How Much Is an Instant Oil Change at Valvoline? [Costs and All Services Offered!]

An oil change is one of the most vital engine maintenance services you should take seriously. Some do it after 5,000 miles or 10,000 miles, but that depends on the usage and type of oil.

But how much is an oil change? It depends on where you service your vehicle and the motor oil brand you use. At Valvoline, you can service your car for as low as $44.98 or as high as $98.98.

The cost of changing the oil in your car depends on your engine size. Some require 4 quarts of engine oil, while others need more or less. Read on for detailed information about the oil change at Valvoline, including engine oil types and when and why you should change your engine oil.

Why Do You Need an Oil Change?

Motor oil performs many functions in your engine. First, it lubricates various moving parts to reduce friction, which causes wear. That makes your engine last longer.

The other role of engine oil is cooling. As the engine oil passes over the components, it absorbs heat, keeping your engine within the operating temperature.

Other functions of engine oil include cleaning the parts, forming a seal between the joints, absorbing shock, and preventing corrosion. But does all that explain why you should change the engine oil?

The engine breaks down over time. It loses its lubrication ability because it becomes too thin. Engine oil also becomes dirty, hindering its other functions. You should replace engine oil as the manufacturer recommends without skipping a date.

A regular oil change keeps your engine clean and running smoothly. It will also make your engine last longer.

How Much Is an Oil Change at Valvoline?

Valvoline is one of the highly reputable engine oil brands in the industry. The company also has its service centers almost everywhere, making it very convenient for car owners.

The Valvoline Express Care offers fast, reliable, affordable oil changes with added benefits. It takes only 15 minutes on average to change the engine oil at Valvoline, making it ideal for people with tight schedules.

You can also choose from an extensive line of oil brands and types according to your budget. But how much will it cost you to change your oil at Valvoline?

The cost of an oil change depends on many factors, including the oil type, brand, and engine size. The prices are as outlined in the chart below. They are as at the time of this publication and can change depending on the company review.

Why Change Your Engine Oil at Valvoline?

Changing oil at Valvoline is more than just an oil change. Apart from the quick and reliable service you get, the package also comes with the following:

1. Assorted Preventive Maintenance Checks

• Battery Check: Valvoline cares about your battery and performs preventive maintenance checks for free to ensure it is in the best working conditions. The technicians will advise you otherwise if the battery needs replacement.
• Automatic Transmissions Fluid: Technicians at Valvoline will check the transmission fluid level when you go for an oil change. This is vital to ensure you don’t drive with low transmission fluid, which can ruin your transmission, leading to costly repairs. 
• Air Filter Check: This engine component does what the name suggests. It can be clogged with debris over time. That is why technicians at Valvoline check and clean it if it is dirty. They can also recommend replacement to help keep your engine running smoothly.
• Tire Pressure Check: Some vehicles have tire pressure monitoring systems. But what if your car does not have it? Technicians at Valvoline check your tire pressure and adjust it for free.
• Vehicle LightsCheck and Testing: Oil change at Valvoline also caters to vehicle light preventive maintenance checks. The technicians check the bulb condition and light output and ensure their proper alignment to keep you safe on the road.

2. Other Associated Services

Valvoline offers more than just oil change. The company also has the following services:

• Antifreeze Or Coolant Check and Replacement

An antifreeze coolant remains liquid under a wide range of temperatures. It effectively cools your engine and maintains it at the operating temperature.

Technicians at Valvoline check your cooling system for leaks and functionality, including topping up or changing the coolant as necessary. This service is equally important as the oil change to keep your engine running smoothly without overheating. 

• Power Steering Fluid

If your car has the power steering feature, which most cars have, it relies on a fluid to make steering effortless. The power steering fluid can become dirty or contaminated. Thereby losing its property.

The power steering fluid check at Valvoline ensures the fluid meets the quality standard, and it will be replaced if necessary.

• Wiper Blades and Washer Fluids

The washer fluid service involves topping up the fluid and inspecting the windscreen wiper blades. The blades are replaced if they are worn out.

You need this service to enhance your visibility when driving under different weather and road conditions.

• Serpentine Belt

The serpentine belt drives the alternator, water pump, radiator fan, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. This vital component also wears out over time. That is why it should be regularly checked.

This service entails serpentine inspection for wear and tension. The technicians then take necessary actions, which include adjusting the tension or replacing the entire belt.

Understanding Different Types of Engine Oils

You should be keen regarding the type of oil you want to put in your engine. Not all motor oils are formulated the same. They vary in viscosity and other properties, making them ideal for different applications.

Motor oils can be conventional/regular, fully synthetic, or synthetic blends. There is also a premium or high-mileage motor oil. But what is the difference?

1. Conventional and Regular Motor Oil

Conventional motor oils are made from refined crude oil and mixed with other oil types. They contain about 90-95% base oil by weight, which determines their performance in lubricating and cooling the engine.

Regular oils are the most affordable, but you need to change them more frequently than other engine oil types. They also do not protect your engine as much as others.

2. Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic or full synthetic motor oil is made from hydrocarbons extracted from crude oil or natural gas. They also contain other additives to improve performance and properties, such as antifreeze.

