Older Engine Oil

[Degtr]

Is there truth to these ads for older engine oils? I have a '99 Grand Am 3.4 V6 with over 100,000 miles. The owner's manual calls for 5W30 motor oil and says nothing about changing to another weight or type when the car goes over 75,000 or 100,000. The car is rarely started cold in tempuratures below 32F and has never experienced anything below 0F. Is there any reason to switch away from the recommended oil?

[GTP Dad]

There is really no reason to change the type and weight of oil you are using now. As an engine wears there are changes in the cylinders and rings that can cause a loss of compression. Also seals tend to dry out and wear. These new oils they are advertising are designed with additives to help fill the scratches in the cylinders and condition the seals in the engine. They really don't do anything else. If you change your oil routinely then you should have many more miles of driving in your car. If you notice the engine is burning oil and you need to add oil more frequently then you might want to consider a high mileage oil but it is not necessary.