What is ZDDP? (Zinc Dithiophosphate) Zinc Dithiophosphate is an anti-wear additive used in lubricants. It is required to protect high load contact points such as camshaft lobes and followers. It also acts as an antioxidant to extend oil life under harsh conditions. Optimum Levels There is an optimum level of ZDDP: too little won’t offer…
We are often asked ‘Can I use synthetic oil in my Classic Car?’ The fear of using synthetic oils in your classic vehicles is a thing of the past – or at least it is with the Millers Oils classic range. Our technical team has used their detailed knowledge of synthetic technologies and additives so…
Using Synthetic Oils in Classic Cars The fear of using synthetic oils in your classic vehicles is a thing of the past – or at least it is with the Millers Oils Classic range. Our technical team has used their detailed knowledge of synthetic technologies and additives so that Millers Oils are able to provide…
How Can I Protect My Rebuilt Engine? is a question we are regularly asked. Engine building needs to be done correctly with the right parts and the right lubricants to ensure all components are properly protected. It can end disastrously if there’s not enough lubrication when the engine is first started, or if the engine…
We are very often asked the question ‘What does oil viscosity mean?’ Oil viscosity is the measure of the “thickness” of a fluid and its resistance to flow, and it is an important characteristic of a lubricant. The oil viscosity determines the film thickness and film strength, both of which are critical for reducing friction…
Both types begin with crude oil. Mineral oil is obtained directly from the refining process, whereas synthetic oils are subjected to chemical processing which alters and improves its chemical structure. Synthetic oils therefore have better performance than mineral oils at higher and lower temperatures, but are inherently more expensive. Millers Oils produce many different mineral,…
Multigrade oils These were developed in the 1960’s and have many different viscosities (20W50, 20W60 etc.). Prior to this, all oils were monogrades (ie. 30, 40, 50). This development was made possible by the invention of polymers. Polymers are molecules that expand as they get hotter. Therefore a multigrade oil can have the viscosity…
Millers make a special Classic Running In Oil, a mineral, SAE 30 oil, which should be used for the first 500 miles. After this, you should change the oil filter and replace the running in oil with the engine oil of your choice. To view our full range of Classic Engine Oils, please visit our…
Do you have a 2-stroke oil suitable for older 2-stroke engines? Yes. Traditionally, the most popular oil for 2-stroke engines, was an SAE 40 mineral oil. However modern 2-strokes require a low smoke, semi synthetic 2-stroke oil with a much lower viscosity, SAE 15. Older 2-strokes, do not appreciate these thinner oils, so Millers produce…
Which Oil for Minis? Which oil for Minis and other applications where the engine and gearbox share the same oil? Millers Oils do a Classic Mini Oil 20W50 (from our Classic Pistoneeze range). This product is a moderate detergent, premium SAE 20W50 multigrade mineral engine and gear oil. It has been specifically developed for classic Mini engines,…
Millers Classic Sport 20w50 semi synthetic This oil, Millers Classic Sport 20w50, is a semi-synthetic multigrade, with a higher performance capability than the mineral version Millers Classic 20w50 multigrade engine oil. This semi-synthetic oil, has been specifically developed for high performance classics such as Jaguar, Aston Martin, MG, Triumph, Porsche, Alfa Romeo etc. It is perfect…
Millers Classic Pistoneeze 20w50 (previously called Millers Classic 20W50) is a moderate detergent, premium, mineral multigrade and is typical of the viscosity of oil specified for the majority of engines from 1960 to 1980. It is specifically engineered for use in older engines, providing they are clean inside, which incorporate modern filtration systems. Being a multigrade,…
Are modern engine oils suitable for older vehicles? No. Modern engines are designed to run on very low viscosity (thin) oils, such as 0W and 5w which are now common. These are much too thin for older engines, which were designed to run on 20w in the winter and 30 or 40 grades in summer. …
Vintage cars/bikes, ie. pre-WW2, had very primitive oil filtration systems and used non-detergent oils, such as our Millerol range. The Millerol range contains anti-wear and anti-corrosion additives, but does not contain detergents which can attack yellow metals. A lower viscosity oil would be needed in the winter, such as Millerol 30 and a higher viscosity…
Not at all. Modern engines are designed to run on an oil with very low viscosity (thin), such as 0W and 5W. These are too weak for older engines, which have been designed to operate with a viscosity of 20w in winter and 30 or 40 in summer. However, our later formulations, Pistoneeze and all…
Here we try to summarise what are the specific characteristics and advantages of synthetic oils? As with mineral oils, there are differing levels of quality within the definition of synthetic oils, but the general advantages are: Better flow at low temperatures enabling thinner oils to be manufactured. Thinner oils are required by modern engine designers…
There are several different Classic Engine Oils products The Classic Engine Oils are supplied directly from Millers Oils in the UK and have been specifically developed to enhance and protect the engines of desirable Vintage, Veteran and Classic vehicles. The product links within the text below will take you directly to our online shop. Millerol – non detergent monograde The…
