I'm not normally compelled to write reviews for oil changes; however, I had a great experience today at Valvoline. Angel greeted me and got the ball rolling and Steve took over from there. Steve answered all of my questions and helped me reset the maintenance schedule in my car. I just moved to Albany a few weeks ago and this will definitely be the place that I return when I need another oil change. read more

Tried to get an inspection. Even though it opened at 8. Inspections don't start until 9. Went back at 3. Told the inspection guy left for the day. Went to another quick service oil change place. Got right in. Don't wasn't time here. read more

I was told they had everything needed to do the oil change on my Fiat when I called. When I showed up they said they do not service Fiats as they won't fit over the track, something I could have been told over the phone before I spent my lunch trying to get my car serviced. This was inconvenient and the tech wasn't empathetic at all. If I could give a 0 I would. read more

It says online 15 minutes for an oil change. Though I could sneak in before work . Wrong sat there for 25 minutes for the service tech to tell me," I can't take the drain cap off" . That I would have to come back tomorrow and have the boss remove it. Other than that cool concept. Sit in the car while you get your oil changed but please let that be one of the first things you do if you know there are certain cars you have difficulty removing. read more

I wish I could put a zero. My skid plate fell off after an oil change. I took it back in and they fixed it. The supervisor gave me two free oil changes. I went back in to get my oil changed the next time and the supervisor no longer works there. They didn't want to honor the free oil change but finally did. The second time I came in they wouldn't honor it. I will not be returning to this place. read more

Inspection Went to this valvoline in person for an inspection. Was told I needed an appointment because of covid. It's November 2, 2023 and covid is no longer a threat. But ok, I'll make an appointment. A day or two before my scheduled appointment I called valvoline to verify my appointment time. Man who answered was very condescending and never even said hello when he answered the phone. I thought I had been disconnected. When I said hello are you there? He finally said yes we're here in a tone that startled me. He then verified my appointment. By the way, while I was on hold a recording came on that said ya never have to have an appointment at valvoline. I went in for my appointment on time and they acted as though I was an imposition. When my appointment time came and went their bays were still full with no sign of getting my inspection anytime soon. An unfriendly place and atmosphere. I left never to return. read more

Disreputable con artists that try to sell you sh*t you don't need and lie to you to get you to buy it. I'd get my money back if I could.

Quick oil change, friendly service! Got an air conditioner recharge too! It took some time, a little longer than expected but there's plenty of places to get a bite to eat around there. They also do a quick check of everything and suggest things you may need done to your vehicle but no pressure! Thanks guys for taking good care of me! read more

Went to Valvoline Instant Oil Change in Troy NY on Dec.2 to get an oil change and a tire rotation, nothing requiring a Masters degree in mechanical engineering. When the time came to retrieve the car the wheel lock was still on the lug nut that was attached to the wheel. That alone should have triggered an alarm. After a few days had gone by there were drip marks on the ground, being retired the car doesn't get used everyday. Checked the reservoirs, oil, power steering, radiator, and brake fluid, nothing. Called the dealer to make an appointment to check out the leak. After inspecting the problem, they found that the oil filter hadn't been tightened. The mechanic installed a new filter and topped off the oil. Emailed Valvoline Instant Oil Change to let them know and that I would like to be compensated for the bill from the dealer. Their customer support is actually worse than the mechanics that work on your car because I'm still waiting to hear from them. In the meanwhile, I'll call the credit card company to stop payment until we can work out the agreement that I proposed to them. Learned a priceless lesson by going there, never trust your car to anybody that doesn't have a reputable reputation or by checking at least three reviews online first. read more

I'm moving away from Troy, but I can't leave without letting Yelpers know to stay away from this place. I took my car in for an oil change last March. While I was in the waiting room I saw another woman get (and fall for) a ridiculous hard sell on some unnecessary services. Good thing I know better than that, I thought smugly. In June, after about 2000 miles, my engine started acting up. I took the car in to a mechanic, who told me there was no oil in the filter. He added oil (and the level held, which meant the engine wasn't leaking or burning oil), but his advice was that the engine was ruined and it would be dangerous to drive it. I decided to get a second opinion from my longtime mechanic in Maryland, so I limped down there (it was touch and go). My mechanic told me I was lucky to be alive and brought my engine back to life at huge expense, but I don't think it will ever be the same again. Stay away! read more

