the best quality filters, and changing them regularly, offers the best protection for your vehicle.

Upgrading your engine oil is a straightforward and cost-effective way to extend the lifespan and efficiency of an aging engine. To safeguard against wear, maintain reliable performance, and keep your older car running smoothly for years, consult a Gulf Oil specialist for expert recommendations.