150k Mile Report – Restore & Protect Oil + BG44K = Real Results

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by TNPrius20, Jul 8, 2025 at 9:26 AM.

  1. TNPrius20

    TNPrius20 New Member

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    Hey everyone,

    I wanted to share a full update on my experience using Valvoline Restore & Protect in my 2015 Prius (Gen 3), currently at 150,350 miles. I’ve been focused on long-term reliability and preventative maintenance, and this oil has delivered some real improvements.

    Background:
    Before switching, I was using Mobil 1 Extended Protection and averaging around 39–41 MPG. The engine had some cold start roughness and didn’t feel very smooth under load.

    At around 144,350 miles, I switched to Valvoline Restore & Protect 0W-20. I’ve now completed three full oil changes using R&P:
    • First change: ~144,350
    • Second change: ~146,850 (short 2,500-mile flush interval)
    • Third change: 150,350 (after a 3,500-mile run)
    Each change used a Valvoline oil filter, and I added BG44K after the second oil change.

    Driving Results:
    • Current MPG (after 3rd R&P change): 46.1 MPG on a normal commute
    • Previous average (on Mobil 1): 39–41 MPG
    • Improved average during R&P use: 42–43 MPG
    • Total MPG improvement: ~5 to 7 MPG
    • Oil consumption trend:
      • On Mobil 1: ~0.1–0.2 quarts every 3,000 miles
      • After first R&P: reduced to ~0.1 quarts
      • After second R&P: 0 quarts used over a 3,500-mile interval
    • Engine behavior:
      • Cold starts now completely smooth
      • Quieter idle
      • Stronger and more responsive throttle
      • Overall smoother engine operation with no rattles or vibration

    Other Maintenance Completed:
    • New KYB Strut-Plus front struts
    • Moog sway bar links (front)
    • Recently switched to Bosch QuietCast brakes
    • Planning upcoming work:
      • EGR cooler clean/swap
      • PCV valve
      • Intake manifold clean or replace
      • Engine water pump replacement
    Final Thoughts:
    Valvoline Restore & Protect has been a worthwhile switch. Fuel economy is up, oil usage is gone, and the engine genuinely feels healthier. If your Gen 3 Prius is in the 120k–180k mile range and you’re chasing better efficiency or trying to delay oil burning and head gasket concerns, this might be worth testing out.

    Let me know if you’ve tried it too or have questions about the process or results.
     
    Jim Swart, Grit and Noahdoge like this.
  2. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Great post! Focusing on longevity, when was the last time egr circuit was cleaned?
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  3. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Changing oil won't effect cold starts or rough idle or throttle response.
    It really won't effect your mpg either, unless you were using 40w or 50w or higher.
    Which you shouldn't be doing anyways... buttttt.......

    The bg products don't really work either.

    Will it effect oil burning????? Mayyyybbeeeeeeee
    If you've been changing your oil every 5000 miles, not very likely.

    You have low miles, for a Prius. And with synthetic oil (you have been using synthetic oil?),
    the engine is going to be very clean.
    Now if you've been using non synthetic oil, then changing oil will effect how clean the engine is
    and possibly your mpg. Probably best to still with Toyota OEM oil filters...

    Perhaps your driving habit's have change. The fuel you use, and are you putting cleaner in the
    fuel also? That will effect the mpg.

    I've been using seafoam 500 miles before oil change, and I had used the bg products, NO change.
    And I started using the valvoline retore and protect since March 2024 at 330,277 Miles.
    Changing oil at 5000 miles, give or take a few hundred miles using RP.
    I am currently at 372, 200 miles. So 8 oil changes. I think I'm burning more oil now.

    You say you've only been getting 40 mpg???? That's horrible. Unless you do a lot of city driving
    or drive very fast for highway driving.

    • Current MPG (after 3rd R&P change): 46.1 MPG on a normal commute
    • Previous average (on Mobil 1): 39–41 MPG
    • Improved average during R&P use: 42–43 MPG
    • Total MPG improvement: ~5 to 7 MPG
    42-39 is "3"
    43-42 is "2"

    That is not a 5-7 mpg improvement.

    Where are you getting 46mpg average from your information??
     
  4. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    I’m excited to try the Valvoline R&P on my next oil change with a carquest premium oil filter (converted to spin on). I’m at 210k and burn 0.5-0.7 quart every 5k, so oil consumption isn’t bad but also not the best. I get about 45 mpg with majority highway driving.
     
    Jim Swart likes this.
  5. Noahdoge

    Noahdoge Active Member

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    I’m curious with your high mileage, how much oil consumption do you have per 5,000 miles.
     
  6. Eddie25

    Eddie25 Active Member

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    I went from about a quart every 1k miles to 1/4qt every 10k miles by using B12 chemtool as a piston soak (which was 25k miles ago). I have been using R&P for the last 10k miles with no discernable effect. I would still recommend the piston soak to anyone dealing with extreme oil burning.
     
  7. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Unless you soak those pistons for ages, it is like snake oil.
    It takes a long time for the liquid to get through those oil rings, and then to actually clean them??????

    1-2 quartz depending on how I drive.....
     
  8. Eddie25

    Eddie25 Active Member

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    I merely soaked for 14 hours overnight and I make no exaggeration. I did rotate the crank and refill the cylinders regularly while I was awake. Not claiming it will work for everyone but it worked for me.