Does Valvoline Do Inspections? Cost and Review

Have you been handed a ticket and fined for your car’s blackish emission? You could have avoided that if Valvoline regularly inspected your car. Does Valvoline do inspections? You will know in this Valvoline cost and review article.

Yes, Valvoline performs state inspections at many, but not all, of its service outlets. The procedure will typically take only 30 minutes to about an hour. You don’t have to make an appointment to avail of this service. It will cost you just about $25 for this inspection.

Valvoline is a reliable company and is trusted by its thousands of customers. They have been in this service industry for over 150 years. Valvoline offers all kinds of brake services, brake inspections, change oil services, and other vehicle services that can extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

Read on to learn more about the state inspection service offered by Valvoline, how long it takes, and how much it costs.

Does Valvoline Do State Inspections?

Not Available in All Valvoline Service Stations

Yes, Valvoline performs vehicle state inspections at many but not all of its service stations. You don’t have to schedule an appointment with them, and you can bring in your vehicle to be inspected. The procedure only takes around 30 minutes to one hour, so it won’t take long.

Average Valvoline Inspection Price

The average Valvoline inspection price is around $25. Valvoline is a trusted and reliable service company, been in this business for over 150 years. They were established way back in 1866.

Continuous innovation has been the business practice of Valvoline. That is why they can offer services that are the best-in-class and on the leading edge of automobile maintenance.

Other Valvoline Services

Aside from state inspection services, other Valvoline services include:

• Brake inspections,
• Full-service oil changes, and
• Other vehicle maintenance services.

Full-service Oil Change Comes with Free Services

Each time you go for a full-service oil change at Valvoline, they will also give you the following services for free:

• Maintenance check,
• Refill washer fluid,
• Inspect wiper blades.

Valvoline recommends that your brakes be inspected every 3,000 miles or three months.

Nature of Valvoline State Inspections

Valvoline technicians have a close working relationship with several licensed state inspectors. So, they can offer fast inspection service to its customers who request this kind of service in any of their locations.

The inspection service done at Valvoline is comprehensive to ensure the vehicle’s safe operation. While some Valvoline outlets do not require appointments, it is still wise to make an appointment, so you are assured that you will be serviced right away when you go.

This is especially true for Valvoline outlets that are usually swamped with customers. Valvoline strives to give the best service to all of its customers, and making an appointment is one way you can help them provide better service.

When you take your car for inspection at a Valvoline location, the car techs will usually offer you high-quality services.

Valvoline Outlets Offering State Inspection Services

Valvoline recommends that you contact your local Valvoline outlet and inquire if they provide state inspections to car owners who need them. Many Valvoline locations offer this service, but it won’t hurt if you check first.

If there is not any, the associate should be able to direct you to other car centers which offer this kind of service.

Be aware that 17 states across the country require car owners to have their vehicles inspected either annually or bi-annually. These states include the following:

• Virginia
• Alabama
• Vermont
• Hawaii
• Utah
• Maine
• Texas
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Missouri
• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• New York

Some Valvoline car inspection reviews say that around 60% of the Valvoline locations in these states offer state inspection. That includes safety tests and emission tests. If your car is due for state inspection, you can go to your local Valvoline outlet and have it done.

Factors That Affect Valvoline’s State Inspection Cost

The Valvoline car inspection price depends on several factors. These factors include:

• Age and type of your vehicle: Older vehicles require more inspection.
• State’s schedule of fees and regulations: Some states set the inspection fees, and some states have separate charges for the actual inspection and inspection certificate.
• Set a schedule of testing or one-year or two-year options for certification.
• Additional emission testing aside from regular safety inspection tests.

It isn’t easy to give an exact amount of the state inspection cost because of each state’s unique requirements and regulations.

The research done on this topic came out with figures that range from $12 to $40. Some came up with $25 as the average cost. This price is one of the most affordable costs of the state inspection.

If the cost is not this much, it is surprising that so many car owners neglect to have their state inspections when it is due. So, if your inspection is due, you can check with the local Valvoline outlet in your area to be sure about their inspection schedules and costs.

