Oil changes are one of the most important things you can do for your engine. It’s a part of routine maintenance, and depending on the oil, it should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Without healthy oil, fast-moving parts grind against each other and sustain heavy damage. In fact, running an engine without oil or bad oil will lead to repairs that cost way more than the car, otherwise known as a totaled car.
That said, oil changes are easy to do on your own and cheap to get done by a professional. However, the cost varies based on where your oil is changed and the type of oil you use. One of the most popular options is an oil change that uses Valvoline. While Valvoline is a good oil to use, you might be wondering if a Valvoline oil change is more expensive than other oil changes. Thankfully, we’re here to break it all down for you.
How Much is a Valvoline Oil Change?
Valvoline sells oil and also changes your oil if you bring it into a local service center. Typically, an oil change costs between $50 and $150, depending on the year, make, model, and engine of your vehicle. We got this number by reaching out to several Valvoline locations to compare pricing.
That said, the cost of an oil change will vary based on your location and the types of promotions that the company is running. For example, if there is a holiday special on oil changes, it may cost less than $50 for an oil change.
How Much Is Valvoline Oil?
If you still want the quality of Valvoline oil but want to avoid paying for the price of a full oil change, you can just purchase the oil from Valvoline. They produce high-quality oil, and you can choose from full-synthetic or synthetic blends that suit your needs. Full-synthetic Valvoline oil costs about $30 to $35, and some blends may cost around $20 to $25.
How Long Does a Valvoline Oil Change Take?
Valvoline oil changes are quick. Typically, they take less than an hour if you call ahead with an appointment; most vehicles can be done in about 30 minutes. However, if you don’t have an appointment, you might have to leave the car for the day or spend a few hours waiting for it.
Is Valvoline Oil Good?
When you’re shopping for affordable oil products or oil changes, it’s hard to know what you’re getting. You want to make sure the oil you’re looking for is good, or else you’ll be back at a different shop soon with a bunch of engine problems or bad oil. The good news is that Valvoline’s in-house oil is as good as competitors like Mobil1. Additionally, the oil is more affordable on average.
What Factors Influence a Valvoline Oil Change Price?
Several factors influence the cost of a Valvoline oil change. Therefore, it’s important to consider them before bringing your vehicle to a service center. Learn more about these factors below.
The Type of Oil
One of the biggest factors that impact the price of a Valvoline oil change is the type of oil you’re using. For example, full-synthetic engine oil costs upwards of $70 to $80, depending on the manufacturer. On the other hand, traditional engine oil or synthetic blends will cost about $30 to $40 on average. While synthetic is more expensive, you’re better off using it because it provides better cooling, lubrication, and longevity for your engine.
Type of Vehicle
The type of vehicle is another factor that influences the cost of an oil change. This is because some engines are more complicated to work on than others. For example, a high-end BMW’s oil change can cost upwards of $150 because it takes longer to drain and add the oil. Additionally, some luxury or high-performance brands will have specific oil requirements that drive the price up.
Valvoline Location
Believe it or not, Valvoline’s locations have different oil change prices. We found this out by contacting several stores and checking for the price. One location in New York ended up charging slightly more than a location in the Midwest because there was a promotion at that location. Always call around before visiting Valvoline for an oil change to save money when possible.
Other factors can also influence the cost of a Valvoline oil change, especially if there is damage to your engine.
Can You Change Your Oil Yourself?
Yes, you can change your own oil. Many people change their own oil because it’s one of the easiest routine maintenance jobs you can do. All you need is oil, an oil filter, an oil drip pan, and some other basic tools. Learn more about what it takes to change your own oil below.
Steps to Change Your Oil
If you’re interested in changing your own oil, we have a few steps that can help you get the job done right. While anyone can change their oil, we want to stress that it’s easier and less time-consuming to have it done by a professional if you’ve never done it before.
The steps to change your oil are:
- Lift your vehicle with a lift or jack stand and wait for it to cool down if you’ve been driving it.
- Place an oil catch pan beneath the oil pan.
- Locate and remove the drain plug to drain oil from the oil pan.
- Let the oil drain.
- Use a wrench or oil filter tool to remove the oil filter, then install the new filter.
- Tighten the drain plug.
- Add your new motor oil.
Following these steps will help you change your oil. Make sure you dispose of your oil properly by taking it to a local gas station. It’s against the law to drain it in storm or sewer drains, so keep this in mind.
Many people have a professional change their oil because gas stations and other places charge you a few to dispose of the oil anyway.
How Much Does it Cost to Change Your Own Oil?
The price of an oil change varies based on the type of oil used. For example, full synthetic is more expensive than traditional oil mixes. For this reason, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 for engine oil on average. From there, you also need to purchase an oil filter. On average, oil filters cost between $5 and $20.
Factors that influence this price include the type of filter and the specific vehicle. For example, a Lamborghini’s oil filter is going to cost more than a Ford Focus.
What Other Services Does Valvoline Offer?
Valvoline is a great place to have your oil changed, but you can also have other routine maintenance and minor repairs done. Some of the services vary based on location, but you can learn about their other services below.
Air Conditioning
One of Valvoline’s most popular services is its air conditioning maintenance option. Valvoline will recharge, replace, and add freon to your vehicle’s air conditioning system. They can also install some air conditioning components.
Serpentine Belt Replacement
Valvoline will remove and replace a serpentine belt. First, they’ll start by inspecting the belt, but once they identify it as a problem, you can have it replaced. The cost of services varies based on your vehicle.
Battery Replacement
Valvoline can help you test your battery’s voltage and replace it for you when the time comes. You don’t even have to worry about battery group size or cold crank amperage (CCA) because Valvoline will take care of it for you.
Transmission Service
Valvoline can replace transmission fluid, inspect your transmission, and provide assistance with diagnosing other transmission problems. While Valvoline technicians can handle rebuilding a transmission, it’s a job that we recommend going elsewhere with if you have anything more than a fluid problem.
Changing Filters
Valvoline is big on changing filters. The company can change your oil filter, air filter, and even your cabin air filter. That said, the price varies, and the cabin filter often costs the most because pieces in the cabin need to be removed to get there.
Windshield Wiper Replacement
Tired of fighting with your windshield wipers every time you try to slip a new blade in? Or you’ve noticed that your wiper arms don’t reach the same places anymore. Either way, Valvoline can help you replace your wipers or wiper blades.
Tire Rotation
Like many tire shops and auto shops, Valvoline will rotate your tires for you. Technicians can determine if it’s necessary and recommend that you rotate them. It’s one of the most affordable places to have this work done.
Fuel System Cleaning Service
After an oil change, you shouldget a fuel system cleaning done. This ensures that only clean fuel reaches the cylinder, and it doesn’t take too much extra time to clean the fuel system. Valvoline will use its best products to ensure that only the cleanest fuel is coming from the injectors.
Radiator Service
Notice that your engine is overheating? It’s a sign that your radiator isn’t working properly. The radiator lessens the temperature of coolant to send back through the engine, which maintains the overall engine operating temperature. If your engine is overheating, Valvoline can help you identify if it’s the radiator and help you get back on the road.
Depending on the specific Valvoline, these are only some of the services offered. For example, some locations may offer a service for differential fluid.
Get Your Oil Changed With Valvoline Today
Changing oil yourself is possible, but it takes a lot of time and still costs money. Plus, you have to make sure you get the right oil filter and know how to replace it properly. For these reasons, we always recommend having your oil changed by a professional company like Valvoline. Only high-quality oil is used, and if you make an appointment, it can take less than an hour to have your oil changed (in most cases).