Question 1

Does motor oil expire? If not, how long does motor oil generally last?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline motor oils do not have documented expiration dates. When stored under optimal conditions, the product remains stable for an extended period of time. It 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 car’s owner's manual. If the rating is still current, we advise you shake the container before use to blend any additives that may have settled.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, motor oil does break down. Oil additives are consumed and combustion byproducts build up in the oil. Changing your motor oil on a consistent basis removes combustion byproducts and replenishes the additives.

Question 3

Does my vehicle's oil filter need to be changed with every oil change?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline recommends you replace the oil filter with every oil change, as this will eliminate any risk of contaminants trapped in the oil filter (e.g., dirt) from re-entering the new oil. Always be sure to follow the oil change frequency recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and to use an oil filter meeting automotive manufacturers’ guidelines: e.g., USCAR.

Question 4

Is the bulk oil that is put in my vehicle during an oil change at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change location different from bottled oil at an auto parts store?

Accepted Answer

No, they are the same. The bulk product put in your vehicle at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change location is the same product formulation Valvoline packages in other size containers.

Question 5

Are conventional motor oils natural, unprocessed products?

Accepted Answer

The base oils used in conventional motor oils do come from petroleum, but they have gone through extensive refining processes. These base oils are compounded with various additives, which provide important properties such as antiwear, friction reduction and long life.

Question 6

Which Valvoline motor oils meet GM standard dexos 1&trade; Gen 2 standard?

Accepted Answer

The following Valvoline motor oils meet or exceed the requirements of GM standard dexos 1™ Gen 2:

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The starburst symbol means that the oil meets the requirements of the International Lubricants Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC) in addition to the requirements of API, as stated in the API starburst symbol on the back of the bottle. Only certain viscosity grades are eligible for the starburst symbol.

Question 8

Which Valvoline motor oils help to conserve energy?

Accepted Answer

All Valvoline motor oils with the starburst symbol help to reduce fuel consumption.

Question 9

How do I properly dispose of my used motor oil?

Accepted Answer

Usually, you can recycle your used motor oil at any auto parts store. Ensure you store your used motor oil in a tightly sealed bottle or container.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations cannot accept your used motor oil.

Question 10

Can motor oil significantly improve horsepower?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Motor oil formulas with friction modifiers and additives help to improve horsepower. Lower viscosity (lighter) oils can improve horsepower providing that they separate moving parts and maintain engine durability. The optimum oil viscosity for a given engine is specified by the automotive manufacturer.

Question 11

When motor oil is better for &ldquo;severe&rdquo; conditions, what are "severe" conditions?

Accepted Answer

Severe conditions include stop-and-go driving, consistent idling, pulling, towing, dusty environment or high or low ambient temperatures.

Question 12

If I don't drive in severe conditions can I change my oil less often?

Accepted Answer

Your owner's manual may provide different oil change intervals for both regular driving and severe driving.

Question 13

Is it a good idea to let your car warm up (idle)?

Accepted Answer

Most modern cars don’t require idling time before driving.

Question 14

Can I improve motor oil performance in my vehicle by using aftermarket additives?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. Most vehicle manufacturers do not endorse using aftermarket additives. Certain additives may temporarily improve performance of older engines. (We recommend you check with the vehicle manufacturer before using any aftermarket additive.)

Question 15

Are all additives the same?

Accepted Answer

No. Additives contain different formulations that affect certain parts of the engine differently than other additives.

Question 16

Is it ok to switch motor oil weights, for example, from a 5W-20 to a 10W-30?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Some vehicle manufacturers provide a range of recommended motor oil viscosity grades based on the outside temperature in which the car is driven. Other manufacturers recommend the use of only one motor oil viscosity grade. For best engine performance, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Question 17

Is it ok to use 5W-30 in a car if the owner's manual calls for 5W-20?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline does not recommend doing this. Using a heavier grade than recommended may cause decrease in fuel economy, higher engine loads and eventually shortened engine life. Using a lighter grade than recommended may result in excessive mechanical wear and reduced engine life. For maximum engine performance, follow the recommended motor oil viscosity and maintenance schedule provided in your vehicle's owner's manual.

Question 18

What does the "w" in a grade of motor oil stand for?

