And derailing from the fact that detergents in oil don’t clean.
Valvoline Restore and Protect drawbacks?
- Thread starter Dave1027
- Start date
Mine is 0w20 only, all weather conditions. No other viscosities are mentioned, maybe 5w20 with the admonition to get it swapped out no later than severe service mileage. It doesn’t elaborate on likely OCI miles, unless I missed it, but severe is 5K miles (I think). Probably worth mentioning, mine will be doing a lot of electric only miles within that 33 mile range. I’ve only put gas in it once since bringing it home from Yuma toward the end of September.
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So valvoline RP does not clean, or detergent is not a correct terminology to describe the cleaning effect (if any)?
I agree in this instance that Valvoline Restore and Protect is their highest performing product, and that it excels in cleaning and keeping an engine clean. IMO as far as oils that clean, I trust their claims more than any of the others making engine cleaning claims at the moment. Having said that things can change, my bet is their competition is noticing this product gaining traction, and they're looking to address it. This is how products evolve and improve.
My understanding was it would go whatever the maintenance minder was calibrated for on your vehicle. Im sure in a car with under 20k miles you wouldn't have much to clean up. I go 5-7k on it, siphon out through dipstick, then run it again, and then do the same thing.. Again. After about 20k, I have dealer drain and I use another fram ultra or purolator boss.
Im liking it not having a Dexos label on the Valvoline Restore and Protect! Starting to think
they can kinda push the limits and bring a better OTC oil to the shelves kinda like Pennzoil Ultra Platinun and a few others.
Here's an update: 6k miles in, wife reports, "So far, according to the MPG computer, the 4Runner has seen an MPG increase since the oil change".
Question: Valvoline says 4 oil changes for cleaning, but what about in a low mileage (presumably pretty clean) engine? My ‘24 Tucson plug-in has just over 10K miles on it, and according to CarFax has had 2 oil changes. I’ve had it about a month and a half and have only used 1/8 of a tank since getting it home from Yuma, so mostly plugged in EV driving. I have no idea how it was driven before I got it (obviously ;^), but how dirty could it be? Would one cycle of R&P likely clean up whatever may be in there now? I’m thinking long term I want to run Mobil 1 ESP X2 0w20, but maybe clean things up first?
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
I'd go straight to your Mobil 1 ESP X2. There's nothing to worry about at just over 10k and two changes already.
I think either oil would be fine.
Or 0W-40. Need a Euro spec flavor with higher viscosity and much higher ZDDP content, at least 1,000 PPM. The current RP offerings are weak sauce, unsuitable for my cars.
Being accused of possible "cult" love of this oil.
With that use, I sure would use 91 octane non-ethanol with a splash of Sta-Bil.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
I'll agree a Euro flavor would be good, but both for older and new engines so the zinc fans can get theirs and one so rest of us can use an LL-04, MB229.5x, C3 option.
I have both, but have no problem using the LL-04 in our BMWs because BMW backed spec'd to LL-04 fromLL-01 in the N52. They're easy on oil.
I have both, but have no problem using the LL-04 in our BMWs because BMW backed spec'd to LL-04 fromLL-01 in the N52. They're easy on oil.
I personally only use Shell premium in both vehicles as they require use of premium. I believe the add packs that the majors use, changes the burn characteristics of the fuel vs generic and no fuel additives
If it has higher ZDDP it won't be API SQ and ILSAC GF-7. Then people will say they won't buy it because it doesn't cover those specs. As people say now that is a drawback that is not Dexos1Gen3 approved.
If it come up as 5W-40 or 0W-40, but is not API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 - are you gonna buy it?
A lot of great explanations and discussions here. I'm going to throw one more con into the mix.
If you follow rebates and promotions (like I do), you may likely get a far better bang for your buck by simply the best motor oils for less money.
This is of course assuming that you don't have problems with your piston rings or other major contamination issues. If you already have those issues than R&P is obviously a top choice so long as it isn't fuel contamination.
Most folks here don't have these issues, and their money will go further by shopping for great oils that have a big rebate.
Earlier this year I was able to get 10 quarts of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic for just $2.08 per quart. Valvoline Restore and Protect costs three times as much at Walmart.
$40 of savings every year times 10 years at a 10% interest rate... comes to $634.95. That's a healthy savings.
There are plenty of other motor oils that will likely improve longevity and cost less than R&P. So unless your engine isn't operating as it should, a high quality oil with a solid rebate will be a better choice.
If you follow rebates and promotions (like I do), you may likely get a far better bang for your buck by simply the best motor oils for less money.
This is of course assuming that you don't have problems with your piston rings or other major contamination issues. If you already have those issues than R&P is obviously a top choice so long as it isn't fuel contamination.
Most folks here don't have these issues, and their money will go further by shopping for great oils that have a big rebate.
Earlier this year I was able to get 10 quarts of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic for just $2.08 per quart. Valvoline Restore and Protect costs three times as much at Walmart.
$40 of savings every year times 10 years at a 10% interest rate... comes to $634.95. That's a healthy savings.
There are plenty of other motor oils that will likely improve longevity and cost less than R&P. So unless your engine isn't operating as it should, a high quality oil with a solid rebate will be a better choice.
The only "drawback" I see is that you are limited, per Valvoline, to the car manufacturer's recommended OCI. Is it THE BEST? Is it the cheapest? Will it guarantee a million plus miles on your engine? Would something else do a better job in your car? I guess all of that is debateable, but it seems to me that Valvoline Restore and Protect is a great oil for most people.
The chances are there is pretty much nothing to clean. A single oil oil change should do the trick