Be aware that it is a ‘first come, first served’ thing at Valvoline if you haven’t made an appointment. Valvoline’s service centers usually open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. on weekdays.

They also conduct business on weekends, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. In most Valvoline service centers, an appointment is unnecessary because they always operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do You Need to Make an Appointment for Valvoline State Inspection?

My research on this topic turned out to have confusing results. Some say that there’s no need for you to make an appointment, while others say that you have to. So, to be sure, call up your local Valvoline outlet and check with them.

If you see that the Valvoline center is always swamped with car owners needing state inspections, perhaps it would be better to set an appointment first before going there. But if you notice that they’re not too busy, you can buy your time and go there at your convenience.

The inspection that the car techs need to do only takes around 30 minutes to complete. That’s not a lot of time. They collaborate with licensed inspectors of the state to speed up the inspection so you can go on your way after that.

They also use the latest testing equipment, and their staff is very skillful in performing their tasks, making the job look easy to complete. These car techs also know what they are doing, that’s why. The good thing is: you can go there and get the work done shortly.

How Long Does An Inspection Take?

The car techs of Valvoline are well-informed in state regulations related to emissions and road safety. Car service centers of Valvoline are scattered all over the country. Some of them even offer door-to-door services.

Valvoline car technicians are used to collaborating with state inspectors; that’s why they can shorten the time of the actual inspection service that they perform. It will take them only around 30 minutes to complete the state inspection.

If there are some issues, perhaps the inspection will go on for about an hour. Since inspection only involves such a short time, most Valvoline car service centers around the country require no prior appointment from the car owner.

Is Valvoline Open on Weekends?

Yes, Valvoline car centers are open on weekends. They usually open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. This accommodates car owners who are so busy during weekdays that they don’t have time to bring their cars for the required state inspection.

Still, Valvoline’s first come, first served system is followed on weekends. You don’t need to make an appointment, but it sure will do you better if you call up first to check if there is already a line of vehicles waiting to be inspected at your local Valvoline outlet.

Again, does Valvoline do state inspections? Valvoline offers state inspections in the majority of its branches. This might take 30 minutes to one hour. Lastly, you don’t have to schedule an appointment to get this service.

If There’s No Valvoline, Where Else to Get State Inspection?

There are places in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Delaware where you can’t find a single Valvoline location. So, if this happens to you, can you find another service center other than Valvoline where you can have your vehicle inspected? Fortunately, there are.

Here are some of the places where you can get your vehicle inspected by the state:

• Goodyear Auto Service 
• Jiffy Lube
• Firestone Complete Auto Care
• Midas
• Some Walmart Auto Care Centers
• The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the locality

Does Valvoline Fix Check Engine Light?

When the check engine light lights up on your dashboard, it requires engine inspection. The best way to determine what causes that engine light to come on is by inspecting the engine.

Valvoline is also offering this kind of inspection to vehicle owners. They have an OBD scanner to run a diagnostic code to determine why your engine light suddenly appeared.

One of the full-service offerings of Valvoline is an oil change. If the oil change service is done properly, there won’t be any light that will be triggered on your instrument panel.

However, if the oil tech forgot to tighten the gas cap or something else was not done correctly during the procedure, the engine light may turn on.

What Are State Inspections?

State laws require periodic inspection of your vehicle. By these laws, your vehicle is subjected to different tests to determine if it’s safe to operate and if its emissions will not endanger the environment.

Vehicle state inspection is a procedure that the government mandates. Your vehicle is inspected to determine if it conforms to government regulations regarding safety, emissions, or both.

The state can require you to have your vehicle regularly inspected or upon transferring title to another owner.

It says that your vehicle must pass these tests for you to be allowed to drive it on the roads and streets of the United States. This is where you can take advantage of Valvoline’s services.

