Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Tried out the Valvoline rather than Jiffy Lube today. I would not call this «full service». No window cleaning or vacuuming here. No trash dumping or sweeping out either. The guys were friendly and efficient. I was their first customer at about 8:15 AM. I was out in about 10 – 15 minutes. I was given the sales presentation for upgraded oil, transmission and radiator flush, and tire rotation. I only elected the standard oil, which was $ 65 for six quarts! Times have changed since the $ 20 oil changes! I was most disappointed in that they did not check the radiator fluid temperature freezing capability and only filled the windshield washer reservoir with water, and this is early January! I am not sure if they checked the tire pressure… I hope so! I went home and tested the radiator fluid, added washer fluid, vacuumed, and washed the Windows!

Had bought a new vehicle that had a stripped oil plug, they listened to my request of putting a higher weight than what the computer tell them to, and they did not charge me for the new oil plug! I was done in 15 minutes.
They will also ask to replace other things but if you decline nicely they’ll be ok with things.

Instant oil change shops, the gamut of ‘em, don’t profit much from an oil change. I hesitate to mention that I worked in the automotive industry-​towing, specifically-​for some time, and I learned that it’s really the bells and whistles of the biz that generate cash. This outlet, like the rest, are gambling on your willingness to spend a little extra on vehicle maintenance that has nothing to do with your initial dilemma, an oil change. They’ll check your filters, battery, tire pressure and all the rest and make sure you either replace everything or feel guilty that you didn’t as you drive away.
When I walked into the waiting room at this place I encountered a sales pitch to another customer that I would soon receive. «Ma’am, just letting you know, a synthetic oil change is a better deal over the long run. Conventional is cheaper, but synthetic lasts longer, it’s better on your engine and you’ll spend less over time.»
«I’ll go with the conventional.»
«Sure, okay. So we checked your battery and the test showed that it’s well below the CCAs, or cold cranking amps, that you’ll need this winter. We can replace-​«
“I just bought that battery. Less than a year ago.»
«Oh. Well, in that case I suggest returning to the place you bought it from and asking for a replacement. Some batteries go bad just sitting on a shelf. It happens. They should replace it.»
Hence my hesitation for getting upset that my technician spent most of his time telling me about all of the things they could up-​sell. I was in and out quickly. Heads up, there aren’t any extras in the waiting room, no TVs or free soda or popcorn or whatever, which was fine with me. I feel sorry for these technicians, they’re only doing their jobs. But your local mechanic won’t pressure you with a litany of added services, not if they know what they’re doing.

Here for a smog check. In and out pretty quickly, though I paid a little more than some other places would have charged ($ 27 total including taxes).