Hey guys, I've got a '97 4 cyl with 269k miles. I've been using Pennzoil conventional 5w-30 since I've owned the car, so for about 8 or 9 oil changes, but I'm thinking about switching to a high mileage oil the next change in an effort to reduce minor oil leaks and consumption. I know Pennzoil has a good HM oil but I've been looking at MaxLife (the synthetic blend) and have heard good things. Would it be bad to run a synthetic blend in a car with such high miles, even though it's a high mileage oil?

 

I would keep it conventional with that high of mileage.

 

If you have leaks the synthetic is going to make the leak worse. Either fix the leaks and run that or run high mileage to slow the leaks.

 

Synthetic blend isn't the same as a full synthetic guys. MaxLife is fine to use on high mileage applications. I regularly service a 94 Accord that's still on it's original engine and transmission with over 400k miles that has been using 5w30 MaxLife for as long as I can remember. You will be fine OP, it's a good oil.

 

I know that. If it was me, I'd keep it conventional. That's just me though.

 

Thanks for the replies y'all. It's not leaking oil bad enough to puddle on the ground or anything, more just seeping enough to make a mess on the undercarriage and maybe an occasional drip. Most of the oil is being used. Didnt wanna make the leaks worse with synthetic tho but maybe a blend won't hurt? So should I go with that or Pennzoil High Mileage?