Best oil for a sitting vehicle?

Thisisrandy · Feb 25, 2011

I have a 2010 5.7L Tundra and I put about 300 miles (max) every 6 months. I'm trying to decide what oil is the best to protect against build-up for a standing vehicle.

Please provide supportive reasoning for your responses if possible. Very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Randy..!

CivicFan · Feb 25, 2011

Do you drive the 300 miles at once or drive 1.6 miles a day?

SuperDave456 · Feb 25, 2011

I have a '99 F-150 that I park out back and it gets maybe 3000 miles a year (probably less). I try to drive it about once a month to and from work, or it gets its work out moving friends.

Right now I am running (I think) Havoline 10w30 with a bottle of Schaeffers #132 Moly E.P. Oil Treatment.
It has a tick, and after I put that in I realized that the tick was from a catalytic converter and not the lower end of the engine.

I think any conventional oil should have enough cling that you won't have a problem from a month or two of the truck sitting. The #132 Moly EP will just add to that cling and bring the weight up to a 40 weight or higher... the thing has a 6+ quart sump.

I also put in about 1 fluid oz of twc3 2 cycle oil for every 5 gallons of gas when I fill up. Seems to have enough lubricant and stabilizer that I havent had any trouble with the same tank of gas lasting several months.

With Gas skyrocketing and being unemployed my F-150 is going to see a lot more sitting.
(BTW, I also serviced the transmission with Mobil 1 and used Amsoil in the rear differential.)

I think it is good to go, or good to sit with what I have in it.
I think it is good to go.

ARCOgraphite · Feb 25, 2011

OP:
I would instead suggest selling the truck if you are not using it. Do you just tow a boat trailer now and then?

MonumentOiler · Feb 25, 2011

How about a Straight 30 with the idea that it's thicker cold viscosity will say in place better for corrosion protection while stationary. I assume this is stored inside? Is the space climate controlled ? dehumidified ?

Just sitting is hard on a vehicle so selling it even if you take a big hit may be the best idea.

Jacking it up so the tires don't end up out of round may be worthwhile and it needs a battery maintainer too!

Maybe hire somebody to drive the thing 100 miles every month or make it available to a charitable organization for moving food bank supplies ect.. You could write that use off and they would not only be helping maintain it but providing you a function check.

Kuato · Feb 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: Thisisrandy
I have a 2010 5.7L Tundra and I put about 300 miles (max) every 6 months. I'm trying to decide what oil is the best to protect against build-up for a standing vehicle.

Please provide supportive reasoning for your responses if possible. Very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Randy..!

A good synthetic, changed once yearly (or earlier if your owner's manual recommends)

Synthetic has shown to be better for sitting, there are numerous threads here on it.

A_Harman · Feb 25, 2011

Check out the Joe Gibbs Driven website.
They have some oil blends that are designed for vehicles that sit a lot. They are formulated with preservatives that cling to engine parts to prevent corrosion during long periods of storage. I don't know if the oils would be appropriate for a 2010 vehicle, though.

friendly_jacek · Feb 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: Kuato

Thisisrandy said:
Synthetic has shown to be better for sitting, there are numerous threads here on it.

I would like to see that evidence. Last time I searched for that I found some evidence that mineral oil protects against corrosion better.

SuperDave456 · Feb 25, 2011

Yep, the last time I did the research I also found that there was more evidence that conventional oils did better in long term "sitting" environments.

If things have changed please post a link to the thread/results.
Thanks!

salesrep · Feb 25, 2011

One with moly (it's a good anti-oxidant) and will reduce start up wear.

Oregoonian · Feb 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
OP:
I would instead suggest selling the truck if you are not using it. Do you just tow a boat trailer now and then?

+1....I usually don't agree with ARCO very much...but this time I do.

IMHO...To use a 2010 vehicle for only 600 +/- miles a year is just crazy.

Sell this vehicle and purchase a 2000 to 2005 Tundra...and put a signifigant amount of $$$ in your pocket. I would suggest investing the difference in a good OIL stock such as 'COP' or Mobil Ex....in a few years you'll be happy you did so.
______________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec)/ 94,600
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w20/ Mobil 1 102EP Filter/ OCI: 10K +/-

daves87rs · Feb 25, 2011

I thought when looking at Tom's report yesterday, I remember Wolf's Head having a good amount of moly.

Chris Meutsch · Feb 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: Thisisrandy
I put about 300 miles (max) every 6 months.

Man, I just did that today.....That's low, low mileage.

SuperFast · Feb 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: Kuato
Originally Posted By: Thisisrandy
I have a 2010 5.7L Tundra and I put about 300 miles (max) every 6 months. I'm trying to decide what oil is the best to protect against build-up for a standing vehicle.

Please provide supportive reasoning for your responses if possible. Very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Randy..!

A good synthetic, changed once yearly (or earlier if your owner's manual recommends)

Synthetic has shown to be better for sitting, there are numerous threads here on it.

REDLINE 5w30, it is a Group V oil, PERFECT for siitting vehicles

and it eliminates the need for even a 10w30. Ivve agonized over this much.

SuperFast · Feb 25, 2011

You should start and let the truck run for a half hour every week even if it is "jsut sitting.."

I can show you what BAD sludge looks like!

Thisisrandy · Feb 25, 2011

Just sold my 2005 Tacoma PreRunner Double can that was paid off and had 77k miles. I wanted the Platinum Edition Tundra. Doesn't matter why I want it just that I want it. It's kinda like when someone buys a hotrod that's really not all that "hot". They like it, they want it, they buy it and most if the time it just sits in a garage and gets dusted off occasionally. This is exactly what I do with mine. Wash it, wax it, drive it to the dump, bring it home, dust it off, put the car cover on and park it... Absolute beauty!!!

