Millers Oils dispels the myths: Synthetic oil usage in classic vehicles
In the Millers Oils classic vehicle range there are a number of different types of engine oils, including mineral, semi synthetic and fully synthetic blends.
In the past there was concern around the use of synthetic oil in classic vehicles, however, modern technology has shown that this worry is misplaced. Here we outline why this is the case and hope to offer classic car owners peace of mind when choosing synthetic oils for their beloved vehicle.
What’s the difference between mineral oil and synthetic oil?
Oils used to formulate lubricants are called base oils and include both mineral and synthetic types.
Mineral oil is refined from a fraction of crude oil, using different techniques including solvent washing and chemical reactions to remove impurities and improve lubrication characteristics.
Synthetic oil, although still derived from crude oil, is made by chemical synthesis rather than refining of crude oil. This is a much more controlled process, meaning that the molecules in the oil are more uniform and exhibit the following benefits:
- Better lubricity for better protection reduced wear
- Improved viscosity index, meaning better and more consistent performance across a wider temperature range
- Higher thermal and oxidative resistance, so the oil is less likely to degrade due to high temperature or contamination, meaning fewer deposits and less sludge, as well as extended drain intervals.
- Reduced volatility and evaporation losses, resulting in lower oil consumption
Why is there reluctance behind synthetic oil use in classic vehicles?
In the late 1990s, synthetics were a new and increasingly popular technology, as oil companies started to introduce more synthetics into their classic oils.
However, classic car owners began experiencing oil leaks. It was discovered that there were compatibility issues with rubber seals on older vehicles that caused the rubber to perish and weep, leading to the leaks.
Are synthetics safe to use in classic cars today?
After much research and testing, we now know lots more about synthetic oil technologies. Millers Oils has developed synthetic products for classic vehicles that not only eradicate the past issues with rubber seal compatibility, but also allow classic car owners to reap the benefits of modern technology.
About Classic Pistoneeze from Millers Oils
Classic Pistoneeze is instantly recognisable thanks to the product’s vintage style packaging which harks back to the heyday of classic cars. The range includes a number of specialist classic engine oils available in monograde and multi-grade as well as specialist oil. Look out for Pistoneeze monograde engine oils (available in SAE viscosity grades 30, 40 & 50) as well as the new Pistoneeze multi-grade engine oils.
The full Pistoneeze range is also supported by three core values: providing high levels of protection, preventing ethanol corrosion, and protecting the nation’s motoring heritage.
Find out more
To find out more about the Millers Oils Classic range, including details on how to purchase the latest product introductions, please visit www.millersoils.co.ukor call 01484 713201.
Put your classic car to bed with Millers Oils
Winter is famously a time for hibernation and classic car owners will know this better than most. With their investment adverse to the tough conditions, most classic cars are ‘tucked up’ for the winter months to protect them from freezing temperatures and the salt and sludge that personifies the UK winter. Getting your car ready for ‘bed’ isn’t always straight forward but with Millers Oils Classic Car Treatments you can rest assured that your precious vehicle is in safe hands.
Whilst a classic car is in ‘lay-up’ mode the engine is potentially liable to corrosion. Damp conditions and extreme cold temperatures can see water condense on the engine, causing slow eroding corrosion. One way to prevent this is to use Millers Oils’ Tank Safe.
Tank Safe is a high-quality additive which provides anti-corrosion protection, and vapour phase inhibition (VPI) in both the fuel tank and fuel system. Adding a single bottle of Tank Safe to the fuel tank of any petrol-fuelled engine – be it carburettor or fuel injected, or leaded, unleaded or oxygenated fuel - during the ‘lay-up’ period will offer winter-long protection. Further benefits include improvement of carburettor cleanliness, and economical treatment rates.
Classic owner owners can also turn to Millers Oils’ VSPe Power Plus and Power Plus Multishot for additional protection. Approved by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) these ‘all in one’ shots provide ethanol protection, lead replacement and octane improvement, and are recommended for all classic engines that previously required leaded fuel and are now running on unleaded fuel. One bottle treats up to 50 litres of fuel. Additional benefits include:
- Adds up to 2 octane numbers (20 points) to unleaded fuel
- Prevents valve seat recession when used with unhardened valve seats
- Prevents detonation, hot spots & running on
- Prevents fuel system corrosion and helps to protect components
- Combats the adverse effects of ethanol in fuel (up to E10)
- Carburettor anti-icing formula
- Contains anti-oxidant to improve fuel life
The Millers Oils Classic Treatments
In addition to Tank Safe and VSPe, Millers Oils also offers classic car owners a wide range of treatments developed specifically to complement the classic range, enhancing vehicle performance and providing protection. Look out for:
- Classic Sport CLVe – a valve seat lubrication and combustion enhancer based on advanced technology, providing ethanol protection. Classic Sport CLVe prevents fuel system corrosion and helps to protect components.
- EPS Ethanol Protection Additive - this product is a fuel treatment which provides ethanol protection when using unleaded fuel. Prevents fuel system corrosion and helps to protect components. Also compatible with catalytic converters.
Find out more
To find out more about the Classic Car range from Millers Oils range please visit www.millersoils.co.ukor call 01484 713201. To find out which oil is right for your vehicle why not try the WhichOil? Search tool – simply input the vehicle registration and the specialist search tool will present compatible oil options.
Why Millers Oils is urging classic car racers to upgrade their oil ahead of the 2020 race season
In this article, Millers Oils, the market leader in advanced oils and fuel treatments for classic cars, shares its expertise on why planning ahead for the next race season starts now.
