Valvoline's 'Restorative' Oil Nabs Top Innovation Award Down Under

BAULKHAM HILLS, Australia – May 30, 2026 – In a significant nod from industry experts, Valvoline Global Operations has secured a prestigious award for an engine oil that promises not just to protect, but to restore. The company’s Restore & Protect synthetic engine oil was named the ‘2026 Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Performance)’ at the Australian Auto Aftermarket (AAA) Innovation Awards, a recognition that is sending ripples through the automotive care industry.

Presented by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the award validates Valvoline's bold claims for the product, which launched in July 2024. The company markets Restore & Protect as the first engine oil capable of removing up to 99% of engine-killing deposits, effectively helping to restore engine performance to a like-new state with continuous use. This concept challenges the traditional role of motor oil as a purely preventative lubricant and positions it as an active treatment for engine longevity.

"We are incredibly proud to see Restore & Protect recognised by the Australian automotive aftermarket industry," said Matt Shirt, Vice President and General Manager for Australia & New Zealand at Valvoline Global Operations, in a statement following the win. "This award reflects Valvoline's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that help meet the evolving needs of drivers and workshops, while continuing our long standing legacy of inventing the way forward."

A New Benchmark in Engine Care

The AAA Innovation Awards are a biennial event considered a benchmark for excellence in the region's vibrant aftermarket sector. Judged by a panel of independent, highly qualified experts from various automotive and professional disciplines, the award lends significant credibility to Valvoline's technological assertions. To even be considered, products must demonstrate significant, tangible innovation and have been released in the Australian market within the preceding two years.

Valvoline’s winning formula centers on two proprietary technologies. Its "Active Clean technology" uses advanced molecules to chemically dissolve stubborn carbon deposits from piston surfaces, breaking them down into microscopic particles that are then suspended within the oil and removed during the next oil change. This is complemented by a "Liqui-Shield" additive, which then forms a protective barrier on clean surfaces to prevent new deposits from forming. The company's internal testing claims this process can result in engine parts being cleaner after 300,000 miles than they were with a standard industry oil at 100,000 miles.

Market Reception and Real-World Results

Since its 2024 launch, Restore & Protect has been gaining traction in the competitive Australian engine oil market, which was valued at over USD 1.46 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow steadily. The product enters a landscape dominated by established players like Penrite, Castrol, and Liqui Moly, all of which are focusing on advanced synthetic formulations that promise enhanced protection and efficiency.

However, Valvoline's unique "restorative" marketing angle appears to be resonating with consumers, particularly those with older, higher-mileage vehicles. Anecdotal evidence from online automotive forums and consumer review sites paints a picture of a product delivering on its promises. Drivers have reported noticeable improvements, including quieter engine operation, smoother performance, and, most significantly, a reduction in oil consumption—a common issue in aging engines caused by deposit buildup on piston rings.

One user on an influential automotive forum documented a dramatic decrease in oil burning in their high-mileage vehicle, going from consuming nearly three quarts between oil changes to less than one after four consecutive cycles with Restore & Protect. Many users note that the cleaning effect is gradual, designed to safely remove buildup over several thousand miles rather than dislodging it in large, potentially harmful chunks.

A Strategic Play Backed by Global Power

The success of Restore & Protect is not an isolated event but part of a broader, well-funded innovation strategy for Valvoline. With a 160-year history and its own dedicated engine research lab, the company has long been a pioneer in lubrication technology. This capacity was significantly amplified following the March 2023 acquisition of Valvoline's global products division by Aramco, one of the world's largest energy and chemical companies.

The partnership provides Valvoline with unparalleled access to resources and base oil technologies, accelerating its research and development pipeline. The company is aggressively pursuing solutions for the entire spectrum of modern mobility, from advanced fluids for hybrid engines that combat water contamination and corrosion, to a portfolio of E-fluids developed over two decades for the growing electric vehicle market.

This award, while focused on a product for traditional internal combustion engines, underscores a forward-thinking strategy. By solving a core problem for millions of existing vehicle owners—engine aging and deposit buildup—Valvoline reinforces its brand relevance while simultaneously investing in the technologies of tomorrow. For the Australian and New Zealand workshops and drivers who now have access to this award-winning oil, it represents a potential shift in how they approach long-term vehicle maintenance, turning a routine oil change into an opportunity for engine restoration.