Valvoline Instant Oil Change Consumer Reviews - Page 3

I went to Valvoline to get my oil changed before a 3 1/2 hour trip with my son. I ended up getting a transmission flush there also, which I've never done before. This was the first time that Valvoline did the flush. Once that was done, about not even 5 minutes down the road, the RPM gage kept going up and down, even when I was on Cruise Control. I took the Cruise off, went down to 40 mph on the highway, and the engine just keep revving and shaking.

I stopped immediately, called the Valvoline and told me to drive to the next nearest shop, which was about 5 minutes away. When I got there, all the workers were dumbfounded and couldn't figure out what the problem was. They called the manager from where I had the work done, he came over and he was dumbfounded.

The only good part about this part of the situation was that he was on the phone with dealerships and car rental places to get me back on the road. He drove me and my son back to the town where the flush was done since that was the only rental place open, lined me up with a dealership and I was back on my way.

Well, it took 2 1/2 weeks to get my car fixed! The manager did not keep in contact with me as far as what was going on at the dealership, I had to be the one to make all the phone calls. The rental place was getting very irate because I've had their car for so long. And the last 3 days of not having my car, he would not help me out to go and get my car. I had to find a friend to bring me a half hour to go and get it.

His customer service skills went downhill from beginning to end. That is not a good manager. He went out of his way at the beginning, but as time went on, he wouldn't do a thing for me. His boss paid for both the rental and the transmission that was put in it. Turns out, Valvoline did not put enough fluid back into the car when they flushed it out. There were no leaks spotted either. Never again Valvoline!!! I refuse to go there anymore.

CARROLLTON, TEXAS -- My ex-spouse has taken our vehicle to this station repeatedly over the past few days and each time it fails inspection. They have said there was a code in the system setting off the light. The code a PO401 "EGR: Insufficient Flow" was the code. After repeated attempts to repair the problem, the MIL light finally stayed off until today when she took it there and they stated the computer said it wasn't ready. This comes after the mechanic kept turning the vehicle on and off over and over again.

It has been driven a lot between this inspection and the last and only requires two diagnostic cycles to set off the MIL light. I am stupid and have been a mechanic for years but turning a vehicle on and off repeatedly then stating the system wasn't ready, then sending her on her way without any appropriate paperwork or anything, not even giving options on how and where to get it repaired is a blatant misrepresentation of a qualified state inspector. The light finally came just as she left the station (I wonder why?).

If anyone plans on taking your vehicle here, please refrain from doing so because they feel they have the right to do whatever, even make fun of you which according to her what they were doing. I am filing a formal complaint with the Department of Public Safety as I write this so take it seriously.

If anyone wonders what harm turning a vehicle on and off over and over again very quickly can do, well if it's a Ford, it can trigger the PATS (Passive anti-theft system) key system. If this happens, one of two things can occur. First it can set off the anti-theft system virtually killing the vehicle. Two it can trigger the MIL because the PATS is tied to the computer system on board and when confused it can become hung and potentially throw the whole system out of whack.

So there you have it. I have dealt with this shop in the past but back then it was I think a Kwik Kar and they were just total jerks even then. I have offered to fix the vehicle and after going through everything, can truly say there is no problem with the vehicle as long as they don't touch it.

WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND -- I brought my 2001 Ford Taurus to Valvoline Instant Oil Change at 1600 Post Road, Warwick, RI for a State Inspection. Earlier that morning I had brand new wipers installed on my car. I received a call from the mechanic at Valvoline informing me that my car was not going to pass inspection because of wiper blades and a tie-rod. I told him that those wipers were less than an hour old. Silence followed.

I immediately went to get my car out of there. The mechanic showed me a cut wiper blade and replaced it for free to avoid an incident. At that point I did not trust his diagnosis of the tie-rod (at a cost well over $200). I was forced to pay the $39.00 fee for the inspection which failed.

I immediately took my car to a reputable shop which inspected the car and told me there was absolutely nothing wrong with the tie-rod and no reason why it wouldn't pass inspection. I paid the $39.00 again. I immediately called the manager at Valvoline. He denied any wrongdoing and refused to refund the $39.00. Although this is a relativley small amount, it is the principle.

I went to Valvoline and wanted just an oil change. I told them I did not want them to pull the air filters, I could do that myself. I did not want them to check the car out, I just wanted an oil change. I requested the lowest price oil and was informed it was not the choice the boy would make. Note this boy had put gauges in his ears which I would not have done but he was giving me advice.

He proceeded to tell me that he would not use the oil I picked. I asked why Valvoline would sell a product that was inferior. He said with all his wisdom (big holes in his ears) that he wouldn't use it. I told him just to do what I asked him to do.

As they worked (maybe) on my car I watched him take slip joint pliers to each of my tiers valve stems. I am not even sure I got an oil change. He sure showed me, I could not get any of my valve stem capes off my tiers. But then again, I am a prominent figure in the community. I am involved with very large groups. Every chance I get I tell this story, my guess before long they will be out of business, at least in Olathe, Kansas. You can't run a business like Valvoline wants to in today's market. We won't put up with it.