We have a large range of products for Classic cars including engine and transmission oils (mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic) and additives. Any frequently asked questions on this range of products are listed here. However, if you have a question which you cannot find the answer to, please contact us. To order any products please visit our online shop.
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…
Limited Slip Differential – what type of oil is required? A limited slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential that allows its two output shafts to rotate at different speeds, but limits the maximum difference between the two shafts. In an car, such limited-slip differentials are sometimes used in place of a standard differential, where they…
The octane number is a measure of a fuels ability to resist detonation. The higher the octane number, the more resistance a fuel will have to detonation. This enables the engine to be more highly tuned and to release more power and / or improve the fuel consumption. The higher the octane number, the better…
It is important to use the correct antifreeze for your vehicle so that it does not damage the engine components. Many modern antifreeze products are not suitable. OAT technology is a modern version of coolant as the rust inhibitors in the coolant deplete at a much slower level, like you would find in Millers Alpine…
Millers Classic Green Gear GL1 oils will be the closest to the original specification and is available in the heavier viscosities (90 and 140). Use for lubrication of transmission systems which preclude the use of extreme pressure (EP) types, specifically for vintage applications. Click these links to buy Millers Classic Green Gear Oil 90 GL1…
These GL1, GL4 and GL5 references relate to transmission oils. There are 3 levels of performance in classic transmission oils and these essentially follow the development of gear design. GL1 is the lowest level of performance and is only used in vintage transmissions. It is very similar to engine oil, having a very low additive…
What is Millers Worm Steering Box Oil? Millers Worm Steering Box Oil is a special mineral oil for steering boxes*. It is far superior to standard gear oil as it contains friction modifiers, which reduce the friction between the gear and the pinion resulting in a better steering feel. Millers Worm Steering Box Oil is used…
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…
Millers Classic Specialist Oils Our Classic Specialist Oils are supplied directly from Millers Oils in the UK. The product links within the text below will take you directly to our online shop where these products can be purchased: Worm Steering Box Oil: high viscosity oil for worm steering boxes, containing low friction additives for improved…
The Classic – Miscellaneous products are supplied directly from Millers Oils in the UK. The product links within the text below will take you directly to our online shop. Brake Fluid: DOT4. Stop Leak: a product to be added to the oil in an engine or gearbox to help minimise leaks. Extra Cool: cooling enhancer and corrosion…
Millers Oils Classic Fuel Additives Despite the fact that mainstream leaded petrol disappeared in 2000, the role of lead in fuel is still widely misunderstood. The removal of lead from fuels and the addition of ethanol can cause problems for certain classic vehicles ranging from valve seat recession to fuel system corrosion. Ethanol in fuel…
Classic – Gear & Transmission Oils All products within our Classic – Gear & Transmission Oils range are supplied directly from Millers Oils in the UK. The product links within the text below will take you directly to our online shop where you can buy these products. There are a range of products with different viscosities…
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…
