Restore & Protect FAQs
What makes Restore & Protect different from other engine oils?
Restore & Protect is the first engine oil that actively cleans the engine - not just protects it.
- Removes up to 99%* of engine deposits with continuous use
- Helps prevent new deposits from forming
- Combines cleaning and protection in one product
Unlike standard oils that focus on prevention, Restore & Protect addresses deposits that are already inside the engine.
* Up to 99% piston deposit removal when used as directed for four or more consecutive oil changes. Based on adapted sequence IIIH testing.
What are Active Clean and Liqui-Shield technologies?
Restore & Protect is powered by two proprietary technologies that work together to clean and protect the engine:
- Active Clean Technology targets, dissolves, and removes existing engine deposits over time
- Liqui-Shield Technology helps prevent new deposits from forming, maintaining engine cleanliness
Together, they deliver a dual benefit — restoring engine performance and helping maintain it overtime.
How quickly will I notice a difference?
Restore & Protect begins working from the first oil change.
Many users notice improvements such as smoother engine operation or reduced noise after one or two oil change intervals.
With continued use, the cleaning process progresses further — removing up to 99%* of engine deposits over four oil changes.
This progressive approach is intentional. Deposits build up over time, and removing them too quickly could release too much debris at once and put unnecessary strain on the oil filter.
By cleaning gradually, Restore & Protect delivers effective results while maintaining proper engine protection.
* Up to 99% piston deposit removal when used as directed for four or more consecutive oil changes. Based on adapted sequence IIIH testing.
What grades is Restore & Protect available in?
SAE 0w-20, 5w-30 and 5w-40.
What specifications does Restore & Protect have?
Restore & Protect meets key ACEA and API performance standards and is suitable for use across a wide range of vehicles.
It is recommended by Valvoline for multiple OEM applications depending on viscosity grade.
0W-20: ACEA C5, C6, API SQ, VW 508.00/509.00, Ford WSS-M2C952-A1, Porsche C20, MB 229.71
5W-30: ACEA C2, C3, API SQ, VW 504.00/507.00, Porsche C30, MB 229.31, MB 229.51,BMW LL-04
5W-40: ACEA C3, API SQ, VW 505.01, Porsche A40, MB 229.51, BMW LL-04
Will using this engine oil impact my vehicle’s warranty?
Restore & Protect meets both ACEA and API engine oil specifications making it suitable for use in many vehicles; however, warranty compatibility depends on the specific vehicle manufacturer.
As with any lubricant, always refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations regarding specifications and warranty requirements. Feel free to contact the Opie Oils experts for a personal recommendation for your car.
Is Restore & Protect suitable for diesel engines?
Yes.
Restore & Protect has been specifically developed for the European market to meet and exceed key ACEA performance standards (C2, C3, C5, C6), making it suitable for a wide range of both petrol and diesel engines.
It is recommended by Valvoline for use across many OEM applications and has been tested in diesel engines to ensure reliable performance.
The formulation has been tested in diesel engines to ensure strong performance and reliability under real-world conditions.
Does Restore & Protect clean diesel engines effectively?
Yes.
Restore & Protect has been tested in diesel engines and has demonstrated strong cleaning performance over time.
In controlled testing, it removed up to 78%** of sludge after four oil change intervals, with continued improvement expected with ongoing use.
As with petrol engines, Restore & Protect works progressively - removing deposits safely over time while helping maintain engine cleanliness and performance.
** Up to 78% sludge removal when used as directed for four or more consecutive oil changes. Based on adapted OM646LA.
Is Restore & Protect an engine cleaning treatment?
No - Restore & Protect is a fully formulated engine oil.
It works progressively over time, delivering cleaning and protection as part of normal oil change intervals.
Can I switch to Restore & Protect if I’ve used a different product before?
Yes.
Restore & Protect begins working from the first oil change and continues to deliver benefits with ongoing use.
How often should I use Restore & Protect?
For best results, Restore & Protect should be used consistently at standard oil change intervals.
Cleaning starts from the first use and continues over time.
Are there compatibility concerns with older engines?
No.
As long as the correct viscosity and specification are followed, Restore & Protect can be used safely across a wide range of engines.
Where do deposits go as they leave the engine?
Valvoline’s Active Clean technology chemically dissolves deposits into microscopic particles, which are then suspended in the engine oil, eventually leaving the engine duringthe next oil change.
The controlled process of Valvoline's Active Clean technology helps avoid overloading the oil filter or impacting the oil drain interval.
Does using Restore & Protect change my oil drain interval?
No.Restore & Protect is designed to be used within your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended oil drain intervals.
Since Valvoline’s Active Clean technology chemically dissolves deposits into microscopic particles, which are then suspended in the engine oil, you do not need to change your oil drain interval. These particles will simply leave the engine during the next oil change.
As with any engine oil, always follow the oil drain interval specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
Deposits interfere with how key engine components operate, particularly pistons and piston rings.
When deposits build up, piston rings can move less freely and lose their ability to maintain a proper seal against the cylinder wall. This leads to:
- Loss of power
- Increased oil consumption
- Reduced efficiency
- Increased wear
More broadly, deposits and varnish disrupt how oil protects the engine. They prevent proper oil film formation and reduce the effectiveness of additives designed to protect against friction and wear.
Deposits can also act as an insulator, trapping heat inside the engine. This increases operating temperatures, accelerates wear, and promotes further deposit formation over time.
Keeping these components clean is critical to maintaining engine performance and efficiency.
What’s the difference between Restore & Protect and MaxLife High Mileage?
MaxLife helps manage the effects of engine aging, such as wear and seal condition.
Restore & Protect goes further by:
- Removing internal deposits
- Helping restore performance
- Preventing deposits from returning
What’s the difference between Restore & Protect and SynPower?
SynPower is Valvoline’s OEM-approved engine oil, designed to meet the latest manufacturer standards and deliver high levels of performance and protection. It is the ideal choice when OEM specifications and approvals are required.
Restore & Protect complements this by going beyond protection - actively removing existing deposits and helping prevent new ones from forming. This supports the restoration and maintenance of engine performance over time.
Is Restore & Protect GM dexos1 certified?
No.
For vehicles requiring dexos1™ certification, Valvoline SynPower products should be used.