Accepted Answer

The "w" in motor oil stands for winter. The first number in the oil classification refers to a cold weather viscosity. The lower this number is, the less viscous your oil will be at low temperatures. For example, a 5W- motor oil will flow better at lower temperatures than a 15W- motor oil. The higher number, following the “w” refers to hot weather viscosity, or how fluid your oil is at hot temperatures. The higher the number, the thicker the oil at a specified temperature.

Question 19

Is thicker oil better?

Accepted Answer

In some circumstances, thicker oil can be used to compensate for increased bearing clearances (gaps between bearing and rotating shaft) that have developed over the years. A large change in bearing clearances can result in poorer lubrication. For best performance always follow the recommendations for motor oil viscosity in your vehicle's owner's manual.

Question 20

When does it make sense to use straight weight oil (SAE30) versus a multigrade oil (5W-30)?

Accepted Answer

Straight weight oil is never recommended for use in a system that requires a multi-viscosity oil. Straight weight oils are generally recommended for smaller engines or older vehicles that were made before multi-viscosity oils were produced.

Question 21

Is switching types of motor oil (conventional, synthetic, etc.) harmful to my vehicle's engine?

Accepted Answer

Conventional, synthetic blend, synthetic and high mileage motor oils are compatible and will not harm your vehicle's engine. For maximum engine performance, follow the motor oil type recommendation provided in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Question 22

Is it true that older cars must only use conventional oil?

Accepted Answer

Question 23

Do I have to wait until my car reaches 75,000 miles before I can use MaxLife?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline MaxLife motor oil is designed for high mileage vehicles of 75,000 miles or more. However, it is perfectly acceptable to use the high mileage motor oil in new or used vehicles with less than 75,000 miles.

Question 24

Has MaxLife always been a synthetic blend motor oil?

Accepted Answer

MaxLife Synthetic Blend motor oil is actually the same product as regular MaxLife. MaxLife has always been a synthetic blend oil; we just now label the product that way. As long as you have used MaxLife, you have used synthetic blended oil.

Question 25

How do Valvoline full synthetic motor oils compare to Mobil 1 and Amsoil?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline's full synthetic motor oils meet and exceed the same specifications as these two products.

Valvoline full synthetic motor oils are high performing, high-quality oils formulated with full synthetic base oils and top tier additives to provide an increased level of performance. All of Valvoline's full synthetic motor oils are API licensed to ensure quality for North American vehicle application. We have specially designed Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic for application in high performance European or diesel passenger cars and this oil carries the specific OEM approvals such as Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche and BMW. Our North American SynPower 5w20, 5w30 and 10w30 exceed ILSAC GF-5 requirements and carry the API starburst on the front label. Valvoline full synthetic motor oils are designed with extra levels of detergent and antioxidant to provide outstanding deposit and heat protection.

Question 26

Is recycled motor oil better for the environment than non-recycled motor oil?

Accepted Answer

Yes. By recycling motor oil, we’re hoping to help prevent used oil from being disposed of improperly and contaminating the soil and water. Recycled motor oil also uses 56% fewer resources compared to oil made without recycled content.

Question 27

Is Valvoline NextGen&trade; recycled motor oil just dirty oil that has been cleaned?

Accepted Answer

No. NextGen™ uses a refining process similar to crude oil refining. The multi-stage refining process removes contaminants and additives to create fresh oil that performs just as good as new. Then special additives are blended to create a recycled motor oil formula with superior performance and protection characteristics compared to specifications. Valvoline has a rigorous quality control process to assure that NextGen meets our highest quality standards.

Question 28

Is recycling my used motor oil better for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Recycling your motor oil prevents used oil from being disposed of improperly and potentially contaminating the soil and water.

Question 29

Will using recycled motor oil void my manufacturer&rsquo;s warranty?

Accepted Answer

No. All major car manufacturers have approved the use of recycled motor oil formulas properly certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Valvoline NextGen™ recycled motor oil carries and exceeds all API certifications.

Question 30

Does Valvoline ATV oil meet SG, SH, SJ API service classifications?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline ATV 4-Stroke SAE 10W-40 motor oil meets these specs as well as the JASO MA specification for wet-clutch applications.

