Valvoline Introduces Low-Speed Pre-Ignition Protection Across Motor Oil Portfolio

Innovative Formulation Combats Challenges with Turbocharged Gasoline Direct-Injection Engines

Valvoline Inc. a leading worldwide supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services – is introducing protection against an issue in newer engines called Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) across its line of North American motor oils for gasoline-powered vehicles*. Valvoline is the first major motor oil brand to specifically address LSPI – and to meet newly approved motor oil standards before they have been implemented.

LSPI is an abnormal combustion event caused by the higher in-cylinder pressures common in engines that are newer – e.g., those that are turbocharged and/or gasoline direct-injection (T/GDI) – while operating under low-speed, high-torque conditions. LSPI’s milder effects might include engine noise or rough idle, but it can also cause catastrophic damage that results in engine failure.

In addition to addressing LSPI, Valvoline’s formulations will offer protection against excessive timing-chain wear, an issue to which GDI engines’ unique combustion characteristics can contribute.

With that, Valvoline is early in meeting standards called API SN Plus that were recently approved by the American Petroleum Institute (API) but have yet to be officially implemented.

“Additive technology in motor oil formulation has been proven to help avoid LSPI, making it essential for preserving performance and reliability in newer engines,” said Fran Lockwood, Valvoline chief technology officer. “Valvoline is leading the industry by adopting formulations that prevent the harsh effects while maintaining the integrity of the oil’s basic performance.”

* Excluding Euro formulations (XL-III, MST and Advanced 0W-40 and 20W-50 products)

About Valvoline
Valvoline Inc. is a leading worldwide marketer and supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services, with sales in more than 140 countries. Established in 1866, Valvoline’s heritage spans over 150 years, during which it has developed powerful brand recognition across multiple product and service channels. The highly trusted brand ranks as the No. 3 passenger car motor oil brand in the DIY market by volume and the No. 2 quick-lube chain by number of stores in the United States. The company operates and franchises more than 1,100 Valvoline Instant Oil Change^SM centers in the United States. It also markets Valvoline lubricants and automotive chemicals, including the new Valvoline™ Modern Engine Full Synthetic Motor Oil, which is specifically engineered to protect against carbon build-up in Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), turbo and other engines manufactured since 2012; Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife technology motor oil for engines over 75,000 miles; Valvoline Synthetic motor oil; and Zerex™ antifreeze. To learn more, visit www.valvoline.com.

™ Trademark, Valvoline or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries
^SM Service mark, Valvoline or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries

Allegheny Announced Price Increase in Round Two 2018

Allegheny Petroleum announced it will raise bulk and packaged lubricant prices by 4 to 8%. The increase is effective March 24, 2018. Allegheny attributes the increase to recent industry wide raw material price increases.

As of today, the list of companies JobbersWorld reported on that have announced lubricant price increases in 2018 Round 2 is shown below:

 CLICK FOR COMPLETE LIST OF LUBRICANT PRICE INCREASES IN 2018 ROUND 1