I think I'm gonna just go for the Amsoil Full synthetic. Can't go wrong there.

Originally Posted By: Oregoonian
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
OP:
I would instead suggest selling the truck if you are not using it. Do you just tow a boat trailer now and then?

+1....I usually don't agree with ARCO very much...but this time I do.

IMHO...To use a 2010 vehicle for only 600 +/- miles a year is just crazy.

Sell this vehicle and purchase a 2000 to 2005 Tundra...and put a signifigant amount of $$$ in your pocket. I would suggest investing the difference in a good OIL stock such as 'COP' or Mobil Ex....in a few years you'll be happy you did so.
______________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec)/ 94,600
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w20/ Mobil 1 102EP Filter/ OCI: 10K +/-

SuperFast · Feb 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: Thisisrandy
Just sold my 2005 Tacoma PreRunner Double can that was paid off and had 77k miles. I wanted the Platinum Edition Tundra. Doesn't matter why I want it just that I want it. It's kinda like when someone buys a hotrod that's really not all that "hot". They like it, they want it, they buy it and most if the time it just sits in a garage and gets dusted off occasionally. This is exactly what I do with mine. Wash it, wax it, drive it to the dump, bring it home, dust it off, put the car cover on and park it... Absolute beauty!!!

I think I'm gonna just go for the Amsoil Full synthetic. Can't go wrong there.

Originally Posted By: Oregoonian
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
OP:
I would instead suggest selling the truck if you are not using it. Do you just tow a boat trailer now and then?

+1....I usually don't agree with ARCO very much...but this time I do.

IMHO...To use a 2010 vehicle for only 600 +/- miles a year is just crazy.

Sell this vehicle and purchase a 2000 to 2005 Tundra...and put a signifigant amount of $$$ in your pocket. I would suggest investing the difference in a good OIL stock such as 'COP' or Mobil Ex....in a few years you'll be happy you did so.
______________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec)/ 94,600
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w20/ Mobil 1 102EP Filter/ OCI: 10K +/-

You could maybe use a very thin oil; for the short trips!

5W-20 ?

Thisisrandy · Feb 25, 2011

The reason for the low mileage is because my wife and I both have company cars that we are able to drive for personal use as well. All fuel and maintenance is paid for on both. Here's my thought though: I never take ANYTHING for granted. I could lose my job tomorrow. And if I did they I'd be SOL and I'd HAVE to have a car anyway. Better to have a car payment while you have income rather than to need a car with no income. I haven't always had the best if luck hence the reason I feel that tomorrow is never promised today...! I feel that if I just pay for the truck now while I am fortunate enough to have a job one day when I wither get promoted or move or maybe I might become disabled or something at least then I'll have a VERY fine truck and then it will be paid for.

Live life one day at a time or as I like say, one 126mph turn at a time! CMRA Roadracer #981 Supersport, Superstock, & Formula 1

Originally Posted By: Chris Meutsch
Originally Posted By: Thisisrandy
I put about 300 miles (max) every 6 months.

Man, I just did that today.....That's low, low mileage.

Thisisrandy · Feb 25, 2011

That's what I was thinking: 0w-20 or a 5w30 full synthetic Amsoil. Probably 0w-20

Originally Posted By: SuperFast
Originally Posted By: Thisisrandy
Just sold my 2005 Tacoma PreRunner Double can that was paid off and had 77k miles. I wanted the Platinum Edition Tundra. Doesn't matter why I want it just that I want it. It's kinda like when someone buys a hotrod that's really not all that "hot". They like it, they want it, they buy it and most if the time it just sits in a garage and gets dusted off occasionally. This is exactly what I do with mine. Wash it, wax it, drive it to the dump, bring it home, dust it off, put the car cover on and park it... Absolute beauty!!!

I think I'm gonna just go for the Amsoil Full synthetic. Can't go wrong there.

Originally Posted By: Oregoonian
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
OP:
I would instead suggest selling the truck if you are not using it. Do you just tow a boat trailer now and then?

+1....I usually don't agree with ARCO very much...but this time I do.

IMHO...To use a 2010 vehicle for only 600 +/- miles a year is just crazy.

Sell this vehicle and purchase a 2000 to 2005 Tundra...and put a signifigant amount of $$$ in your pocket. I would suggest investing the difference in a good OIL stock such as 'COP' or Mobil Ex....in a few years you'll be happy you did so.
______________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec)/ 94,600
Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w20/ Mobil 1 102EP Filter/ OCI: 10K +/-

You could maybe use a very thin oil; for the short trips!

5W-20 ?

bigdawg74 · Feb 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: Thisisrandy
The reason for the low mileage is because my wife and I both have company cars that we are able to drive for personal use as well. All fuel and maintenance is paid for on both. Here's my thought though: I never take ANYTHING for granted. I could lose my job tomorrow. And if I did they I'd be SOL and I'd HAVE to have a car anyway. Better to have a car payment while you have income rather than to need a car with no income. I haven't always had the best if luck hence the reason I feel that tomorrow is never promised today...! I feel that if I just pay for the truck now while I am fortunate enough to have a job one day when I wither get promoted or move or maybe I might become disabled or something at least then I'll have a VERY fine truck and then it will be paid for.

Live life one day at a time or as I like say, one 126mph turn at a time! CMRA Roadracer #981 Supersport, Superstock, & Formula 1

Wow, first off, I would say you (and your wife) are fortunate to have jobs with the company car perk incl fuel/maint. That is a sweet gig. But I can't understand why you got rid of a paid off, low mileage truck that I assume was in great shape. I get the idea of not taking anything for granted. Either that Tacoma didn't fit your needs very well, or you really, REALLY like your Tundra.

That being said, the Amsoil or any synthetic, would probably be a good choice.

Best oil for a sitting vehicle?

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