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Does motor oil have an expiration date? How long is it generally good for?

Valvoline motor oil does not have a documented expiration date. Under optimal conditions, the product is stable for an extended period of time and can be used as long as the American Petroleum Institute (API) rating on the label continues to meet or exceed the requirements listed in your owner's manual. If the rating is still current, shake the container before use to blend any additives that may have settled.

Does oil ever wear out or does it just get dirty?

Motor oil breaks down with mileage and time - the oil additives weaken as the engine oil is used. Dirt can be a factor as well. Changing motor oil on a regular basis will eliminate these factors.

Are conventional (regular) motor oils natural, unprocessed products?

The base oils used in conventional motor oils come from a natural source and are then put through a hydrocarbon process in which the additives are blended.

Why do some motor oils carry the "API Certified - For Gasoline Engines" starburst symbol on the bottle while others do not?

Additive packages used in some motor oils such as high mileage motor oils can affect the ratings due to the American Petroleum Institute approving these standards. The oils will still meet the requirements for API Certification.

Does Valvoline Conventional motor oil meet GM standard GM6094M?

All Valvoline motor oils meet the GM standard GM6094M including SynPower, DuraBlend, Premium Conventional, and MaxLife.

Are Valvoline All-Climate and Valvoline Premium Conventional the same product?

Yes. The name All-Climate was simply updated to Premium Conventional.

Will changing my own motor oil or using a certain brand void my manufacturer's warranty?

Changing your own oil or using a different brand of oil from your manufacturer's factory fill will not void the warranty. As long as the motor oil being used meets the manufacturer's standards required for the vehicle, the warranty cannot be considered void.

Can I use motor oil in a manual transmission?

If a manual transmission application does not call for the use of a motor oil, it is strongly recommended not to use a motor oil. Follow the owner's manual requirements for the correct fluid to use for your particular application.

Are all brands of motor oil basically the same?

All brands of motor oil are not the same. Base oils, additives, etc., can be different from one brand to the next.

Is switching motor oil brands harmful to my engine?

No. Switching brands is not harmful to your engine since all motor oil manufacturers must meet the same industry standards for performance and compatibility. However, make sure you follow the recommendations provided in your owner's manual for viscosity and API category.