Valvoline has been an American favorite when it comes to engine oils. This Valvoline Premium Blue motor oil review will explore one of the best-selling oils from the brand.
We’ll talk about if and why it’s the best and whether it’s worth the switch. You’ll also find out about some alternatives if in case you don’t find it suitable for your vehicle.
There’s a lot of important information, so make sure to read it all.
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Overview of Features
In this review article, we will be talking about the Valvoline Premium Blue 5W-40 motor oil. It’s a full synthetic premium-quality oil that works with both gasoline and diesel engines.
Now that’s something rare as many synthetic oils are exclusively designed for gasoline engines. So this is definitely a bit more universal, so it can be used with an even bigger range of car models. That said, it’s often marketed as diesel engine oil.
As a 5W oil, it provides a smooth cold start in those frigid winter days. And the 40 after the hyphen should tell you that it’s also good for extreme heat as it has a high operating temperature threshold. Therefore, it’s good for all year-long use.
This is specially formulated for heavy-duty trucks that do a lot of heavy lifting. We’re talking a lot about hauling and towing operations. This is due to the fact that it provides exceptional oxidation resistance, which results in longer oil change intervals.
For your engine’s protection, it offers more than decent wear protection. Those anti-wear additives in the oil make it meet or exceed most performance tests in the US, Europe, and Japan.
It’s also endorsed and recommended by Cummins, as it meets the Cummins CES 20081 requirement. You won’t find many oils even within the Valvoline line-up with this distinction.
With advanced soot control, thanks to dispersive polymer technology (DPT), so it’s also eco-friendly. This Valvoline oil is compatible with the latest low emissions diesel engines with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).
The special additives will keep the engine pristine clean, with no deposits or sludges. It’s also ideal for vehicles with long drain/oil change interval recommendations, as the oil doesn’t thicken or burn up so easily.
Specifications and Approvals
Here are all the major specifications and approvals for Valvoline Premium Blue 5W-40 diesel oil:
- SAE Grade: 5W-40
- Oil Type: Full Synthetic
- Part Number: 774038
- Quantity: 1 gallon
- American Petroleum Insititute (API) Service: CK-4, CJ-4/SN, CI-4 Plus, CI-4, CH-4
- Approvals: Cummins CES 20086, Mack EOS-4.5, Volvo VDS-4.5, Porsche A-40, BMW-LL01, Detroit Diesel DFS 93K222, DFS 93K218, Renault VI RLD-4, ACEA E9, ACEA E7, MB 228.31, Ford WSS-M2C171-F1, Caterpillar ECF-3, or Chrysler MS-10902
Pros
- High-quality anti-wear additives
- Better oil consumption
- Supports heavy-duty engines
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles with tested approvals
- Better fuel economy
- Long change intervals
- Made in the US
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Low availability
✅Purchase link: Buy Valvoline Premium 5W-40 at Amazon
What Customers Say
Most users who regularly use Valvoline oils in their vehicles love it. It’s an American-made product that has been around for a long time.
This particular oil, in this particular viscosity, is among the best engine oils for diesel vehicles. So the reviews are generally positive online.
However, it seems that the product has seen low availability in the past, as this one forum discussion indicates. If that’s the case with you and you can’t find a dealership near you carrying this particular oil, you can always order it online.
One user posted results from Blackstone when they switched to Valvoline Premium Blue after Amsoil. The test showed an increase in certain metals. However, that’s pretty normal when you switch to new oil, and especially in winters when doing a lot of cold starting.
Purchase link: Read Verified Customer Reviews
Should I Switch to Valvoline Premium Blue Motor Oil?
If your diesel vehicle requires 5W-40 oil, then, by all means, you can switch to the Valvoline Premium Blue oil.
Keep in mind that it’s for hard-working light trucks and large cars. So if you don’t do a lot of heavy lifting per se, you could go for a cheaper alternative.
That said, you’ll get a noticeable performance boost as soon as you switch to this oil, especially if you have a Cummins engine.
Good For
This heavy-duty 5W-40 synthetic oil by Valvoline is suitable for light trucks, minivans, delivery vans, minibusses, and campers. Some compatible vehicles include Cummins 6.7, 7.3 Powerstroke, RAM 1500 3.0L, RAM 3500, Ford F-250, and Ford F-450.
How to Use
You should use the engine oil according to the instructions on the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Follow the guideline set by the manufacturer, especially if your vehicle is still in the warranty period.
Look for instructions when you can safely switch to a brand of your choice. Since this meets a lot of requirements and approvals, chances are it’s compatible with your vehicle. Nevertheless, double-check the requirements to make sure.
Depending on the capacity, you may be good with just a one-gallon bottle.
How Many Miles is Good For Valvoline Premium Blue Motor Oil?
You can use Valvoline Premium Blue motor oil at any mileage, including high mileage (over 100k miles).
Change Interval/Usage Frequency
The change interval and usage frequency depend on your vehicle, so you should check your vehicle’s manual. It’s normally between 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
For Cummins X15 engines, the maximum ODI is an impressive 60,000 miles, as indicated by Cummins.
Alternatives
What if Valvoline Premium Blue isn’t for you? You can try these alternative options:
Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40 Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oil
The Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 oil, formulated especially for heavy-duty diesel engines, delivers the kick in the performance you need without a very expensive price tag.
It delivers 1.5% improved fuel economy, especially when compared with 15W-40 grade oils. It has the right additives to clean your engine and keep it performing well even in the harshest of conditions.
This one is good for tractors and small trucks and doesn’t register any viscosity loss. Its soot protection feature also makes it environment-friendly.
AmazonBasics Full Synthetic 5W-40 Motor Oil
Much like the Valvoline Premium Blue motor oil, this AmazonBasics oil is good for both gasoline and diesel engines that require 5W-40 oils. With additives for soot control, it helps reduce emissions. So it complements modern diesel engines with low emissions.
It also is ideal for long drain intervals, so you can save money on oil maintenance. You can use this in both the winter and summer months. It can withstand high temperatures as it has a very high thermal breakpoint.
FAQ
Who Makes Valvoline Premium Blue Motor Oil?
What are the Benefits of Valvoline Premium Blue Motor Oil?
- Deposit and sludge protection
- Wear protection for heavy performing vehicles
- Emission control
- Long change intervals
- Improved fuel economy