I brought my Suburban in for an oil change. There was a problem with the starter and it would make a painful noise when the key was left in the on position and in park. It was simple to avoid. They took it on themselves to fix it and blew up my starter. They thought it was a belt. I had to have my truck towed away and it ended up costing me over $800 to replace the starter. I went back to Valvoline and they took no responsibility. If they hadn't blown up my starter, it would have been a $0 fix because it was just an electrical issue. It was fixed by removing a circuit. read more

Always pleased with the friendliness, professionalism and quality care. Just needed an inspection today, but took me within 10 min. I've never waited more than 15 min to be brought in for an oil change. While they sometimes up sell...who doesn't?! They are truly caring and show me what I truly need...usually an air filter. read more

I recently moved to Watervliet from Schenectady. Today while running errand I stopped at a location in Schenectady to get an oil change. While driving back home to Watervliet, I noticed that my car was emitting white smoke from the exhaust. It has never done this so I pulled over on the thruway and immediately called the location in Schenectady who transferred me to this location because it was closer to my location. I was taken care of by the assistant manager Dave I believe. Dave actually came to my location where I was pulled over in his own vehicle to help me out on the side of the road. He then took me back to this location where the problem was later figured out. Turns out the location in Schenectady filled the oil too much and the white smoke was burning excess oil. My point in writing this review is to tell everyone about the wonderful service and help I received by the staff at this location. They are more than willing to help you out with whatever you need. KUDOS to your GREAT customer service and thank you for getting my car running safely again!!! read more

I would like to file a complaint against the Valvoline at 924 Central Avenue Albany, NY, 12206. When I pulled up to get a NY Inspection. When they pulled the car in to the garage, the check engine was not on!! I was told I needed wiper blades so I told them I would go get wiper blades on my own. When they pulled the car out all of a sudden, the check engine light was on and the car was in lump mode, when I told them about it, they got defensive and told me that is was my problem and there was nothing they could do about it!!!!! Like I said when I pulled up to them the light was not on, they claimed they did nothing to the car while it was in their garage but it was in the garage for at least 15 minutes before they told me I needed wiper blades. They pulled a MAF code so I went home and got my code reader and cleared the code, so now I have to drive it a full drive cycle before I can get a NY state inspection!!! I am very disappointed with the service I received from this location so I am telling my friends not to go there for anything thing at all!!!! read more

Went in for a car inspection and as soon as I refused a $43 air cabin filter replacement - suddenly my wipers were ripped and I was going to fail inspection. Manager initially told me it was $24 for new wipers but then when I went to check out it was $30 - I said I wanted the lower priced wipers and he said I wouldn't let him finish talking when he quoted me the original price and that was the price. And just for the record - checking the air cabin filter is not part of the NYS Inspection program. https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/new-york-state-vehicle-safetyemissions-inspection-program I kept the wipers so I will be going to another inspection shop and see if they will fail me for them - also I got a picture of the Inspectors card b/c he tries to flash it to me to tell me he is a qualified inspector and it is showing an expiration date - Can't wait to call DMV and let them know. So PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THESE PEOPLE 924 Central Ave Albany, NY 12206 read more

These chain oil change places are so hit or miss. This place was a MISS! These days, convenience is everything and due to a trip, I went here in a pinch to get my oil change. The dude that worked on my car left grease stains on my door and the driver seat window! Thanks for leaving me to clean that up and making it a challenge to drive home since the window was covered with your dirty finger prints. I also wanted to thank you for over charging me for replacement lightbulb. Yeah, did my research. Finally, thanks for making the tire pressure 34, when i asked you specifically not to. Yeah, i checked it beacuse i had a feeling you weren't listening. This is what happens to traitors. Lesson learned; going back to the place i usually get my oil changed. read more

Employees are friendly enough, but the company pressures them to constantly try to upsell. Go in for a simple oil change and they try to tell you that you need to replace this and that - even though it's really not necessary. Example: Employee told me my battery was shot. I bought the battery less than a year ago and knew it was fine. Did not take the bait. Went in again (becuase I had bought a Groupon same day that they would not let me use same day) and lo and behold 3,000 miles later - no one said anything was wrong with my battery. Is this outright deceit or do they have faulty test equipment? Anyway, two days after the last time I went in (and it truly will be my last) - my car would not start. I thought it was a coincidence that I had been to Valvoline recently. I opended my hood and saw that they left one battery cable completely loose. Tightened it up and the car started right away. I've always had good luck at Jiffy Lube. Highly recommend avoiding Valvoline. read more

