Posts tagged Valvoline
Valvoline Invites You To The Race Of The Decades
Valvoline just made your day a bit better with the Race of the Decades game. You get to drive along some of the famous American highways in cars spanning more than a century of automotive innovation. You start out in a Model T and go all the way up to modern sports cars. You will find a lot of different highways as you steer clear of roadblocks and other vehicles, and collect Valvoline powerups to fuel your journey to victory. I will warn you the game is a bit addicting. Make sure you challenge your friends and share your high scores on your social channels.
To play CLICK HERE!
Aug 4th
Dale Earnhardt Jr. And Valvoline Ask What Is Under The Hood?
Valvoline is giving NASCAR fans a great look into some of their favorite drivers in the latest installation of Valvoline’s interactive online challenge, “What’s Under the Hood.” This one is featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. His auto questions in this week’s latest challenge kick it up a notch, testing under-hood knowledge from spark plugs to air-fuel ratio.
Earnhardt Jr. along with Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Kasey Kahne each take a turn as host of the interactive quiz that tests the “Do-it-Yourself” car know-how of auto enthusiasts and NASCAR fans alike.
This week, fans are invited to take on round two of the challenge featuring racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. by visiting www.ValvolineUndertheHood.com. Subsequent rounds featuring Kahne and Johnson will be released bi-weekly through early July, giving players plenty of opportunities to win prizes from limited edition gear to signed memorabilia and collectibles. Four lucky participants will be named finalists, and in the grand finale, the Hendrick drivers will go head-to-head in a race on behalf of all four finalists to determine the grand prize winner of a new car.
May 29th
Meet Jimmie Johnson the Scientist!
Valvoline announced the wide-scale availability of its Full Synthetic High Mileage motor oil with MaxLife technology. The lubricant offers drivers a superior level of engine protection that guards against the three major causes of engine stress: heat, deposits and wear.
Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage reflects the culmination of years of continued research, technology and innovation from the brand. Valvoline chemists have paired the company’s award-winning additive chemistry with premium synthetic base oils that meet its exacting standards. The result is a full synthetic formulation that is more durable and provides 40 percent more anti-wear film than Mobil 1 Synthetic, validated through a three stage evaluation process including lab bench tests, chemical analysis and engine wear tests.
In addition to providing more anti-wear film, Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage oil is proven to excel in numerous categories, including reduced fuel consumption, emissions systems compatibility, and suitability for all model years.
To bring this superior performance to life, Valvoline has launched www.SeeADifference.com, an online resource for drivers to learn more about how synthetic motor oil works, compare Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage and the leading competitor in a side-by-side assessment, and view a series of videos demonstrating Valvoline technology.
To further illustrate the superior protection of Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage, Valvoline enlisted the help of NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson, who provides real-world analogies in the brand’s comedic “Jimmie the Scientist” video.
Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage is now available at AutoZone, Wal-Mart, Advance Auto Parts and Meijer. To learn more and to find a retailer near you, please visit www.SeeADifference.com.
Feb 5th
The Valvoline Reinvention Project
Back in the spring, our friends from Valvoline hooked us up with an amazing trip as part of their Reinvention Project campaign. The Reinvention Project celebrated Vavloline’s 140th anniversary and the official partnership of the company that invented motor oil and Hendrick Motorsports, the Rick Hendrick-led four-car auto racing team responsible for winning the last five Sprint Cup races. It was a unique competition that pitted Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a head-to-head battle to restore two classic trucks (with the help and resources of the full Hedrick Motorsports team) and clash these modified monsters in a series of exciting challenges.
Fans were encouraged to follow all the restoration action, vote on their favorite ride and even build their own custom truck at ReinventionProject.com. Footage of the restoration and subsequent competition can also be viewed at the official site.
Jimmie started off with a ’55 Chevy truck and Junior rolled with a C10 from his birth year, 1974. Each truck was modified with an LS3 Corvette V-8 engine and a 4L60 transmission with a limited-slip rear differential. The suspension of each ride was also modified to improve overall handling.
I got an inside look at the Valvoline Reinvention Project when I visited Charlotte in the spring. Before the media trip, Valvoline sent out a survey asking what my level of expertise was when it came to overall car handiness. I answered honestly. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m about a zero when it comes to overall auto mechanic know-how.
