The best oil for long distance operation

[toyotapriusguy]

I posted over on PC a few weeks ago when I planned this out, but now that I found you guys I wanted to pose this specific question.

I have a 2007 toyota prius, have a 1.5l gas engine.
The Toyota spec is for an ILSAC SAE 5w30 and a 5,000 mile service interval.

My question is this, the car will be driven 5,200 miles for Christmas and it will be non stop each way (2,500 miles). So basically for 37 hours the engine will be running at highway speeds.

I'm looking for an oil that will protect the engine the best for that trip. Synthetic, blend, conventional, doesn't matter. It does, however, have to perform for the entire trip.

Any and all help about the best engine oil would be great

Thanks!

 

[tig1]

M1 5-30. 10K in your engine is a breeze.

 

[kcfx4]

Castrol Edge in the flavor your car requires

 

[addyguy]

Any synthetic will easily do 10k, as tig said.

IF you want to save on costs somewhat, choose a blend, like Mobil 7500, which will go 7-8k with ease.

 

[Virtuoso]

That is about as easy on oil as you're going to get. ANY 5w30 of current vintage (API SM/SN) will perform just fine. In fact, If you're planning on changing right before and after the trip, I'd buy whatever you can get on sale.

Straight highway runs.. piece of cake. You could practically run veggie oil. (Well, not really, but you get the idea.)

 

[kcfx4]

id like to try mc7500 in my truck, not avalible in my town, it is 20 mi north and its the the same price i can get m1 in my town

 

[JOD]

Originally Posted By: toyotapriusguy


My question is this, the car will be driven 5,200 miles for Christmas and it will be non stop each way (2,500 miles). So basically for 37 hours the engine will be running at highway speeds.

Thanks!


Continuous highway miles like that are actually about the easiest miles you can do on an engine. Any oil which meets mfg specs will be suitable for the trip. Some will be suitable for much longer--but that's not what you're asking. If you're just going to run the oil for the trip--and that's your concern, then if really won't matter at all.

 

[Steve S]

No problem .Your driving will be easy on the oil.

 

[toyotapriusguy]

Thats what I had always been taught, highway miles are the easiest. I was just worried about the continuous operation might make the oil to warm. I've always used M1 5w30, though I'm going to switch to the 0w30 after this trip. I will be changing th oil the day I leave and the day I get back. My car is still under warranty, until 2013 so I follow the manufaturers requirements.

 

[Audi Junkie]

If you're just going to run and dump it, I'd go with Motorcraft 10w30.

 

[spasm3]

I like synthetic oils, but if you are going to put that kind of mileage on it in a short time 2500 miles each way, then i would run an sn conventional oil and change it back to synthetic after the trip. The highway mileage is easy on the oil and you won't spend that much compared to 5000miles on a synthetic for a high mileage short time oci.

 

[bustednutz]

If cost is a concern, and you want to keep a synthetic in there, try the Super Tech synthetic brand. Its a good synthetic and all hwy will be just fine on that oil. Its an inexpensive alternative for a run and dump.

 

[electrolover]

use a premium synthetic maybe you will save a bit on gas.
or just run a premium synthetic all the time

 

[901Memphis]

Keep it synthetic and stick with what your using in it now. It will work fine and has been working fine.

Any synthetic will perform well on a 5000 mile hwy only trip in 2 days.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: toyotapriusguy
Thats what I had always been taught, highway miles are the easiest. I was just worried about the continuous operation might make the oil to warm. I've always used M1 5w30, though I'm going to switch to the 0w30 after this trip. I will be changing th oil the day I leave and the day I get back. My car is still under warranty, until 2013 so I follow the manufaturers requirements.

If you are going only 5,000 mile oil changes syn oil isn't needed or is of advantage.

 

[teddyboy]

It will cost you $10-15 more to use synthetic on this trip and you will rest easier. I'd say use the same M1 that you've been using.

 

[jorton]

Originally Posted By: toyotapriusguy
Thats what I had always been taught, highway miles are the easiest. I was just worried about the continuous operation might make the oil to warm. I've always used M1 5w30, though I'm going to switch to the 0w30 after this trip. I will be changing th oil the day I leave and the day I get back. My car is still under warranty, until 2013 so I follow the manufaturers requirements.


Wow! 2500 miles each way, stopping only for gas. How many passengers are in the car to share the driving with you? Will you be cruising 5 or 10 over the speed limit? Don't forget to take a couple of bottles of oil in the car for top up.

 

[toyotapriusguy]

My car doesn't burn oil. Since highway driving is easier on the car, it wouldnt cause it to burn oil would it? We'll be as close to the speed limit as possible.

 

[synthetic_crazy]

I would highly recommend Pennzoil Platinum for your Prius. I use PP in my Corolla with the 1.8L engine and it is very smooth. I like the PP because it is easy to locate at a store and is reasonably prices for the add-pack it contains. I'm not a big fan of Mobil 1, however, it would probably do just fine in your application. I would stick with a synthetic over a conventional as the syn will have better endurance and heat tolerance over your long trip. Have a safe trip and Merry Christmas!

 

[Malo83]

X2 on the Pennzoil Platinum, but no need to switch oils just run the M1 5w30.