You can ask Valvoline techs to handle the state vehicle inspections for you. This will ensure that your vehicle is maintained to be operated safely. The safety inspections Valvoline will perform will help you avoid failure of your vehicle that can risk your life and your passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions in car owners’ minds regarding vehicle state inspections. The answers to these questions will further enlighten you about this topic:

Can I Get My Vehicle State Inspection at Valvoline?

Yes, you can. Valvoline offers vehicle state inspections at many but not all of its locations. You can check with your local Valvoline outlet if they are offering this service. If there aren’t any, you can ask them for an alternate place where you can have it done.

How Much Is the State Vehicle Inspection at Valvoline?

The cost of state vehicle inspection at Valvoline can range from $12 to $40, with the average cost running about $25. You need to check with your local Valvoline outlet for their exact price.

How long Is a State Inspection at Valvoline?

If there’s no problem with your car, it will only take about 30 minutes to complete its state vehicle inspection. The actual time will depend on several factors. One factor is the age and type of your vehicle. Another is how many times you are required to go for testing.

If your vehicle needs additional emission testing, that will increase the price. It will also depend on the fees that the state will require.

Does Valvoline Do Emissions Inspections?

Yes, Valvoline also offers its Valvoline Express Care to interested customers. This service is perfect for those who want to pass their state’s Drive Clean emissions test.

Can I Trust Valvoline to Do This Inspection?

Yes, you can. Valvoline was established in 1866 and is still going strong. With over 150 years of experience in this industry, it is safe to assume that Valvoline knows what it is doing, is doing it great, or it would have closed by now.

They use the most modern equipment for car servicing, and their tech staff is exceptionally qualified to perform car service jobs.

If Valvoline Service Is Cheap, Is It Also Cheap in Quality?

The problem with most people is that they associate cheap with low quality. It doesn’t mean that since Valvoline’s fees are cheap, their service is also cheap.

Many customers are using the services of Valvoline because they can get high-quality service at lower prices than the average. This is the reputation that Valvoline has built up in these past 150 years.

Are You Supposed to Give a Tip to Valvoline Techs?

No, you should not feel obligated to give a tip to Valvoline car techs. They will consider it a far-off idea, even a bit rude.

Does Valvoline Offer Anything for Free?

If you go for a regular oil change at Valvoline, they will include a free service – a safety check of your automatic transmission and the following: wiper blades check and blade protector check.

Can I Get My Brakes Checked at Valvoline?

Valvoline also offers all kinds of brake services. If you go for a brake inspection and repair, they recommend that you have your brakes inspected by them every 3,000 miles or every three months.

Does Valvoline Change Air Filters?

Yes, Valvoline also changes air filters. Suppose you have your air filter replaced at Valvoline. It is a part of their Instant Oil Change service. Valvoline techs will do this service simultaneously as you go for an oil change. 

Does Valvoline Perform Fluid Checks?

Yes, Valvoline also checks the fluids in your vehicle, such as the washer fluids. Their Valvoline Instant Oil Change includes washer fluid check, wiper blades check, and refilling or washer fluid.

What Kind of Engine Service Does Valvoline Offer?

Yes, Valvoline offers engine services, mainly engine cleaning services. A complete engine cleanup at Valvoline will use Valvoline’s unique products that will clean and remove varnish, tar, mud on the engine.

This engine cleanup will also restore lost horsepower and lost fuel economy of your vehicle.

Who Owns Valvoline?

Ashland Inc. is the present owner of Valvoline. This company acquired Valvoline in 1949 when it bought the Freedom-Valvoline Company. In 2016, Ashland’s subsidiary accounted for around 37% of the parent company’s annual revenue.

Conclusion: Does Valvoline Do Inspections?

Valvoline offers state inspections to vehicle owners in its outlets in many states, but not all. A typical vehicle inspection will take only about 30 minutes. The longest will be around 1 hour.

There is no need for you to make an appointment to get this service. Typically, you will be charged around $25 for this type of service.

Valvoline state inspection fees are inexpensive, but that does not mean that the quality of service they provide is cheap. Their reputation is solid owing to their 150 years of service in this business.