I mean, I know how to change a tire and check my oil. I’m not an animal. But I’m by no means an all-star mechanic either. I’ve never changed my own oil. Never really repaired my own car. I know enough to know I don’t know nearly enough to fix things myself. So yea, in short, when it comes to cars, I basically have no idea what I’m doing.
But that was the old me. That was before I represented #TeamJimmie in an engine building competition that was held at the Hendrick Motorsports Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not only did I get to rebuild a NASCAR engine, I also got to see these two sweetly restored rides up close and personal (complete with a #TeamJimmie ride along) and watch as Jimmie and Dale battled through a series of burnouts, drag races and autocross runs. Check out the video:
These two trucks were absolutely gorgeous, and they weren’t just build for show. I was partial to Jimmie’s ’55 Chevy, but then again, I had to represent #TeamJimmie, so maybe I was a bit biased. There was just something to the voluptuous, curvilinear lines on that truck. Just timeless appeal all around. Check the photos of these shiny, well-restored, suped-up beasts below. They’re pretty.
One of the major highlights of the trip was a tour of Rick Hendrick’s private car collection. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous cars in my life. Wall to wall Corvettes. Muscle cars from every conceivable era. It was borderline obscene. I don’t know how the man could possibly keep track of all the cars in the collection. Every one of them restored to flawless condition, too. They need to include a box of Kleenex on the tour, because the site of that many amazing cars in one spot is enough to make any grown man cry.
So yea, I’m pretty much qualified to be an official NASCAR pit crew member at this stage. Haven’t gotten any calls so far, but I’m ready if need be. Who knows, I may even change my own oil soon. I’ll be putting in some Valvoline NextGen in my ride either way!
Jun 17th
Valvoline Video Showcases 140 Years of Garage History in 60 Seconds
Valvoline invented motor oil in 1866, and they’ve been innovating on their original creation ever since. Two years ago, we told you all about the science behind Valvoline NextGen, the world’s first high performance recycled motor oil. The company has come a long way since it’s founder Dr. John Ellis stumbled upon motor oil when experimenting with crude to find medicinal applications. Valvoline was the first company to produce petroleum lubricant for steam engines running at high temperatures.
In the early 1900s, Valvoline was the only recommended motor oil for Ford’s Model T. Valvoline produced all-climate oil during the hot rod craze of the 1950s. In the 70s, Valvoline led the DIY charge and posted oil changing instructions on their bottles. In the 80s, as overhead cams and electronic fuel injection systems became all the rage, Valvoline responded with the first synthetic blend of motor oil that could withstand hotter engine temperatures. With more older cars on the road now than ever before, Valvoline developed MaxLife, which restores lost horsepower in cars with over 75,000 miles.
From 19th Century steam engine lubricants to 21st Century recycled motor oil, Valvoline has been an industry leader with an interesting history. Here’s what that 140 year history looks like in one minute:
Sep 27th
Valvoline NextGen Motor Oil Encourages You to Be Cool About Recycling
Recycling and caring about the environment isn’t just for hippies you know. You can still be a badass and care about the planet, too. We’ve told you about Valvoline NextGen oil in the past. It’s some high-tech, high-sustainability-conscious stuff. It’s a motor oil made that’s made using 50% recycled motor oil, and the reusability factor doesn’t take away from your car’s performance. In fact, this stuff fuels cars that win races.
To get the word out about NextGen, Valvoline produced a 30-second spot that gives new definition to the concept of tree hugging. Here’s the video:
And here’s a behind the scenes look at the Tree Hugger spot:
Next time you get your oil change, think about the choices you have. If you want to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and help save the planet in the process, ask the dudes at the oil change spot to fill up your wheels with some of this good recycled stuff in the green bottle.
May 9th
The Valvoline NextGen Undercover Salesman Challenge
Check out NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series drivers Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Trevor Bayne as they take the Valvoline NextGen Undercover Salesman Challenge to see who can get customers to try out NextGen recycled motor oil.
Sep 27th
Guest Post: Car Maintenance Made Easy with Simple Tips from a Gear Head
(Editor’s Note: The following guest post is from Rutledge Wood, the host of Top Gear U.S. on the History Channel, a NASCAR correspondent on SpeedTV and Valvoline spokesperson.)