As winter sets in, heralding darker evenings and wintry weather conditions, classic car lovers are turning their thoughts to laying up their pride and joy for the winter; many are stowed away in a garage after undergoing a rigorous process to ensure when spring comes, they will return to the race track in tip top condition.
However, according to Addison Howe Platform, Business Manager Automotive at Millers Oils, rather than taking a break from their classics, owners will do well to utilise the quieter race months by researching the right oils for their cars; that way, owners will be back on track in no time at all.
Owners may have a whole host of questions when it comes to choosing oil for their much-loved vehicle. Will synthetic oils damage my engine? Are the different oils for cars that are used for longer drives? What will the impact be on those cars which have low oil pressure? How can viscosity impact on your engine?
Research has shown that using modern synthetic oils in classic cars won’t cause damage as previously thought; indeed, the technical team at Millers Oils has developed synthetic oils which not only eradicate past issues but also protect the vehicle, ensuring longevity and enhanced performance.
Addison Howe Platform added: “Synthetic oil offers stability as it performs better at both high and low temperatures, and because they have a stronger film thickness, this in turn leads to a higher level of protection. Importantly, synthetics are less likely to oxidate and in like for like conditions have longer life expectancies than mineral oils. However good practice is to change mineral and synthetic oils as the same intervals”
The Millers Oils Classic offering
The firm’s Classic Sport 20w50 High Performance is the perfect choice for those classics, which are used for longer drives or driven in challenging conditions. With benefits ranging in a reduction of friction and wear compared to other synthetic 20w50. The 20w50 High Performance remains a popular choice for race goers.
Those classics which suffer from low oil pressure are advised to use the semi synthetic Classic Sport 20w60, a thicker oil which boosts oil pressure back up to desired limits.
Other oils specifically manufactured for classic cars include:
Three engine oils for modern classics – such as the Ford Capri and Escort, and the American muscle car, the Shelby Mustang – from the popular Classic Pistoneeze range; suitable for both diesel and petrol engines. These moderate detergent premium multi-grade mineral and semi-synthetic engine oils are available as 15W40, 10W40 and 10W30, and come in both 5 litre and 1 litre bottles. The bespoke formulation includes corrosion inhibiting ZDDP (Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates)
Addison Howe Platform concludes: “Ensuring you use the right oil for your classic is a vital element in the health, performance and longevity of your vehicle. Now is the time – as the laying up season commences – to do your research; that way you will be firing off all cylinders when the 2020 race calendar gets underway.”
Find out more
To find out more about the Classic Car range from Millers Oils range please visit www.millersoils.co.ukor call 01484 713201. To find out which oil is right for your vehicle why not try the WhichOil? Search tool – simply input the vehicle registration and the specialist search tool will present compatible oil options.
Millers Oils launches a new range of three engine oils for modern classics
The popular Classic Pistoneeze range welcomes three new multi-grade engine oils
Protecting your investment and looking after your modern classic influences all maintenance and care purchases. But ensuring the longevity and healthy life of the vehicle for future generations to enjoy shouldn’t be a time-consuming or costly practice. With the Classic Pistoneeze range from Millers Oils, ensuring the health of your engine has never been easier.
This popular range from Millers Oils – a brand proudly built on over 130 years’ experience and supported by an unrivalled R&D department that helps bring to market leading vehicle oil and additive innovations. – is set to welcome three new products this autumn, providing the perfect engine oil solutions for proud owners of vehicles such as the Ford Capri and Escort, as well as many other icons of 70’s and 80’s motoring. Such is the engineering sophistication of the new range from Millers Oils; application even extends to the highly desirable and ultra-rare Shelby Mustang American muscle car.
Specifically designed for the new modern classics from the 70s and 80s that are gaining popularity, these three new additions combine the latest technology performance additives, high quality solvent refined base oils and shear stable index (SSI) improver to deliver the ultimate performance and engine protection.
Suitable for both diesel and petrol engines, these new moderate detergent premium multi-grade mineral engine oils will be available as 15W40, 10W40 and 10W30, and will come in both 5 litre and 1 litre bottles. The bespoke formulation – including corrosion inhibiting ZDDP (Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates) – has been created by Millers Oils’ technical team for modern classic engines which incorporate modern filtration systems.
A spokesperson from Millers Oils said: “Vehicles that are reaching their 20th birthday and beyond are quickly becoming the vehicle of choice for modern classic enthusiasts, as they are drawn by their ‘game changing’ design and new generation performance that created an exciting and revitalised chapter in vehicle history. This rising popularity has seen demand for suitable engine oils also increase, and of course we had to respond! These latest introductions are the perfect choice for modern classic engines, combining modern oil technology and formulation with unrivalled knowledge of how these modern classic engines operate. Together this creates a range of engine oils that offers the highest levels of performance and protection from the moment you turn the key.”
About Classic Range from Millers Oils
Classic Pistoneeze is instantly recognisable thanks to the product’s vintage style packaging which harks back to the heyday of classic cars. The range includes a number of specialist classic engine oils available in monograde and multi-grade as well as specialist oil. Look out for Vintage monograde engine oils (available in SAE viscosity grades 30, 40 & 50) as well as the new Pistoneeze multi-grade engine oils.
The full Classic range is also supported by three core values: providing high levels of protection, preventing ethanol corrosion, and protecting the nation’s motoring heritage.
Find out more
To find out more about the Millers Oils Classic range, including details on how to purchase the latest product introductions, please visit www.millersoils.co.ukor call 01484 713201.