I took my new car in for its first oil change. I was the only car there yet it took about 45 minutes. I've been to other Valvolines and, even with a line, have been in out in less time. As it turns out, I think they were having trouble because they couldn't figure out how to get access to a few things like my transmission fluid. I don't know if it's because it's a new car and it's different than they're used to or what. There was also a miscommunication about tire rotation so that didn't get done. I'll likely be back because Valvoline is really convenient and I've liked other Valvoline stores in the past...hopefully they'll figure out how to access some of my other fluids (I wish that didn't sound so dirty) - as more of the new Elantras make their way out into the world. With any luck I'll be able to update this review with more stars in a few months. read more

Came for an oil change and was greeted by a friendly female worker. Waited about 10 minutes then was in. Great service. Thank you. read more

Valvoline Instant Oil Change - Instant Oil Change - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Albany, New York

I took my car in for service today and was a little nervous considering the mixed reviews, but I had a perfectly fine experience. Seems to me most people are just more than a little impatient and have extremely high expectations regarding just how long a service takes. There were two cars in front of me and it only took about 30-40 minutes to get my truck in, a perfectly reasonable and normal wait time. Once it was in the service employees were very nice and welcoming, I asked them to perform service on my coolant system and transfer case and they set to work immediately. All in all it only took about 30 minutes for them to complete everything, quick easy and painless. I'd recommend this place to others for their regular service needs and will continue to come here in the future. read more

I've been coming here for years for inspections, oil changes and other services. But there's a last time for everything. This morning, after waiting 20 min. in the driveway for the people inside to open, I was informed that company policy has changed. Before, appointments were not even accepted. Now you need one for an inspection. There is no information about this either on the website or at the location. Customer-hostile, in other words. I went to their main competitor and was in and out with no appointment in 20 min. So from here on out this other company will take care of my four vehicles. I recommend that everyone do the same. Better yet, make an appointment with Valvoline and don't show up. If enough people did that maybe they'd get their act together! read more

Buyer Beware, do not get your inspection done here! I did and a problem was found and was told the inspection failed and that if I fixed the issue and brought the car back in 30 days then they would redo the inspection free of charge (standard policy). I got the car fixed a week later and it was brought back two days after that, only to be turned away because they were too busy to do it. The car was brought back a few days after that and again turned away. I brought it back today and it was accepted and they checked the part that needed repairing and then come out to tell me, "Sorry, this is day 31 and we need to do a full inspection and charge you again." NO THANKS!! I have had good experiences here in the past for oil changes, but I have never been given such a run around for an inspection before. Never this location again. read more

This place gives you that oh so great feeling of not being able to trust mechanics. Thank you for fulfilling the stereotype that most mechanics take advantage of women. They are so friendly and seem like they are upstanding citizens and like they are doing you a favor to your face, but truly they are deceiving you behind your back. I showed my $21.99 coupon to my kind mechanic and I was surprised by his reply, I know that code, I have it memorized. Really? Why didn't you use it? So I was questioning it when I paid $43 for a basic oil change, but I didn't speak up because I thought he already included it. Plus I left a tip because I really felt the guy was taking care of me! Turns out he never took the discount off, so I paid full price. He informed me that he was going to top off the liquids and not charge me for them. Later, Dadio let me know that this is always included. When I realized I was ripped off, I got my dad to come back with me because not only was I ripped off, but I discovered that they didn't pin my plastic motor protector pieces back down, so they were loose and could just be moving around in the car while I drive! What!? So when we got back, a kind gentleman put two bolts down to secure the plastic, BUT, and I say this in all caps cause this is a big no no...I asked for my money back because they owed me $20 from the coupon. They said something like corporate would have to deal with that. Really?? No, you ripped me off and didn't use my coupon that is available to all of Troy, plus and their moms, on your website. I guess they take care of my dad each time he comes in, but I'm sure women aren't given the same treatment. I try to be as sweet, and kind as possible to people. But you see, people take advantage of this. Sucks! Valvoline, NEVER AGAIN! Oh and the guy that did the oil change, I won't name names, but he wanted me to do an online survey of how good he was. This guy had a great personality, entertaining, kind, and made me laugh. But all of that is pretty much erased because of the whole deception. Very disappointing. read more

