Which to use for an extrended drive??

[ProfPS]

In about a month I will start my 12-hour straight drives back and forth from CT to NC; 2 round trips in two months. I drive straight thru with only gas & bathroom breaks, and the route I take has minimal traffic jams; cruise control almost the whole way. Last month there was a post regarding Toyota's change to a thicker oil for extended drives.

My question is: in my '07 V6 Rav4, should I use a 5w30 oil that is on the thick side (ie QS) or one that is on the thin side (ie Hav DS)? I didn't make the change to 5w-20 because I never got a straight answer from the dealership regarding the spec change, and I use dino w/ 4k OCIs.

I do not want to restart another thick/thin debate as it pertains to daily driving as my driving will be continuously for over 10 hours that is not regularly discussed on BITOG PCMO.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[Johnny]

Either of the brands you mentioned in 5w30 will do the job without any problems. Enjoy the drive.

 

[simple_gifts]

Not sure why 10 hours would be any different than 30 minutes with regards to protection; I think at some point the engine is in steady state.

x2 Johnny's comments.

 

[bullwinkle]

The 10 hours on cruise would be EASIER on oil than 30 minute drives-why not try one of the new syn mileage increasing oils such as Mobil 1 AFE 0W30 or the German Castrol 0W30? I've got a bunch of the AFE here that's going into the xB as soon as it's due for another OC.

 

[J. A. Rizzo]

Thin, for the probably imperceptible mileage benefit. You'll never notice any lubrication difference.

 

[pbm]

Is QS 5W30 really on the 'thick' side? I can't find any data sheets on Advanced Durability QS on their website.

 

[KW]

That kind of driving is very easy in the oil. So just about any 5W30 out there will do just great for you. I'd run what ever you normally run everyday for the trips.

 

[Steve S]

Any recommended viscosity will be fine .Long trips are easy on the oil

 

[fxrider]

5w30 Mobil-1 Extended performance is a very good oil @ a great price..

 

[JHZR2]

would use any with confidence.

 

[PT1]

Try PP 5w30 as it is thinner.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Any recomended oil for the vehicle will have avery easy time. THis is easy duty for a motor oil

 

[Durango]

For the driving you described for sure any synthetic in the 5w30 range will handle it easy. I myself have tried Quaker State "Q" and had excellent results and my usual standard is Mobil 1. Consider the extended versions and for sure you won't have any worries.

Durango

 

[BuickGN]

Both will do but I would go with the thicker 30wt. It's going to be at or near full operating temp for 10 hours so warmup is a non-issue. I guess it's more of a question of why not use the thicker stuff. You will never see a mileage difference between the two with it at full temp the whole time.

 

[ProfPS]

Thanks for the responses. Running the engine at a constant 1900 rpms for over 10 hours that includes rolling hills in VA, the transmission doesn't downshift. I can feel the engine under load when climbing hills that is borderline on downshifting, but I must be in the right hp range to maintain speed. On top of it I get between 32-34 mpg. I'll give mpg updates after each leg of the trip starting just before T-day.

 

[WagonBoss]

I'd like to know what your route is that you can drive with cruise control "almost all the way" without some jerk cutting you off or trucks doing 120 downhill and 45 uphill passing each other anywhere on the east coast?

The joy of motoring has long since passed me by.

 

[ProfPS]

I travel on I-81. I'll only drive on I-95 if my destination is on the east side of VA, NC or SC, or if the winter weather forecast is snow or ice along I-81. I don't set the cruise at the speed limit nor too fast to stand out in the crowd.

 

[Petrou]

you know i ran mobil 1 0-30 for the 14 hour drive to and from vegas from here in missoula. it was a 2400 mile trip in all. worked great for me.

 

[jorton]

How much oil do you usually add between oil changes? If it's more than you're comfortable with, try 10w30. Otherwise, stick with 5w30.

Either way, stay with the same brand you're using now because sometimes consumption increases after one changes brands. That's annoying when travelling cross country.