Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) is a leader in automotive preventive maintenance. It was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.
Valvoline started franchising its service centers in 1988, fueling rapid growth. As of 2024, Valvoline has opened its 1,000th franchise, part of nearly 1,900 retail locations across North America.
VIOC specializes in fast, stay-in-your-car oil changes, typically completed in about 15 minutes. Customers also benefit from an 18-point safety check and services like battery replacements, tire rotations, and more. This emphasis on speed and quality has earned Valvoline a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Valvoline sets itself apart through innovation and convenience. Its no-appointment-necessary model and expansive service network make automotive maintenance simple and efficient. With plans to add 250 new stores annually by 2027, VIOC continues to thrive through a robust franchise system.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise? It costs on average between $192,000 – $640,000 to start a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchised facility.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of store you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
Type of Expenditure | Estimated Amount (Low / High) |
---|---|
License Fee | $30,000 |
Land and Improvements Purchased OR Land and Improvements Leased for Three Months | $1,550,000 to $2,750,000 OR $12,500 to $24,500 |
Grand Opening Advertising | $7,500 to $10,000 |
Training | $5,000 to $10,000 |
Security Deposits | $500 to $11,500 |
Insurance | $10,000 to $15,000 |
Start-up Supplies | $22,000 to $30,000 |
Initial Inventory of VALVOLINE® Products | $28,750 to $62,050 |
Equipment and Service Systems | $10,000 to $350,000 |
Signage Leased for Three Months OR Signage Purchased | $1,125 to $1,500 OR $45,000 to $120,000 |
Point-of-Sale System | $15,000 to $30,000 |
Additional Funds for Three Months | $50,000 to $65,000 |
TOTAL (If Real Property Leased for 3 Months and Signage Leased) | $192,375 to $639,550 |
TOTAL (If Real Property Purchased and Signage Purchased) | $1,773,750 to $3,483,550 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations are there?
Valvoline Instant Oil Change operates approximately 1,785 locations across the United States. These locations include both franchise-owned and company-owned service centers, offering quick-service oil changes and other automotive maintenance services.
What is the total investment required to open a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise?
The total investment required to open a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise ranges from $192,000 – $640,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise?
Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchisees are required to pay a 4% royalty fee on gross sales. Additionally, there is a 6% marketing and advertising fee, which supports both national and local advertising efforts to maintain brand visibility and drive customer traffic to the franchise locations.
Who owns Valvoline Instant Oil Change?
Valvoline Instant Oil Change is owned by Valvoline Inc., a global leader in automotive lubricants and services. However, in August 2022, Valvoline sold its Global Products business, which includes its lubricants and chemicals segment, to Aramco, the Saudi Arabian oil company.
Valvoline Inc. retained ownership of its Retail Services division, which operates the Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations. Therefore, the franchise network continues to be part of Valvoline Inc.’s Retail Services business.
Disclaimer
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