Do you just drive up to valvoline

Like it says in the title. I got my first car a few months ago and it's due for an oil change. I'm planning on going to a local Jiffy Lube and I'm not sure if I should call first to make an appointment or just head over there. I'd like to avoid calling if possible, but I can if that's the thing you're supposed to do.

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On a related note, does anyone have info on prices at Jiffy Lube locations? Would it likely be better to go to a smaller, local mechanic for this? I'm planning on having them do an oil change, overall fluid top-off, and an air filter replacement.

"Rip off" is strong in that they generally do what you paid them to do.

"Every 3,000 miles" is very old advice, designed for non-synthetic oils.

Read your owner's manual (it's probably a separate maintenance guide) to find out oil change intervals. Even using the "severe service" schedule it's usually more than 3,000 miles.

"Valvoline" is an oil company. "Valvoline Instant Oil Change" is just a local business that's paying Valvoline to use their name.

The employees are, for the most part, not mechanics; they're lightly trained people who, hopefully, follow tight procedures and cross-checks to make sure they don't forget any of the little things like putting an oil filter on or tightening the drain plug.

Their job is to sell you other stuff. Back in the 90's, I had a guy who owned fast lubes in NJ tell me that their average ticket was $115. This was when the typical oil change went for maybe $30 - $40.

You may need other stuff; you may not need other stuff. An honest local owner will only want to sell you stuff you need. Its my experience that most cars have enough stuff they legitimately need that you don't need to sell stuff that they don't need to be successful.

That's more than the VW dealer charges me for a synthetic oil change.

OIL CHANGE COUPONS

It's easy to save with Valvoline Instant Oil Change coupons. Text or email any of these great oil change offers. Print on desktop. Or save to wallet on your mobile phone

Valvoline™ Full-Service Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend Oil Change

Offer details: Plus Tax. Not valid with any other same-service offers/discounts, including fleets. Good at participating locations. Includes up to 5 quarts of Synthetic Blend, Full Synthetic or Diesel oil (diesel quarts may vary; see store for details), filter (prem. extra), lube and maintenance check.

Valvoline™ Full-Service Conventional Oil Change

Offer details: Plus Tax. Not valid with any other same-service offers/discounts, including fleets. Good at participating locations. Includes up to 5 quarts of Conventional oil, filter (prem. extra), lube and maintenance check.

Oil Change FAQ's

What is included in an oil change?

A full-service oil change includes up to 5 quarts of Valvoline oil, new oil filter and lubrication of chassis components according to your vehicle manufacturer’s specs.


We will also check the following1:

  • Fluid in Automatic Transmissions
  • Power Steering Fluid
  • Washer fluid
  • Antifreeze/coolant
  • Tire Pressure
  • Air Filter
  • Serpentine Belt
  • Wiper Blades
  • Vehicle lights
  • Battery

1Some service centers may include more than 5 quarts of oil and may not perform the complete list of service checks.

How long will an oil change take?

Typically, we will have you in and out of the service center in about 15 minutes after your oil change begins. The wait time prior is usually minimal.

What type of oil is available?

We offer Valvoline oil in a variety of grades and weights.  Visit one of our service centers for more details.  We pour only Valvoline oil – unlike many of our competitors who use different oils of varying quality.  Always ask your oil change provider what brand and type of oil they are putting in your car.

What type of oil does my car need?

Type of oil needed depends upon the make and model of your vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommendation.  Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers always consult manufacturer recommendations when providing you with choices and recommendations for the type of oil to be used in your car.

Does the store have a waiting room?

Most stores do have a waiting room.  However most services do not typically require you to leave the comfort of your car.

Do I have to get out of my car?

No, you do not need to get out of your car for an oil change or most other services.  In fact, we prefer you to stay in your car and enjoy the show.  The one exception is a tire rotation.  Because we have to lift up your vehicle to rotate your tires, we ask that you wait in the waiting room while we perform tire rotation services.

How long will a service take?

An oil change will take about 15 minutes.  Some services like air filter replacement can be performed at the same time as your oil change. Other preventive maintenance services could require additional time.  Some services may only require 10 minutes and others 20 minutes or more.  For specific service times visit the Services section.

What is the price for an oil change?

Pricing for an oil change depends on the type of oil you choose, the number of quarts required for your vehicle and any discounts or specials that may be available to you.  For specific pricing, please visit or contact your local service center.

Radiator Service FAQ's

How long does radiator service usually take?

This service usually takes about 20 minutes.

What does radiator service do?

A radiator fluid exchange helps protect the radiator from rust and corrosion and your engine from freezing and overheating.

Is the coolant Valvoline Instant Oil Change uses compatible with my vehicle?

MaxLife antifreeze/coolant is compatible with nearly all makes and models.  Technicians will ensure compatibility before servicing your vehicle.

Is radiator service a flush or a drain and fill?

