Valvoline Instant Oil Change
Valvoline Instant Oil Change offers quick oil changes and automotive maintenance services through franchised service centers. Known for convenience and efficiency, it operates in the automotive service industry.
Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The estimated total initial investment necessary to begin operation of one Valvoline Instant Oil Change service center ranges from $192,375 to $3,483,550 per service center. This includes the $73,750 to $122,050 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts discuss deferring payments of fees and royalties but do not specify an initial franchise fee amount.
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is 2% for the first year, 3% for the second year, and then 6% starting from the third year of the initial term based on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) [p.22]. Additionally, franchisees contribute to an advertising fund as specified in their franchise agreements, with these contributions used by Valvoline to support marketing activities for all service centers [p.253].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD focuses on the IP license agreements and other aspects of the franchise agreement but does not detail the duration or renewal process of the initial franchise agreement itself.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
Yes, you can sell or transfer your franchise, but there are conditions. According to the FDD, a transfer fee is required unless certain exceptions apply [p.108]. The fees vary based on whether it's a first-time transfer of a center or subsequent transfers, and if the transfer is within an existing ownership group or to specific relatives, no transfer fee may be required [p.108]. Additionally, the franchisor can refuse a transfer for good cause [p.5].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
According to [p.5], a franchisor can terminate a franchise prior to expiration only for good cause, which includes the failure of the franchisee to comply with lawful provisions of the franchise agreement and curing such failure after receiving written notice and a reasonable opportunity (no more than 30 days) to do so.
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You have a non-exclusive area around the approved location where VIOCF agrees not to establish another center, but this protection does not extend beyond your assigned Development Area and can be affected by sales of existing centers by other parties within your area [p.47]. Additionally, you may face competition from other franchisees or outlets controlled by VIOCF [p.46].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial business and center management training [p.43], including Administration Training and Operations Training for the initial manager [p.44]. Additionally, there are ongoing training programs conducted as needed [p.43] to support franchisees. This includes training beyond the standard initial training if requested by the licensee [p.93].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of September 30, 2025, there were 1,063 franchised Centers. The excerpts do not specify the number of centers that have closed or been terminated; however, they indicate that no centers were excluded due to closure in the same year they were opened during 2023, 2024, and 2025 [p.64].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does provide historical financial performance data for franchised centers. This data is based on point-of-sale information from 12-month fiscal years ending September 30, 2023, 2024, and 2025, compiled from the operations of franchise-operated centers during those periods [p.64]. However, the franchisor does not make any financial performance representations or projections for future income, nor do they authorize anyone to make such representations [p.68, p.128].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to selling only VIOCF-approved products and services at your center. You must offer for sale all products and services that VIOCF has authorized franchisees to sell, including VALVOLINE® Products and other products designated by VIOCF from time to time [p.28, p.53]. Additionally, you may have to buy or lease items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers designated by them, which might be more expensive than similar items available elsewhere [p.3].