Everyone knows car maintenance is important, but if you’re not a gear head – someone who loves working on vehicles – the idea of doing routine car maintenance can be very intimidating.
Whether on the set of Top Gear, at NASCAR races or just in my garage at home, I’m fortunate enough to be around cars a lot. I love driving them, repairing them and tinkering with them. However, for a lot of people, cars can be a confusing and even intimidating piece of machinery to work on.
To help people feel more comfortable in maintaining their vehicles, here are some simple tips that can make anyone feel like a gear head.
Change your oil
While many don’t find the prospect of being under a car messing with greasy filters their idea of a fun Sunday afternoon, changing a car’s oil isn’t as daunting a task as it seems. Here are a few easy tips:
1. Make sure your engine is cool before you start, then safely jack up your car and support it with jack stands. Lay a piece of cardboard under the engine, just in case you spill any oil.
2. Position a recycling container under the oil pan that’s on the bottom of your engine, then undo the drain plug and let the old oil pour into it. When the old oil’s out, put the drain plug back on and tighten it to your car’s torque specification.
3. Next, remove your old oil filter using an oil filter wrench; turn the filter counterclockwise until it’s free, but watch out you don’t spill the old oil that’s still in it. Make sure the rubber gasket comes out with the old filter.
4. Then, taking your new oil filter, lubricate the rubber gasket with some new oil and fill the new oil filter with oil to about two-thirds full.
5. Carefully screw the new oil filter clockwise into place (holding it upright); tighten only as much as you can with one hand, don’t overdo it or else it can cause a leak.
6. Now it’s time to fill the engine with oil, so unscrew the oil fill cap on the topside of the engine and insert your funnel. It’s smart to check your owner’s manual to find out how much oil your engine holds if you’re unsure, then pour a little more than three-fourths that amount into the engine.
7. Finally, start your vehicle and let it run for about a minute. During that minute, take a peek underneath to make sure you don’t have any leaks. After a minute, turn off you vehicle and check the oil level on the dipstick, adding more if necessary.
I use and recommend Valvoline NextGen Oil. It works great and since it’s made with 50 percent recycled oil, it’s good for the environment as well. To sweeten the deal, they’ve even come out with a ’Close the Loop’ program where they’ll give you a $20 mail-in offer if you return your used oil at participating auto parts stores and buy five quarts of NextGen for your next oil change.
Clean up cloudy headlights
It may seem obvious that your headlights are one of the most critical safety features on your car, but what’s not always top of mind is how quickly they can become yellowed, hazed or dull from rough road conditions and exposure to the sun. This can lead to severely diminished visibility for yourself and other drivers, especially when driving at night or in poor weather.
Replacing or professionally restoring headlight lenses can cost hundreds of dollars. Options like the 3M Headlight Restoration Kit – No Tools Required allow you to use basic DIY skills and a little elbow grease to sand, smooth, and polish your way to clearer lenses from the comfort of your own garage. This easy-to-use kit includes a series of hand-held abrasives and rubbing compound that’s used to remove yellowing and surface blemishes, and then refine and polish the lenses to reduce and remove scratches.
Check your tires
Worn treads are a major safety issue while on the road, leading to hydroplaning, poor traction as well as reduced fuel efficiency. Luckily, checking your tread wear is simple. Look at the tread pattern. You’ll probably see something called “tread wear bars.” These are small bridges between your treads. Look at the tread pattern and you’ll see the beginnings of these bars start to form between the treads, or running across the tires. As the tires wear, these bars will become flush with the tire’s tread. If they are, then it’s time to change your tires.
Another simple trick is to head for the change jar. Just grab a penny and place it upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread (at the thickest part of the tire). If you can see the top of his head it’s time to get new tires.
By following these tips, you might not quite be ready to join a NASCAR pit crew just yet, but you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true gear-head.
Jul 12th
More Daytona Recap – Valvoline NextGen Pit Stop
So last night was a great night for our friends at Valvoline and Roush Fenway Racing. We had a rooting interest in cheering on Jeff Burton (due to our participation in the Daytona 500 Blogger Challenge and the fact that he’s a really cool guy), but we have a history with the guys from Roush Fenway Racing and Valvoline as well, so it was awesome to see them enjoy success at Daytona.
