Truth is Stranger than Friction

Advertorial—The road less traveled is an oxymoron to most drivers. We have a lot of places to go and a lot of ways to get to there. Navigation systems and online maps have improved our ability to drive the most efficient and/or direct routes, but it’s still likely we’ll clock 12,000-15,000 miles per year on our cars, trucks and SUVs. People with long commutes or those who travel throughout the day for business might rack up 20,000 miles or more annually. It doesn’t take much time on the road to enter into the high-mileage vehicle zone—even if your car is still not quite paid for.


New vehicle powertrain warranties are limited to miles driven or time—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first—and extended warranties can be expensive. But there is an alternative that is free: the Valvoline Engine Guarantee. Valvoline offers three guarantee levels that each promise to replace or repair the engine in a qualifying vehicle if your engine fails simply by using Valvoline motor oils and filters every 3,000 to 4,000* miles. While that might seem strange or too good to be true, it’s not. Simply register your vehicle, change your oil with Valvoline regularly, and keep your receipts. In 10 minutes or less for every oil change, you are protected. It’s that easy.

Severe is the New Normal
First of all, since there’s so much debate about oil change intervals due in part to the environment, economy, driving styles and conditions, onboard engine oil monitoring systems, and advances in engine oil technology, let’s address the mileage interval topic first. In order to qualify for the Engine Guarantee program, you need to change your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.


*Valvoline explains: “There’s a lot of mixed messages on drain intervals, but the keys are this: first, there’s no better thing you can do to protect your engine than to change your oil and your oil filter. And second, most vehicles on the road actually recommend a 3,000-3,750 mile interval for ‘severe’ driving, and over 80% of us drive in severe conditions. For example, stop-and-go driving is not considered ‘normal’ by the people writing these drain recommendations.” Under the program, Valvoline will allow three instances of minor noncompliance, like going over 4,000 miles between oil changes (but not more than 6,000 miles between oil changes.


That’s reasonable, forgiving, and consistent with manufacturer recommendations for severe driving conditions, which describes most people’s driving styles and conditions.


Whether you believe you’ve purchased a future collectible, want or need to keep your car for as long as possible, or plan on selling or trading it in after 4-5 years, it’s in your best interest to properly maintain it. The Car Care Council reports that 32 percent of vehicles failed inspection at their most recent National Car Care Month check lanes because of having too little, too much, or too dirty motor oil in the vehicle’s engine. Regular maintenance is easy, less expensive, and saves you time in the long run.

What Qualifies as a Qualifying Vehicle?
If your vehicle has less than 125,000 miles, is 19 years old or newer, and is not a diesel your vehicle qualifies. Foreign or domestic, pickup, SUV, coupe, wagon, or sedan, you are covered. Be sure to check the official rules for full detailed benefits and limitations.

Three Levels of Guarantee
Before your next oil change, sign up and select one of three guarantee levels. Then, continue to use the type of Valvoline oil based on the particular guarantee level you choose:

• 150,000-Mile Guarantee coverage with ®Premium Conventional
• 225,000-Mile Guarantee coverage with MaxLife® Synthetic Blend or DuraBlend® Synthetic Blend
• 300,000-Mile Guarantee coverage with SynPower Full Synthetic or MaxLife Full Synthetic.

Be sure to pick the appropriate viscosity grade for your vehicle, which can be found in your owner’s manual.

Valvoline. 100 Years Under the Hood.™