Should I switch to a different weight oil?

Q. I have a 1997 Ford F-150 with about 120,000 miles on the odometer. The manual says to use 5W-30 oil. Should I switch to a different weight oil due to the age and mileage of my vehicle?

Changing to higher viscosity or special high-mileage formula engine oil is often advised for older engines because it is assumed that the internal moving parts will have worn to some degree. With the normal wear of internal engine parts, the engine begins to “consume” more oil in between oil changes, so the idea is that switching to either a higher viscosity oil or a special “high-mileage formula” is beneficial. However, rather than making this decision based strictly on mileage, I suggest basing it on results.

If you have to add more than one quart of oil between regular oil changes, and there are no leaks and no blue smoke out the tailpipe, then it might make sense to switch to a higher viscosity or a special high mileage blend.

Just as people are living longer due to advances in medical technology and improved knowledge of proper diet and exercise, most car engines today will last for at least 200,000 miles and many up to 300,000 with proper routine maintenance. So an engine with 120,000 is just middle aged. Would you put your middle-aged parent or spouse into a retirement home if he or she were still feeling fine? Don’t do it to your truck either.

Your truck’s diet should consist of regular changes of top quality 5W-30 motor oil and high quality replacement filters, and its exercise should be a variety of regular use, both in the city and on the highway. Just like people who sit in an office all day, cars and trucks that only make short trips don’t fare as well as those that get regular and varied “exercise.” Here’s to the continued health and long life of your truck!