Hi l have a 20 year old camry l had been having some higher then normal oil use. the old garage l went to always used 5w-30w synthetic engine oil but my new garage put in 15w-40w mineral engine oil and they said it better for an old car like mine, do you think they are correct? is the new 15w-40w mineral oil ok for my engine

 

What year of Camry and engine type as in 4 or 6 cylinder? Some Camry engines had oil usage problems due to a design problem and changing the oil weight did not change this.

Have used 15-40W in a older Camry engines but they didn't have a design problem. A different weight CAN greatly lower oil consumption while solving other problems as well.

 

thanks, its a 2003 camry and its a 4 cylinder, last couple of years its been using more oil then normal, hopefully this thicker oil will help, but l hope the thicker oil wont cause any problems as it wont flow as well as the 5w 30w l always used

 

Should be OK.

Your year was outside the affected range for the engine design problem.

Assume the mechanic checked the PCV system which can cause increased oil usage.

 

Switching from 5W-30 synthetic to 15W-40 mineral oil in a 20-year-old Camry might be acceptable, especially if the engine has high mileage and experiences oil consumption. The higher viscosity may reduce oil consumption in older engines with worn seals and gaskets. However, it's crucial to monitor oil levels and check for any adverse effects. Consult your vehicle manual for recommended oil viscosities and consider seeking a second opinion from a trusted mechanic. Balancing the needs of an aging engine with proper lubrication is essential to ensure longevity and performance.