Synthetic Oil versus Regular
My new to me toad is a 2008 Nissan Versa with 115,000 miles. I recently changed oil for the first time and learned that the high mileage oil I put in was synthetic and not regular as had been used by...
Forum Discussion
mikeleblanc413 wrote:
What would cause the leak? And, where would it be leaking?
Old engines leak.....and burn oil.
The leaks generally are from leaking gaskets or seals in places like a valve cover gasket because they dry out and shrink with age.
Sometimes the oil burning is because of worn valve guide seals.
IF.....an old engine shows no signs of leaking (oil spots on the garage floor) AND it doesn't "use" much oil between changes, then "high mileage" oil is not needed and actually can accelerate the wear on good valve guide seals.
It's good stuff but not to be used if the things it is supposed to help cure are NOT present. It helps make the last years of a high mileage engine easier to live with but eventually that too stops working and it will leak or belch smoke again.
No reason not to continue with synthetic but shouldn't be using "high mileage" oil unless you really need it.
