Valvoline Inc. is probably one of the services you would consider for your vehicle maintenance needs, especially for a routine oil change.
It’s a leading supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services.
But when you go for an oil change, do they check the tire pressure and inflate it for free? This is a popular question we receive via email.
So in this article, I will share with you all you should know about tire inflation and pressure checks as far as Valvoline service is involved.
The short answer is no. Valvoline will most likely not check your tire pressures during oil changes, except when there is a need to (during tire filling). However, you can always ask the technician to perform tire pressure checks. If you don’t ask them directly, they may not check it since it’s not written as part of their standard procedure at Valvoline during oil changes.
Nevertheless, wherever you go for an oil change at Valvoline, I strongly recommend you ask for it. Here’s why:
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Why You Should Check Tire Pressure During An Oil Change
Tire pressure checks may not be listed as part of the checks at Valvoline, but it is an important box to check when doing an oil change. During a Signature Service oil change, Valvoline inspects your tires (for uneven wear and possible tire rotation) and vital fluids.
When you reach their shop or go to fill your air pump, and they see that the light indicates a low tire pressure, they attend to it.
But I recommend you wait two and a half hours after the tires cool down before checking the pressure.
Does Valvoline Fill Tires For Free?
Yes, you can inflate your tire pressure for free at Valvoline. Tire inflation is listed as a part of their 18-point maintenance check during an oil change.
So, even if you want to save money, you must first pay the $45 to $100 cost of an oil change before it can cover tire inflation.
Before they top your wheels with extra air, they will check the tire pressures to determine if the inflation is necessary. But it doesn’t end there.
The Oil Change Package also includes:
- Serpentine belt
- Power steering fluid level
- TPMS reset (where applicable)
- Battery check
- Wiper blades
- Wiper fluid top off
- All in under an hour
- Coolant and antifreeze levels
- Headlights and taillights
- Windshield washer fluid level
- Air filter
- Tire rotation
- Visual brake check
Your money goes a long way at Valvoline tire pressure since most areas of a vehicle that require professional attention are taken care of in the package.
How Much Does It Cost To Check Tire Pressure At Valvoline?
Checking tire pressures at Valvoline does not come at any charge when there is a need for the technician to perform tire inflation during the oil change. It’s a standard procedure for such situations.
But at regular service stop shops, expect to pay between $2 and $3 to fill your tires. The cost may seem insignificant, but it will quickly add up if you fill up your tires regularly.
So if you want to save money, investing in a tire inflator and a reliable tire pressure gauge is best.
In Summary
Valvoline is a popular brand when it comes to motor oil and automotive service. This explains why many people would want to know if Valvoline checks tire pressure and offers tire inflation service for free.
Again, it isn’t safe to assume that the technician will check your tire pressure during an oil change, except when necessary. (For example, before filling up your tires or rotating them)
So you should ask the technician in charge directly so that they can cover that.
Suffice it to say the service is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive.
One Last Thought…
There have been numerous reports that Valvoline does not always check the items listed on the sheet of things checked, such as transmission fluid, tire pressure, coolant level, and so on.
As I previously stated, they only sometimes check air pressure unless they notice a flat tire.
I wanted to prove this a few weeks ago, so I intentionally inflated my tires up to about 5 psi above the recommended psi value (as seen on the door frame of the driver’s side), and I took the car to Valvoline, but they never checked or corrected it.
I went to 3 different locations, and the same thing happened at all of them.
So, it can make one wary that they don’t even check the other areas they listed.
Unless you want to be SOL, it would be best if you relied on something other than these guys to perform an actual inspection, particularly on your vehicle’s tire pressure.
It is not a Valvoline-only issue, though. I have encountered similar observations with Grease Monkey, JiffyLube,e, and others.
However, at stops like a Firestone service center and similar national chains, the guys there always look for things to upsell you on. As a result, they conduct a more thorough inspection.