It is a fluid replacement not a drain and fill.

Does Valvoline Instant Oil Change replace hoses?

No, we do not replace hoses.

Air Filter Replacement FAQ's

How Long Does an Air Filter Replacement Service Take?

This service usually can be performed during the oil change service.

How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?

The air filter helps prevent dirty air from contaminating your engine.

Serpentine Belt Replacement FAQ's

Does Valvoline Instant Oil Change replace the pulley?

Though not a part of the service, Valvoline Instant Oil Change technicians will replace a tensioner that fails during the removal or installation of a serpentine belt.

How long before my serpentine belt breaks?

There is no way to predict the remaining life of a cracked or worn belt. All belts should be replaced whenever they show signs of wear or are recommended to be replaced by the manufacturer.

How long does serpentine belt service take?

The service time on this service varies depending on the type of vehicle.

Why does my serpentine belt squeak?

A squeak can be caused by a worn belt or a loose tensioner. Valvoline Instant Oil Change can inspect your serpentine belt as and let you know if replacing the belt could help this problem.

Headlight/Taillight Replacement FAQ's

How Long Do Headlight & Taillight Replacement Services Take?

This service usually can be performed during the oil change process.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights

Most Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers do not service High Intensity Discharge lights. Contact your local store for availability.

Can I Get a Ticket for Broken Headlights and Taillights?

Laws vary by state and locality, but in many areas, you can be pulled over and cited for any light out on a vehicle.

Air Conditioning Service FAQ's

How long does air conditioning service usually take?

This service usually takes about 20 minutes.

Refrigerant for Car AC: What You Need to Know

Valvoline Instant Oil Change only services R-134a vehicles and adds the proper amount of refrigerant as needed by the vehicle.

AC Valves: Purpose, Replacement & More

We will replace a leaking valve as part of a service at no charge to the customer.

Is There a Valvoline Warranty for Car Air Conditioning Service?

Air conditioning service comes with a 30 day warranty.

Differential Service FAQ's

Can you check the level of the fluid?

Absolutely. Though not part of our standard service, we’d be happy to at your request.

How Long Does Differential Service Take?

This service usually takes about 10 minutes per differential.

What is Differential Fluid?

This service replaces the fluid that helps protect the gears from grinding.

Tire Rotation FAQ's

Can I stay in my vehicle while the service is being performed?

No, it is unsafe to be in a vehicle that is on a lift while a rotation is performed.

How to Rotate Tires Properly

Yes, in most cases. If the tires are of different size or if the customer requests a different pattern, we will rotate the tires differently.

How Long Does a Tire Rotation Take?

This service usually takes about 15 minutes.

What does tire rotation service do?

Rotating your tires helps to maximize traction and the life of your tires.

Battery Service FAQ's

How Long Does it Take to Replace a Car Battery?

This service usually takes about 15 minutes.

Car Battery Types, Sizes & Brands

Our stores use Interstate Batteries.

How Long Should a Car Battery Last?

All our batteries come with a free replacement time period and a prorated time period. These times vary based on the battery the vehicle requires.

Battery Terminal Corrosion, Cleaning & More

Yes, the battery terminals are cleaned as part of a battery replacement.

Is the battery core included?

The core charge is included in the price.

Wiper Blade Replacement Service FAQ's

How Long Does it Take to Replace Wiper Blades?

This service usually can be performed during the oil change process.

How Long Do Wiper Blades Last?

Wiper life varies by usage and weather conditions. Valvoline Instant Oil Change can inspect your wiper blades for wear.

Fuel System Service FAQ's

How Long Does Fuel System Service Take?

This service usually takes about 20 minutes.

What Does Cleaning Fuel Injectors Do?

This service removes dirt and deposits to help restore fuel economy and improve rough idle and hesitation.

How fast is a Valvoline oil change?

And with an oil change completed in about 15 minutes, you shouldn't be waiting long. More reasons to trust your car to the experts at Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Our certified technicians have over 270 hours of training. FREE 18-point safety check with every oil change.

Is it safe to get your oil changed at Valvoline?

Our friendly, certified technicians complete 270 hours of professional training. 18-Point Safety Check. We perform 18 additional vehicle safety checks for FREE with every oil change.

How do you do an oil change on a car?

How to Change Your Oil.
Step 1: Jack It Up, Open It Up. First, you'll want to lift the car high enough to give yourself room to work under it. ... .
Step 2: Unplug It, Drain It. ... .
Step 3: Off With the Old Filter. ... .
Step 4: Drain Plug in, Filter On. ... .
Step 5: Fill It Back Up with Oil. ... .
Step 6: Check the Oil Level, Check for Leaks..

Why does Valvoline charge so much for oil change?

The bottom line is that, because Valvoline has both products and services to offer its clients, they are considered to be a premium company with premium pricing. When a company can offer both products and services to a customer, they can get away with charging a higher amount.