Question 31

Is Valvoline ATV oil a synthetic?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline 4-Stroke ATV motor oil is not a synthetic. Valvoline does not offer a synthetic oil for ATVs.

Motorcycle

Question 32

I ride a Harley-Davidson&reg; and was told only to use their motorcycle oil. Is it OK to use Valvoline motorcycle oil?

Accepted Answer

It is completely fine to use Valvoline's 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil in Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This oil is designed to meet the needs of all major brands of 4-stroke motorcycles and has been specifically tested in Harley-Davidson at our Ashland, KY testing facility.

Question 33

What is the difference between DEXRON&reg; III/MERCON&reg; and type F transmission fluid?

Accepted Answer

The Valvoline Type F transmission fluid is a high quality NON-friction modified fluid. DEXRON® III/MERCON includes friction modifiers in the fluid additive package.

Question 34

Does Valvoline make a synthetic ATF?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Valvoline makes several synthetic ATFs. MaxLife® ATF, ATF 4 and DEXRON® VI are all synthetic transmission fluids.

Question 35

Is it OK to mix synthetic ATF with a conventional and/or synthetic blend ATF?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Synthetic ATF and conventional fluids are 100 percent compatible with each other.

Question 36

Is MaxLife ATF compatible with other brands of automatic transmission fluid?

Accepted Answer

MaxLife ATF is a multi-vehicle transmission fluid that is compatible with many brands and manufacturer recommendations. Refer to the MaxLife product data sheet to determine whether MaxLife is compatible for your vehicle's application.

Question 37

Is MaxLife automatic transmission fluid an SP-III fluid?

Accepted Answer

MaxLife ATF is 100 percent compatible for use in SP-II and SP-III applications.

Question 38

Can MaxLife ATF be used in Volvos with a Geartronic Transmission?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline MaxLife ATF is suitable for use in Volvo transmissions that require the use of TIV or JWS3309 ATF.

Question 39

Can MaxLife ATF be used where a Dexron VI fluid is required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MaxLife ATF can be used in DEXRON VI applications.

Question 40

Can MaxLife ATF be mixed with Dexron VI or does the fluid need to be purged prior to installing MaxLIfe ATF?

Accepted Answer

Valvoline MaxLife ATF transmission fluid is 100 percent compatible with the DEXRON VI for mixing or flushing a system.

Question 41

Is MaxLife ATF OK to use in applications requiring Mercon-V fluid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MaxLife ATF can be used where a MERCON V* fluid is recommended.

*Ford and MERCON V are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company. This is not a licensed Ford product.

Antifreeze / Coolant

Question 42

Does the color of antifreeze matter? Can you mix antifreeze with different colored antifreeze products?

Accepted Answer

Color is used by many antifreeze and vehicle manufacturers for identification purposes. Color has no bearing on the performance of the antifreeze. Always follow the specifications in your owner's manual for coolant applications.

Question 43

Can you mix DEX-COOL&trade; with other antifreeze products?

Accepted Answer

Improper mixing of coolants has the potential to cause corrosion issues. Valvoline recommends using the correct antifreeze/coolant for your particular application.

Question 44

MYTH: Changing your vehicle's motor oil yourself or using a certain brand voids your manufacturer's warranty.

Accepted Answer

Changing your vehicle's motor oil yourself 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 (e.g., viscosity grade, type), as provided in the owner’s manual the warranty cannot be considered void.

Question 45

MYTH: All oil additives are the same.

Accepted Answer

Not true. Some additives contain different formulations to affect certain parts of the engine differently than other additives.

Question 46

MYTH: All brands of motor oil basically are the same.

Accepted Answer

That’s false. Base oils, additives, etc., can be different from one brand to the next.

Question 47

MYTH: Switching motor oil brands is harmful to my engine.

Accepted Answer

No. Switching brands is not harmful to your engine as long as you choose an oil marked with the API donut of the same level, e.g., API SN. Motor oil manufacturers must meet minimum industry standards for performance and compatibility of the API mark. However, make sure you follow the recommendations provided in your owner's manual for viscosity and API category. You may give up enhanced performance if you switch from synthetic or high mileage to conventional oil.

Question 48

MYTH: When motor oil becomes dark, that means it's time to change it.

