Are you considering Valvoline car maintenance service for your beloved vehicle? But the thought of what the whole experience is like is keeping you at bay? If so, you are not alone.
There are tons of Americans searching every day on the internet to know what exactly happens during an oil change at Valvoline and more. As someone who has recently understood how good they are during my DIY and Valvoline oil change comparison, I can be of great assistance, especially to first-timers.
Through my personal experience and that of people around me, I will give you a detailed peek into what you can expect from your first visit to the store.
We will discuss everything from start to finish. To ensure you understand everything well, we will take a step-by-step approach.
Whether you are driving a decade-old Toyota Camry like George or a recent release like Kelly, this guide will teach you the right way to approach Valvoline’s professional service and get on with your day as fast as possible.
What You See When You Arrive
Pulling up at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change location is nothing like visiting a typical mechanic shop. The building is sophisticated, and you will not be repelled in any way. You will not be asked to drop off your keys and wait inside a dingy lounge.
You can stay in your car the entire time while it is being inspected and worked on. No, I am not lying. It is a 100% ongoing practice at Valvoline.
There are normally 2-3 open service bays. There are signs everywhere guiding you where to pull in and where to stop. As soon as it is your turn, an employee will wave you forward when it is your turn.
The wait is not too long, especially if you visit them during weekdays, in the morning or around 2 to 4 in the afternoon. Weekends and evenings are usually packed, so I would suggest avoiding those times.
The entire setup of sitting inside the car while it gets serviced is highly convenient, especially if you have kids, pets, or bulky items with you in the car. It’s like a drive-thru but for car maintenance.
They Will Greet You Right Away
One of the best things about my experience with Valvoline is that as soon as you roll into the bay, a staff or technician comes to your window and greets you. Their positive aura and smiley interaction do put a spin on a boring activity.
They introduce themselves to you politely and professionally and then move forward by asking a few basic questions like your car’s:
- Make and model.
- Mileage.
- Compatible oil type.
- Compatible oil filter.
Do not worry if you are not sure about any of this information. They can help you check and guide you accordingly. Before moving ahead with any service, from a regular oil change to tire rotation and more, they will first check your manufacturer’s recommendation and explain the options in the simplest way possible.
As someone familiar with automotive jargon, seeing them not talk about anything unnecessary or out of context, I was really impressed. You should also not worry about them getting all technical and you not understanding anything.
Step-By-Step Oil Change While You Relax In Your Car
If you are not familiar, let me tell you. Valvoline is hailed in the American automotive community for its speedy oil change. They strive to provide their customers with transparent and efficient service. It usually takes around 15 minutes or less.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of what and how they will do things.
1. Popping The Hood
First, the technician will ask you to pop the hood from the inside. Then they will open it and inspect your engine for any leaks or issues like a bad distributor, loose wires, and more.
2. Discuss The Inspection
After the thorough engine inspection, they will tell you what they have found, what they are going to do, and how. If you have any problem following through or any doubts, you can ask them again until you are sure. The staff generally keeps your needs above everything else. However, the staff behavior may vary from location to location.
3. Drain The Old Oil
Once they confirm there are no leaks and you are on the same page with them, they will move ahead with draining the old oil through a hatch under your car. They will literally disappear below your car. If you have kids with you, they are going to enjoy the entire show of appearing and disappearing.
4. Replace The Oil Filter
Once the entire oil is out, the next step will be replacing your oil filter. The oil filter gets filthy over time with dirt and grime buildup. The degraded one can hinder your engine’s performance, thus, it is always crucial to have it changed.
5. Add New Oil
Once the new filter is in place, the next step is to pour in the new oil. Valvoline offers a wide range of oils, from full synthetic to synthetic blend and conventional. Based on your manufacturer’s recommendation, they can suggest various options but, in the end, you are the one to choose. They will pour in the new oil to the required level. To double-check, they will use the dipstick and top off as required.
All this is done while you sit in the driver’s seat of your lovely family ride and enjoy your favorite music and air conditioning. You do not need to feel awkward sitting in a waiting room filled with strangers. You get in and out in no time, barely getting an abrupt pause in your day.
Helpful Tip: Always double-check which type of oil and oil filter they are using. You can raise concerns if anything seems off to you. They will proceed only if you are okay with it.
They Check More Than Just Your Oil
The one thing that separates Valvoline from its competitors is its 18-point inspection. With every oil change, you get a free and extensive maintenance check. Most people either don’t know this or miss it while sipping their coffee, but Valvoline technicians will also examine:
- Air filter
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Battery test (at participating locations)
- Brake fluid
- Cabin air filter (if requested)
- Differential fluids (if requested)
- Headlights
- Lubricate chassis (where applicable)
- Power steering fluid
- Radiator fluid
- Reset the oil change light
- Taillights
- Tire pressure
- Transfer case fluid (if requested)
- Under chassis visual inspection
- Underhood visual inspection
- Windshield washer fluid
- Wiper blades
Through this extensive inspection, they might recommend several other maintenance tasks that you should perform on your car. Do not feel stressed. They are simply suggesting. The final decision is yours. On my visit, I was also suggested a few tasks, but I declined outright, and they didn’t ask again.
I would recommend you to go with their suggestions if your vehicle is due its regular upkeep. If not, ask them about the severity of the issue and which one can be held on for your next visit.
According to an ASE-certified technician on an online forum, Valvoline’s service model is built around customer trust. They are trained to explain, not sell. They aim to make you understand your car, not fear it. And it is the kind of experience I got during my visit last month.
It’s Time To Pay and Wrap-Up
After the oil change and all the extensive checks are complete, you will get a rundown from the technician. They will tell you what oil was used, different services that were performed, and anything that they think you need to keep an eye on.
In addition to this, they will also provide a price run down with a detailed receipt that includes:
- Your next recommended service date
- Your mileage
- Notes (if any) from the inspection
The great thing is that you can pay with cash, card, or digital wallets like Apply Pay and be done in no time. Most visits typically take 15 to 20 minutes, making it seem like a small detour instead of car upkeep.
It generally costs around $45 to $100+, mainly depending on the oil you choose. Are you shocked as well? Want to learn which Valvoline engine oil is more pocket-friendly? Just check it out here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at Valvoline?
No. It is all walk-in. You just pull into their driveway and wait for an employee to guide you forward.
Do they try to upsell stuff?
Not usually. They only suggest services if they find something in your ride that needs attention, like a cabin filter. But in the end, it is up to you whether you want to go with their recommendations or not. Pushy sales tactics are things of the past.
Can I bring my own oil or filter?
Some locations allow it. However, to be sure, it is best to call ahead and confirm. They typically use Valvoline products to ensure quality and consistency, but if you feel different, you can opt for others.
Conclusion
If you are new to car maintenance or are simply done with traditional garages, Valvoline is honestly one of the most transparent and trustworthy places to go.
You get the job done all while you sit in your seat and relax. 15 minutes is all it takes. It is a great option, especially for first-timers. There is no anxiety, no staying in the backroom and wondering what is going on with your car, and decoding mechanical jargons.
So, if you are thinking of taking your car to Valvoline, go ahead, there is nothing to fear.