Full synthetic oils have a higher boiling point, offer better protection, and last longer than regular engine oils, but they are the most expensive.  

3. Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

Synthetic blend motor oil combines full synthetic and regular engine oil. The individual oils may have the same or different viscosities, but their sizes must match.

Synthetic blend motor oil offers the benefits of its constituents. They have better protection and lifespan than conventional oil. This oil type is also more affordable than fully synthetic, but the latter is still superior.

4. Premium and High-Mileage Engine Oil

High-mileage or premium motor oil is specifically for engines with over 75,000 miles. It is formulated with special additives that give it superior friction and corrosion protection.

This engine oil type can be a regular, fully synthetic, or synthetic blend. The difference is the additive that makes it offer better protection to older engines.

Factor Affecting the Cost of Oil Change at Valvoline

The cost of an oil change at any engine service depends on the engine size and type of oil. Different service centers can also set varying prices depending on the location and oil brand.

1. Oil Type

Fully synthetic oil is the most expensive, while conventional or regular motor oil is the most affordable. The synthetic blend falls in between.

Apparently, you will spend more for an oil change if you choose full synthetic motor oil. The cost also varies depending on the oil brand you choose. You can opt for regular engine oil, but you will return to the service center sooner than when you use full synthetic or synthetic blend oil.

2. Engine Size

Different engines require varying amounts of motor oil. For instance, a 4-cylinder engine may take only 5 quarts or less, and a 6-cylinder needs about 6 quarts. But if your car is fitted with an 8-cylinder engine, the amount of oil required will be between 5 and 8 quarts.

The more oil your engine takes, the more expensive the oil change will be.

When to Change an Engine Oil

The engine oil change frequency depends on the oil type used and how frequently you use your car. It also depends on the age of your vehicle and the driving conditions.

Older engines should be serviced every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes fast. Their parts require more lubrication and protection against corrosion.

More modern engines can be serviced every 5,000-10,000 miles, depending on the oil type used. Some full synthetic motor oils can keep you going for up to 15,000 miles. But always read the manufacturer’s specifications and track the dates or mileage.

The road conditions and how you drive can make you change your engine oil much earlier than anticipated.

How Much Oil Does My Engine Need?

How much oil your engine needs depends on its size. The larger it is, the more it will take. This information is available in the owner’s manual.

But generally, the amount of oil for different engine sizes is as follows:

• A 4-cylinder engine requires about 4 quarts of oil
• A 6-cylinder engine requires about 6 quarts of oil
• An 8-cylinder engine requires between 5 quarts and 8 quarts of oil.

DIY Engine Oil Change: Step-By-Step

You can change your engine oil in the garage. Driving to a service center or contacting a mechanic is an option since it is a DIY process.

If you choose to do it yourself, you will need the following:

Recommended motor oil type and quantity for your car

• A funnel
• An oil filter wrench
• Hand gloves
• A tray bucket for draining the oil
• Ca car jack and stand (optional but recommended)
• A new filter

Use the following steps to change your engine oil if you have everything you will need for the process:

1. Wear your gloves and dust cot in preparation for the steps that follow.
2. Lift up the front side of the vehicle to create enough space to work under it.
3. Take out any cover blocking the oil pan and filter. You should also check for any oil leaks at this step and ensure it is fixed before changing the oil.
4. Place the bucket or tray below the oil pan and unscrew the drain plug with a wrench to allow the engine oil to drain. It takes about 5 minutes, but it can vary.
5. Unscrew the old oil filter and let the excess oil drain before installing a new filter.
6. Tighten the drain plug again and reinstall any oil pan covers you had removed earlier.
7. Use a funnel to pour the new oil into the tank after removing the cap and give it a few minutes to circulate.
8. Start the engine and let it warm up. Check for any leakage before lowering the car. Viola! You have successfully changed the oil.

FAQs

Can I go 10000 miles with synthetic oil?

Yes. Some full synthetic oil brands can go for 10,000 miles or even more, but that also depends on the age of your engine and driving conditions. Seek advice from a mechanic.

Can I switch from conventional oil to full synthetic?

Yes. You can switch from conventional motor oil to full synthetic and vice versa, but you should track the dates. Full synthetic oil gives you more mileage than regular oil. So, don’t forget to change your oil according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Can I take my BMW to Valvoline?

Yes. Valvoline full synthetic oil meets the standards for most European cars, including VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi. You can also contact your dealership for more information if you doubt anything.

How long does it take to get the oil changed?

An oil change at Valvoline takes about 15 minutes or less and should be relatively the same at different service stations. The difference can be if you requested additional services, such as transmission fluid check, cooling system inspection, etc.

Final Remarks

The oil change at Valvoline is not very expensive as many might think. It costs about $44.98 – $98.98, depending on the oil type and engine size.

The Valvoline oil change also has additional services, including battery check, automatic fluid inspection, air filter, tire pressure, and vehicle light checking and testing. You get a complete package to keep your car in the best condition.

Valvoline is a reliable and reputable motor oil brand. But if you want an oil change at their service centers, you can choose other brands and oil types. The company guarantees the best service.