This place every time I come here I can never get anything done. I came In to get an oil change and they sent me up to colonie to get it done there. Even tho no one was doing anything at all in that shop. They ended up sending me to a much More Busy place where I ended up leaving late and the workers of the place as well. I feel as if they sent me away because they did not want to do any kind of work for me. Just being lazy. If your getting paid to be there do you damn job man. The other place in colonie treated me great even tho they had so much going on. Will never recommend to go to the valvoline by westgate. Go to the one in colonie read more

This was my second time coming here. The first time I got an oil change and they forgot to reset my light for the oil change. This time I needed an oil change and an inspection. They had to do that In 2 separate bays so I had to wait in line twice. After trying to upsell me and the 2 other customers sitting in the lobby for the oil change, the guy came out and said it will be another 45 min or so for inspection and I'll be good to go. 45 min had passed and I had gotten no word so I went out to investigate. My car was "up next" at that point for inspection. Had they told me it would have been a 45 min wait plus the inspection I would not have stayed. I waisted over 2 hrs at this place on my one day off from work. I will never come here again. read more

Thank you for reaching out to me Valvoline...at least the customer service support is good. I would give 4 stars now instead.

Went to Valvoline in Albany (924 Central Ave)... not a single car in the bay dudes just standing around - looked annoyed I pulled up. Asked for an inspection and they said they only do them by appointment. Drove to Valvoline in Schenectady (State Street). Place is pack full of cars and they say it may be a while but we can do it... (5 stars this location) Guess I will stop paying $80.00 for oil changes (synthetic) to them and give my business to someone who wants it. read more

Way too slow. Had to wait over an hour for an "instant oil change." If I hadn't bought a Groupon deal I would have left. Staff was friendly but mis-guided us on how long the wait was going to be. I've definitely been to better locations. I would suggest going somewhere else if you can. read more

Just signed up on yelp to leave this review. Took my car in for an oil change last night. Took me about 45mins for the whole thing. While I was waiting, he was trying real hard to sell additional(unnecessary) services like engine flush, new car battery, etc, which I declined. Before I went to the waiting room, I told them to check tire pressure, and when I got back, I asked again to which they answered, "Yes, but the tire pressure warning message won't go away until you drive 10~20 miles." I knew something was funny because I knew the indicator usually goes away within first 1~2 mins of driving, not 20 miles. I'm not really good with cars, but when I looked at front tires, they looked blatantly flat. So I told him to re-check tire pressures since they looked so flat. He put the hose in the air valve of each tire, but kept it in only for 2 seconds, as if the tires were already well-inflated. When I took the car out, the warning message never went away. I drove to the nearest free tire pressure station miles away. Unsurprisingly, the front tire pressures were dangerously low at less than 15 and back tires ~22. (ideal = 32). Now that I know they lied about such an easy task like checking tire pressure, I'm starting to doubt whether they even put the right oil (I paid for the most expensive SyncPower). 0/10 would never come back, or recommend it to anyone. read more

For a quick oil change I was pleasantly surprised with Valvoline. Stopped on my way back from skiing and back out the door with full synthetic change in 25 min. Very friendly and knowledgeable without any pushing of unnecessary services on me. Highly recommend. read more

Unprofessional and dishonest, RUN as far as you can! I almost got killed by this place in Nov 2015 when moved to Albany I went for a state inspection there. They did not close the hood properly and while I was driving on highway the aluminum hood flipped over and hit windshield. I cannot see anything for a while and in great panic. It is lucky I am still in one piece after that. It is a shame when I came back they said never opened the hood. I was wondering how they preform inspection without lift the hood. After check surveillance video clip, they admitted caused that incident. Now after 5 months, I am still fighting with the store manager Frank on compensation to my loss. They are not going to honor what they said. I am considering escalate to legal process. RUN as far as you can. read more

Beware Valvoline in Albany are crooks! Check your wipers for rips before getting NYS Inspection or they'll be ripped and you will have to buy from them or fail inspection. Scam to make you buy their wipers. Will charge you $10 re-Inspection fee to if you replace wipers yourself. Went to get inspection they fail me because wiper were ripped they were fine before, so easy for them to rip them when they are "inspecting them". read more

Drove through to get my Air filter changed and replace my rear lights. We did a full test to make sure all the lights were working. All lights was working fine except the rear lights. After they replace the rear lights and change the filter. I pay and start driving off when i notice now my left light blinker is busted in the rear. This is the 2nd time this coincidence has occurred. I really would like to know if anyone else has experienced this. read more