The Roush team includes Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. Kenseth beat out teammate Greg Biffle to win the Daytona 500, much like he did during the Gatorade Duel Daytona 500 qualifying race in Thursday’s second duel session at Daytona International Speedway. This put Kenseth in the #4 starting position for the Daytona 500, just behind Carl Edwards (who earned the pole) and Greg Biffle who earned the #2 starting spot.
Matt Kenseth finished fourth in the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and his teammate Carl Edwards lost to Tony Stewart in a tie-breaker. Ricky Stenhouse Jr, was the 2011 Nationwide Series Champion. Roush Fenway Racing had three drivers finish in the top 10 in the Daytona 500 yesterday. Not bad at all.
Here are some images from this weekend’s festivities at the Valvoline NextGen Pit Stop at the Daytona 500:
Fans get a chance to dress like the pros at the Valvoline NextGen Pit Stop during the Daytona 500.
Rutledge Wood from Top Gear (USA) shows fans how they can Close the Loop and get a $20 gift card from Valvoline by returning their used oil to be recycled into NextGen motor oil.
Fans enjoy complimentary gear and learn how they can Close the Loop at the Valvoline NextGen Pit Stop during the Daytona 500.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., visits the Valvoline NextGen Pit Stop to share his excitement about his team’s decision to run Valvoline NextGen technology in all of their Sprint Cup and Nationwide cars this season.
Race fans take in the pop-up Valvoline NextGen projection billboards all around town during the Daytona 500.
Congrats again to our friends at Valvoline and kudos to Roush Fenway Racing for earning their 300th NASCAR victory!
Feb 28th
Daytona 500 Recap
Last night’s Daytona 500 likely did more to further interest in the sport of NASCAR than any race that came before. This race had it all – early controversy, chippy driving, a pyrotechnic explosion of jet fuel, a two hour delay that featured miraculous track repair work, an explosion of social media interest and if all that wasn’t enough, a little bit of free, overtime NASCAR.
What a spectacle. What a way to recruit new fans to the sport. Pushing the race to a prime time platform was a stroke of genius. During the red flag, the anticipation that built up for those last 40 laps was palatable.
I really do see this as the moment when NASCAR crossed over to the mainstream sports consciousness. Listening to sports talk radio this morning, I heard Jim Rome say, “Damnit, we’re talkin’ NASCAR whether you like it or not.”
This isn’t to say that NASCAR didn’t have a massive following before last night. Of course it did. But on a night when there was no basketball, no football, no baseball, no other major sport competing for eyeballs, the wild, unpredictable race in Daytona won over new NASCAR fans in droves.
Fox’s rain-delayed broadcast of the Daytona 500 brought in 14.2 million viewers. The network finished ahead on Monday night, drawing in viewers away from regular programming on NBC, CBS, and ABC.
After Juan Pablo Montoya crashed into jet dryer containing 200 gallons of jet fuel, the race was delayed for a full two hours as NASCAR cleanup crews used Tide detergent and a bunch of other stuff to fix the damaged track. During this red flag pause, drivers started getting out of their cars and hanging out.
One driver, Brad Keselowski, started tweeting like crazy. He actually took a photo of the Montoya crash from his car while driving on the track. He tweeted the photo, became a topic of conversation, and used the red flag delay to generate over 100,000 new followers on Twitter. Keselowski ended up crashing out after the restart, but he sure did a lot to promote himself and the sport while other NASCAR drivers were standing around waiting to get back into the action.
Jeff Burton, our driver in the Daytona 500 Blogger Challenge ran well the whole night. He led for 24 laps and finished in fifth place. We’ll have some JB autographed merchandise to give away soon, so make sure you keep an eye on that for your chance to win.
Matt Kenseth beat out Dale Earnhardt Jr and fellow Roush Fenway teammate Greg Biffle to win his second Daytona 500. The race ended with a green and white checked flag and two extra overtime laps. It was a fitting end to a crazy night of racing.
Congrats to Kenseth, Roush Fenway, Valvoline and The Smoking Jacket, who had Kenseth in the Daytona 500 Blogger Challenge. Make sure to tune in to Fox next week as the NASCAR season rolls on at the Phoenix International Raceway.
Feb 28th
