Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise
Valvoline Instant Oil Change runs drive-through service centers where customers stay in the car for a quick oil change and checks of fluids, filters and wipers. It is owned by Valvoline Inc. At the end of 2025 there were 2,039 Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations in the US, 1,063 franchised and 976 company-owned.
- Cost to open
- $192K–$3.48M
- Franchise fee
- $30,000
- Royalty
- 2–6%
- Locations, 2025
- 2,039+236 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- Franchisor based in
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Time to open
- 180 to 650 days after signing
- Agreement length
- 15 years
- Territory
- Limited protection, a 2-mile radius
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc’s 2025 filing.
How much a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise costs
Opening one service center, from a leased conversion to a ground-up build on owned land costs an estimated $192,375 to $3,483,550. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc, 2025 filing, page 25
Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise fee
The franchise fee is $30,000, as a license fee for a first center ($20,000 for a second ground-up center). You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc, 2025 filing, page 16
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 2% of adjusted gross revenue in the first year, 3% in the second, then 6% (or a graduated 4% to 6%), paid monthly. |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | 3% of gross sales |
Source: Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc, 2025 filing, page 17
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Valvoline Instant Oil Change publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it reports historical results for company-operated and franchised centers by fiscal year. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc, 2025 filing, page 59
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 879 (+52) | 844 | 2 |
| 2024 | 962 (+83) | 913 | 6 |
| 2025 | 1,063 (+101) | 976 | 8 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc, 2025 filing, page 68
How Valvoline Instant Oil Change compares
Of the 4 oil change franchises on this site, Valvoline Instant Oil Change is the cheapest to open and the 2nd largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Valvoline Instant Oil Change | Typical oil change |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $192K | $460K |
| Closed or left per year | 0.6% | 0.9% |
| Change in franchised locations, 3 yrs | +28.5% | +26.6% |
| Shares earnings figures | Yes | 4 of 4 |
Typical is the median across the 4 brands in oil change franchises.
Other oil change franchises
Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Valvoline Instant Oil Change?
180 to 650 days after signing, according to Valvoline Instant Oil Change's 2025 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Valvoline Instant Oil Change help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. Valvoline Instant Oil Change may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchisees get a protected territory?
Partly. You get some protection (a 2-mile radius), but not an exclusive territory.
How long is a Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise agreement?
The initial term is 15 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Valvoline Instant Oil Change growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 261 franchised locations opened and 16 closed or left, a net change of +28.5%. About 0.6% of locations closed or left each year. That is below the 0.9% typical for oil change franchises.
How does Valvoline Instant Oil Change compare with other oil change franchises?
Of the 4 oil change franchises here, Valvoline Instant Oil Change is the cheapest to open (low end $192K against a $460K median) and the 2nd largest by number of locations.
Does Valvoline Instant Oil Change say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it reports historical results for company-operated and franchised centers by fiscal year. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Valvoline Instant Oil Change based?
Valvoline Instant Oil Change Franchising, Inc is based in Lexington, Kentucky.