They take advantage of people who don't know much about cars. I went there for a simple oil change and the guy told me I had a leak in the car and he could put Lucas in it to fix it. Turns out there was no leak! I went back to the manager to explain this and was told although there wasn't a leak, it's damped and eventually there will be. That's not what I was told though, I payed 20 extra so that they could put another Lucas oil to stop a nonexistent leak read more

I came here today for an inspection. The employee was extremely nice. He got me in and out of there quickly. I haven't been here previously but they gained a customer today based on this employees actions. I wish I could thank him by name. read more

This Valvoline maintains our four cars with basic maintenance. Checks tire air pressure and fills windshield fluids at any time for free. They are timely, nice, hard working and extremely convenient for a busy family. Often they catch our need for a state inspection before we do and complete the procedure in 10 minutes. I have every confidence in the Valvoline staff on Hoosick Rd in Troy, NY. read more

Do NOT go here! I went in for a simple oil change (second time here) and I've always been wary of places like this but since the first time I went everything went smoothly, I figured it would be okay. First, they tried to get me to flush my radiator- which is COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY and only needs to be done in very rare cases. Then, they let me drive away with my air filter totally disconnected which caused my car to shake and turned the check engine light on. When I went back to have them fix it, the manager hooked up the computer for the check engine light and told me the codes had nothing to do with the air filter- A COMPLETE LIE. The guy that supervised my oil change, Patrick, didn't even come out to face me when I came back and another guy, Javon (probably the most decent one there), hooked up my air filter again and apologized for him. I had my car checked by my old mechanic's place near my parent's house and luckily there was no permanent damage but the guy there said all my codes had to do with the air filter having been disconnected and they had no reason to even touch it in the first place! They are either plain liars or know NOTHING about cars and let rookies handle the engine while the supervisors neglect to double check their work. I am never coming back to this place and am telling everyone I know to never let these guys touch their cars. read more

Went in for an inspection and was told that it would only be only an hour wait. It turned out to be more than two hours because they continued to do oil changes for people that came after me. They purposely leave cars in the inspection bay so they don't have to pull in another car. When another car is there, they start doing inspections every15 mins. why as a customer am I forced to wait while other customers get their service and go on their way while I sit waiting?!?! I was told that my wait time was the managers fault because he prioritizes the oil changes over inspection. So apparently, it's ok for me to wait for almost 3 hours because a manager feels oil changes take precedence. It is terrible business practice. read more

VERY VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND TREATS CUSTOMERS LIKE TRASH.....My wife today went for an oil change....following is what she had to go through.... 1. She was told by the service manager that it will be done in 30 mins. She left the car and stepped out to get some stuff from a nearby store. 2. When she was back (within 30 mins) the service guy told her that inspection had failed and she needed new wiper blades. My wife wasOK about it and requested them to put new wiper blades and get the inspection done. 3. The service guy told that my wife has to get back in the line . Because she had left the store. This was really unfair. If they had this kind of policy then they should have mentioned it clearly that the customers need to be present in the service center all the time. 4. My wife still kept her composure and went to another shop and got new wiper blades in 10 mins and came back. The service guys still did not do the inspection and told her to get back in line. THEY EVEN DEMANDED THE MONEY FOR WORK THEY DID NOT COMPLETE (The inspection) AND EVEN THREATENED TO CALL POLICE (as if she was at fault). 5. Finally my wife was forced to pay $21. She went to nearby Monro brakes who were nice enogh to do the job in few minutes. PLEASE DONT GO TO THIS UN-PROFESSIONAL PLACE. I am also planning to write a letter to DMV and the New york Consumer bureau to take action against this business so that they will learn a lesson read more

Bad Experience at Valvoline Oil Change in Delmar, NY on 7/14/2014 I was made to move my vehicle in the parking lot to comply with a new "line up to wait" scheme and additionally required to stay it the car (hot day) while awaiting service. Following that, the staff put the wrong oil in my car without asking me what type to use.... This based on a record from a past visit when they convinced my spouse that the car needed the highest grade synthetic. As I was going home I noted that staff had written mileage and other information on the windshield class with some kind of marker and left a smeared impression... Cleaning it off ruined the coat of water shedding treatment that was on the windshield. read more