Accepted Answer

This is not true. You cannot determine the life of motor oil by looking at its appearance since it may change color for several reasons. To ensure the best quality product, the best oil change tip is to always follow your vehicle’s owner's manual guidelines for oil change intervals.

Question 49

MYTH: You don&rsquo;t have to change your oil filter every time you change your oil.

Accepted Answer

Valvoline recommends changing your oil filter each and every time you change your oil. This eliminates any risk of contaminants trapped by the oil filter, such as dirt, from re-entering the oil. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommendation.

Question 50

MYTH: Bulk oil is a different (lower) quality than bottled motor oil.

Accepted Answer

Valvoline’s bulk oil is the exact same oil that is bottled and sold at retail locations.

Question 51

MYTH: Oil never wears out &ndash; it only gets dirty.

Accepted Answer

False. Oil additives weaken as the engine oil is used.

Question 52

MYTH: Thicker oil is better.

Accepted Answer

Thicker motor oil can be better for older engines in which engine parts have worn down over the years. However, it is recommended to always stick with the viscosity weight recommended by the manufacturer of the particular engine. The oil “thickness” (viscosity-temperature profile) is selected by the manufacturer to protect moving parts with specific design and surface roughness from excessive contact.

Question 53

MYTH: The &ldquo;w&rdquo; stands for weight.

Accepted Answer

Actually, the “w” stands for winter, and the numbers that appear refer to the oil’s viscosity at both low and high temperatures.

Question 54

MYTH: Long driving = hard driving

Accepted Answer

This is not always the case. Hard driving pertains to high and/or consistent changes of RPMs (stop-and-go driving), pulling or towing. It can also be dependent upon the geographic area where you drive.

Question 55

MYTH: You cannot use motor oil in a car with manual transmission.

Accepted Answer

This depends. It’s important to follow your owner’s manual for requirements and correct fluids to use in your manual transmission.

Question 56

MYTH: Synthetic motor oil is "fake" oil.

Accepted Answer

Synthetic motor oils are not fake. They are derived from crude oil, natural gas, or other chemical feed materials; however, as a general rule they use more extensively processed, higher quality base oils than conventional motor oils. Synthetic oils also use different additives than conventional oils that are designed for extra wear protection and higher stability to temperature and shear.

Question 57

MYTH: Synthetic motor oil is bad for engine seals.

Accepted Answer

Synthetic motor oil will not cause any damage to engine seals.

Question 58

MYTH: Synthetic oil causes cars to use more oil.

Accepted Answer

False. Synthetic oils will not cause an engine to use more oil.

Question 59

MYTH: Synthetic oil creates more sludge.

Accepted Answer

Not true. Valvoline synthetics include extra detergents to help clean an engine and reduce the risk of sludge.

Question 60

MYTH: Synthetic oils are too thin and can create blow-by and oil burn-off in older cars.

Accepted Answer

Synthetic motor oils do not affect seals and will not be the cause of blow-by or oil burn-off in an older engine. Just like conventional motor oil, synthetic oils have a specific viscosity grade. However, our synthetic motor oil contains extra lubrication additives to make the oil stronger and provide higher heat dissipation.

Question 61

MYTH: Once you&rsquo;ve used synthetic motor oil you can&rsquo;t switch to conventional motor oil.

Accepted Answer

Not true. Synthetic and conventional oils are compatible, so it is not harmful if you decide to switch.

Question 62

MYTH: Recycled motor oil is not as good of a quality as new motor oil.

Accepted Answer

In the past, this may have been true. The new recycling techniques yield high-quality base oil that can match crude oil. Valvoline NextGen™ uses some of the highest quality recycled oil and a breakthrough formula for performance, which meets or exceeds industry specifications.

Question 63

MYTH: Recycled oil needs to be changed more frequently.

Accepted Answer

Valvoline’s NextGen™ has the same performance and protection qualities as regular motor oils. Users should always follow their recommended oil change intervals in their vehicle’s owner’s manual, just like any other oil.

Question 64

MYTH: Using recycled motor oil will void your manufacturer&rsquo;s warranty.

Accepted Answer

All major car manufacturers have approved the use of recycled motor oil that is properly certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Valvoline’s NextGen™ recycled motor oil carries and meets or exceeds all API certifications.

FAQ