It’s all part of growing older: As cars and trucks get long in the tooth, they need more specialized care than their fresh-off-the-lot counterparts. Over time, key components wear down, fluids lose their effectiveness, and exposure to the elements can cause rust and corrosion on vital parts.
Take, for instance, a routine oil change. For high mileage vehicles, it’s no longer just a standard service, but rather an important line of defense. In fact, high mileage oil changes offer numerous benefits for aging engines, from enhancing lubrication and reviving seals to protecting critical components against wear and decay.
Let’s take a closer look at why engines age the way they do, and explore how offering high mileage oil services can provide valuable benefits for your customers and deliver a shot in the arm to your shop’s bottom line.
Understanding How Engines Age
The two main factors that contribute to an engine’s decline are mileage and time. As the years go by and the odometer ticks higher, engines are subjected to countless cycles of intense heat, friction, and stress. This leads to wear and tear on seals, gaskets, and other critical parts that, over time, can cause leaks, slippage, and eventual failure.
Motor oil plays several important roles. In addition to reducing friction between moving parts, oil cools the engine, flushes out deposits, and protects components from corrosion. However, as oil moves through an engine, it picks up contaminants like dust and metal shavings that can alter its composition and make it less effective, especially in high mileage vehicles.
The Benefits of High Mileage Oil
Manufacturers have developed high mileage oils specifically engineered for older vehicles. These formulas feature three key benefits:
1. Enhanced Lubrication: High mileage oils include additives designed to improve lubrication for aging engines. Worn engine parts tend to have small gaps from overuse, and the additives in high mileage motor oils help fill these spaces by creating a thick, protective layer between moving parts that reduces friction and heat buildup.
2. Better Seal Conditioning: Old seals and gaskets can become brittle and less flexible, which often leads to oil leaks. High mileage oils have conditioning agents that target these seals and actually help restore some of their elasticity. While they can’t turn back time, these oils can slow the deterioration process and prevent damaging leaks.
3. Corrosion Protection: Over the years, metal surfaces inside an engine can be affected by rust and corrosion, especially as the oil breaks down. But high mileage oils contain a healthy dose of corrosion inhibitors that help prevent rust on metal parts. This protective barrier effectively shields metal components from harmful moisture and helps extend the life of older engines.
Best Practices for High Mileage Oil Changes
First and foremost, the oil in high mileage vehicles (over 75,000 miles, give or take) should be changed more often–about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and the manufacturer’s recommendations. For example, stop-and-go traffic and extreme temperatures are tougher on engines, increasing the frequency of oil changes.
When it comes to choosing the right high mileage oil, look at both the viscosity and additive content. Generally speaking, higher-viscosity oils are better at filling those tiny gaps that form between worn parts. Also, oils with a strong blend of conditioners, seal swells, antioxidants, detergents, and other additives provide extra protection for more mature engines.
There are other services beyond the oil change itself that can help older engines perform better and last longer. Fuel system cleaning, for example, helps clear out deposits that can build up over time and restrict the car’s performance. A coolant flush may be helpful, too, since the cooling system in older vehicles usually has to work harder to keep engine temperatures stable.
How High Mileage Oil Changes Benefit Your Shop
Offering high mileage oil changes is a great way to show you’re committed to providing personalized service. Customers appreciate when a shop takes the time to learn about their vehicle’s unique needs, especially as it’s getting on in age. Mechanics who educate their customers on why and when to start using high mileage oil can use these relationships to build long-term business and positive word-of-mouth.
While you’re already under the hood, why not take advantage of upsell opportunities for additional services like filter replacements or tire rotations? These and other maintenance items become more important as cars get older, which also means they should be done more frequently. Creating custom service packages for high mileage vehicles can benefit both customers and your bottom line.
Want to really elevate your shop’s reputation and set yourself apart from the competition? Position the business as a provider of expert, specialized services for high mileage vehicles. In addition to building up your credentials with existing clients, it can also help you attract new customers looking for an auto repair professional they can trust with their beloved aging car.
A Fountain of Youth for Older Engines
Vehicles are getting older–in 2024, the average age of cars and trucks in the U.S. hit a record high of 12.6 years, according to the latest industry figures. This makes high mileage oil changes especially important, as these specially formulated oils meet the needs of aging engines by improving lubrication and seal conditioning, and providing stronger protection against rust and corrosion.
For shops that understand what high mileage oil does, its advantages over regular oil, and the recommended intervals for high mileage oil changes, the graying of America’s vehicles offers a unique opportunity to enhance their brand reputation and grow their customer base.
Offering high mileage oil change services puts you in the driver’s seat as a top provider of quality care for older vehicles. The right tools, including all-in-one oil change software, can help your shop run that much more efficiently and attract more clients. Request a demo of Shopmonkey’s best-in-class platform today and see the difference firsthand!
