Original Motor Oil
Valvoline’s first breakthrough in motor oil was introducing it. And we’ve been re-inventing it ever since, from the world’s first high mileage oil to the world’s first synthetic blend. There are those who change with the times and those who drive them.
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Our History
Original Through & Through
Valvoline became the first trademarked motor oil brand in 1866. Not only have we been making motor oil longer than anyone else, we’ve been improving it longer than anyone else. Learn more about a legacy of innovation that stands the test of time.
1866
Dr. John Ellis discovered the lubricating benefits of crude oil and founded the company that became Valvoline™.
1920
Model-T was mass-produced, Valvoline™ was the only motor oil that Ford recommended.
1939
Valvoline™ develops a single grade oil, called X-18, that eliminates the need for 18 other specific car lubricants.
1945
Leading up to the end of WWII, Valvoline™ is widely used to lubricate allied vehicles.
1954
Valvoline™ introduces its all-climate motor oil, so people don't have to switch oils for each season.
1965
With America's obsession with the speed and power of muscle cars, Valvoline™ introduces an oil specifically designed for racing, now called VR1.
1996
Valvoline introduces DuraBlend, our first synthetic blend motor oil to withstand increasingly hotter engine temperatures.
2000
Valvoline™ introduces MaxLife™, the first high mileage motor oil, in response to the aging population of cars, helping restore lost horsepower in cars with over 75,000 miles.
2000
Valvoline™ launches the new Pro-V™ Racing line of oils and lubricants. This new formula utilizes the same technology and professional expertise behind our professional race teams.
2017
Valvoline™ introduces the 5 quart Easy Pour Bottle™, offering DIYers a cleaner, smoother and easier oil change.
2018
Easy Pour Bottle™ is voted Product of the Year in a Consumer Survey of Product Innovation (Winner, Car Care Category, Survey of 40,000 people by Kanter TNS).
2018
Valvoline™ launches Modern Engine Full Synthetic, the first motor oil specifically designed to fight carbon build-up in engines 2012 or newer.
2018
Valvoline™ becomes the 1st major brand to introduce LSPI protection across their entire motor oil portfolio.
2020
Valvoline™ launches a new formula that surpasses every industry standard and is proven to maximize engine life.
Proven to Maximize Engine Life
Now with 40% Better Wear Protection Than Industry Standards*
Every motor oil we make has been reformulated to provide better protection against the four major causes of engine breakdown: heat, friction, wear and deposits. Because an original never stops improving.
*As tested in the industry sequence X chain wear test.
Extended Protection
Full Synthetic
Ultimate Protection to Extend Engine Life
Advanced
Full Synthetic
Advanced Protection Against Wear, Heat and Deposits
Full Synthetic
High Mileage
Ultimate Protection After 75K Miles
