When it’s time for an oil change, Valvoline Express Care and Instant Oil Change are two nationwide quick lube shop chains that offer speedy, convenient service. But with different locations, pricing, and service options, how do you know which is the better choice for your vehicle? This in-depth guide covers all the key factors to compare Valvoline and Instant Oil Change.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Valvoline Express Care | Instant Oil Change |
| Background | Established in 1986 | Established in 1978 |
| Locations | Over 1,000 nationwide | Approximately 780 |
| Services Offered | Additional services like transmission fluid exchanges | Focuses on essential maintenance services |
| Vehicle Brands | All domestic, European, Japanese, and Korean makes | All domestic, European, Japanese, and Korean makes |
| Oil and Fluid Brands | Valvoline, Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline-branded fluids | Valvoline-branded fluids |
| Pricing | Similar pricing range for standard and synthetic oil changes | Similar pricing for standard and synthetic oil changes |
| Payment Options | Cash, credit/debit cards, shop auto billing accepted | Standard payment options |
| Appointment Policies | Accepts appointments for all services, minimizing wait times | Appointments primarily for larger jobs, may experience first-come, first-served waits |
| Warranties | 6 months/6,000 miles oil change warranty, 12 months/12,000 miles parts & labor warranty, 24/7 roadside assistance | 6 months/6,000 miles oil change warranty |
| Nationwide Presence | Over 1,000 locations with a strong presence in the West Coast and Midwest | Approximately 780 locations with a strong presence on the East Coast |
| Verdict | Superior choice with more services, flexible appointments, better warranties, and larger national presence | A satisfactory choice for quick oil changes, but with fewer locations and fewer appointment options |
A Brief Background on Valvoline and Instant Oil Change
Valvoline opened its first Express Care location in 1986, bringing fast oil changes and preventative maintenance services to mainstream America.
Now operating over 1,000 company-owned and franchised shops, Valvoline focuses on speed, quality, and building customer relationships.
Meanwhile, Instant Oil Change performed its first quick oil change in 1978 and began franchising in 1987. With around 780 locations across the U.S. today, it provides 10-minute oil changes while you wait in your car.
Instant Oil Change is now owned by Driven Brands, the largest automotive service company in North America.
So both Valvoline Express Care and Instant Oil Change pioneered the speedy oil change concept decades ago. While each brand has expanded nationwide, Valvoline maintains roughly 25% more retail locations than Instant Oil Change.
Also Read: Comparison Between Midas And Jiffy Lube
Key Differences Between Valvoline and Instant Oil Change
Till now we’ve covered the basics. Let’s explore their key differences briefly:
1. Typical Services Offered
As quick lube shops, Valvoline and Instant Oil Change both focus on fast oil changes while you wait but also provide additional maintenance services:
- Oil and filter changes
- Fluid top-offs
- Tire rotation
- Serpentine belt service
- Battery testing/replacement
- Air filter replacement
- Wiper blades
Valvoline offers a few extra services like transmission fluid exchanges that you won’t find at Instant Oil Change. But for the most part, both stick to essential maintenance needs for all vehicle makes and models. Appointments aren’t required for basic oil changes at either chain.
2. Vehicle Brands Serviced
Vehicle brands approved for service include:
- All domestic makes: Ford, Chevy, Dodge etc.
- All European makes: BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volvo etc.
- All Japanese makes: Toyota, Honda, Nissan etc.
- All Korean makes: Hyundai, Kia
As maintenance shops for all vehicles, Valvoline Express Care and Instant Oil Change can perform oil changes and other quick services regardless of brand. Both use quality brand-approved oils and filters.
3. Oil and Fluid Brands Used
The oil product brands stocked include:
- Valvoline full synthetic and conventional oils
- Castrol synthetic and conventional oils
- Pennzoil conventional oils
For other fluids, you’ll typically find Valvoline branded products like:
- Valvoline MaxLife transmission fluid
- Valvoline coolant/antifreeze
- Valvoline brake fluid
This applies to both Instant Oil Change and Valvoline Express Care. So you can expect to have Valvoline oils and fluids applied at either chain. Both also use top original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters.
