Valvoline Automotive Lubricants

In 1866, unable to find any healing powers in crude oil, Dr. John Ellis changes course and develops a petroleum lubricant for steam engines running at high temperatures. With no more gummed valves, corroded cylinders, leaky seals or animal-based engine lubricants to contend with, the nation grows full steam ahead. For 150 years Valvoline™ has been on the leading edge of motor oil technology. From creating the X-18 motor oil in 1939 to creating MaxLife™ high-mileage motor oil in 2000, Valvoline™ has always strived to innovate and provide daily drivers and automotive enthusiasts with quality motor oil and engine lubricants.

Since its founding, Valvoline™ and its scientists have been innovating, creating and reinventing formulas for racing, high-mileage, synthetic and recycled motor oils. It is this commitment to innovation that shows in our products that help keep vehicles safely rolling down roads all over the world. Valvoline is proud to have been the only motor oil company that could perform all 5 required gasoline tests for the current API and ILSAC gasoline categories in-house at our Ashland, Kentucky, engine test lab. These advanced engine test technologies allowed Valvoline more freedom and flexibility to innovate.

When the Model T was first mass-produced in 1920, each one was filled with Valvoline™ motor oil before it left the plant. In fact, each car has a plaque mounted on the dash panel that reads: This car is filled with Valvoline light motor oil. We recommend its use. No other oil should be used in this car. In 1939, Valvoline™ develops a single grade oil, called X-18, that eliminates the need for 18 other specific car lubricants. Leading up to the end of WWII, Valvoline™ is widely used to lubricate allied vehicles. If it’s good enough for an army fleet, you can use it in your family car. Valvoline™ can provide high-quality motor oils because company doesn’t refine own base oils from crude. This allows Valvoline the flexibility to search the market for the finest base oils available for our motor oils and other lubricants. That quality is evident in each bottle marked with the Valvoline™ brand.

In 1954, with the economy in high gear, hot rods all the rage and people driving more often, automakers shift to the powerful overhead valve v8 engine. Valvoline™ responds with its all-climate oil, so people don’t have to switch oils for each season. In 1965, with America’s obsession with the speed and power of muscle cars, Valvoline™ introduces an oil specifically designed for racing, now called VR1. In 1978, as more drivers hit the road, they get more comfortable in their own garages. Valvoline™ gives these DIY mechanics a hand by putting oil change instructions on its labels. Over the last 100 years as engine technology has evolved, so has motor oil technology, and Valvoline™ has been innovating all the way.