Also Read: Comparison Between Take 5 Oil and Valvoline
4. Pricing and Payment Options
Here is an overview of typical pricing at Valvoline and Instant Oil Change:
Standard Oil Change
- $40-$60 for full-service conventional oil change
Synthetic Oil Change
- $90-$110 for full synthetic
Other Services
- Tire rotation: $20-$25
- Wiper blade replacements: $10-$20
- Battery testing/replacement: $15-$40
Payment
- Cash, credit/debit cards, shop auto billing accepted
Pricing is very similar between the two quick lube chains. You’ll pay in the same range for conventional, synthetic, and other maintenance items at either brand. Payment options are standard.
Valvoline does offer a national rewards program that provides discount vouchers to active members. This allows return customers to save 10-20% on visits. Instant Oil Change has no equivalent loyalty program.
5. Appointment Policies
Both Valvoline Express Care and Instant Oil Change cater to drive-up customers. But you can schedule appointments online for guaranteed service times at either chain.
Valvoline offers appointments for any services from oil changes to battery replacement. Instant Oil Change focuses appointments on larger jobs beyond routine oil changes to guarantee timeliness.
So for basic oil servicing without a reservation, you may still experience some first come, first served waits at busier Instant Oil Change locations. Valvoline appointments can minimize waits even for quick oil changes.
6. Vehicle Service Warranties
The warranties provided offer reassurance that any mistakes or issues will be covered:
Oil Change Warranty
- 6 months or 6,000 miles at both chains
Parts & Labor Warranty
- 12 months or 12,000 miles at Valvoline
- 6 months or 6,000 miles at Instant Oil Change
Roadside Assistance
- Valvoline offers 24/7 roadside help if needed
So Valvoline provides more extensive coverage periods in case anything goes wrong during a visit. Its roadside help also adds security. Instant Oil Change still offers satisfactory warranty windows however.
7. Nationwide Footprints and Availability
With its full company ownership and larger retail footprint, Valvoline Express Care has the edge for national presence and convenience. Key stats:
- 1,000+ Valvoline locations in the U.S.
- 780 Instant Oil Change locations
Valvoline is more heavily distributed on the West Coast and Midwest, while Instant Oil Change has high density on the East Coast. But Valvoline shops can be found in most cities and metro regions, providing simpler access.
8. Choosing the Best Option for Your Vehicle
When selecting between Valvoline Express Care and Instant Oil Change for your oil change needs, keep these key factors in mind:
- Services – Valvoline offers a few more maintenance offerings like transmission fluid exchanges.
- Appointments – Valvoline allows reservations even for quick oil changes to avoid wait times.
- Warranties – Valvoline provides better coverage periods in case issues arise.
- Locations – With more shops nationally, Valvoline likely has better convenience.
- Prices – Both offer very aligned pricing for all standard services.
By weighing services, appointment flexibility, generous warranty protection, and national presence against your needs, Valvoline becomes the superior choice overall. But Instant Oil Change remains a satisfactory quick oil change provider.
Also Read: Differences Between Dextero And Cooper Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
More questions about Valvoline and Instant Oil Change? Below are some commonly asked questions:
Yes, Valvoline full synthetic and conventional oils are approved for use in Honda vehicles. The Advanced Full Synthetic product line is specially formulated to protect Honda engines.
Tipping is not expected or required at Valvoline or Instant Oil Change locations. However, customers are certainly welcome to tip for exceptional service if they choose.
Definitely. Valvoline synthetic and full synthetic oils are approved for use in BMW engines. Technicians can verify the proper oil for your BMW model.
The Valvoline brand of motor oils and lubricants is owned by Valvoline Inc., which operates Valvoline Instant Oil Change shops and distributes products worldwide.
Pricing is nearly identical between Instant Oil Change and Valvoline for basic services like oil changes, fluid top-offs, and tire rotations. Valvoline does offer more discounts through its rewards program.
Also Read: Comparison Between Oil Can Henry’s And Jiffy Lube
The Verdict
When you need an oil change in a hurry, both Valvoline Express Care and Instant Oil Change prove speed and convenience matter. Their national footprints provide accessibility for drivers anywhere. Per-service prices remain consistent between the major quick lube players too.
But Valvoline’s larger retail presence, flexible appointments that eliminate waits, stronger warranties, and loyalty rewards program edge them ahead of the competition. With more locations to serve you anytime and reassurance that your vehicle is covered, Valvoline brings added peace of mind over Instant Oil Change.
Any driver can trust fast, professional service from either brand. But if you are visiting new cities often or want maximum appointment flexibility, Valvoline’s accessibility and focus on the customer experience make it the clear nationwide leader in quick oil changes.