Valvoline Express Care

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Kristy King
a month ago
I love to go here for my mechanical needs. This is my place to go to for oil changes and anything dealing with my tires and brakes. I am very particular about my car. I don't trust everyone because I had a tire put on my front passenger side of a car I had and evidently they didn't screw the lug nuts on good enough. I was going down the highway driving 70 and my tire came off. Fortunately I didn't flip my car or even wreck my car and no one was hurt.The employees are very nice and they explain everything they need to do to your car before they do it.

  Mike Harkey
2 months ago
I've been coming here now for the past three years. Service is slow, but they are busy. My complaint is that the don't DO what they say they do. I have all my receipts and EVERY one says that my air filter is "OK". Two weeks after my last service visit my check engine light came on. After having it checked out, it came back that I had a bad O2 sensor. Before taking it to a mechanic and forking out a $400 repair, I checked the air filter as that can be a potential reason for the code. It, almost looked like it had a birds nest in there. This is a fairly new truck and you could tell that the screws on the lid had never been touched. Upon replacing it (and the cabin air filter which was just as bad) My truck now runs fine and gets 1.5 miles per gallon better gas mileage. Point is...all the receipts I got out (and still have) all indicate that it was good. How many people have a machine to check these codes like I do? How many would have just forked it over to a mechanic to spend LOTS of unneeded money. These guys are a mill....not doing what they say. BEWARE!

  Lori Barfield
5 months ago
Absolutely the BEST experience getting my car serviced at this location. I was heading out of town and needed immediate help and Donna and Ryan prioritized my issues and got me in and out in an hour. They explained everything clearly and charged me fairly. I was so confident that my car was in good hands. Made my 8 hour trip with no problems. I will be back for sure!Service: Electrical

  REBECCA SMITH
5 months ago
On 30 Oct 23 at 8am I brought my 2014 Ford Expedition Limited with 116,127 miles in for routine maintenance. I had zero issues with my SUV up until this point. I had an appointment to have my coolant and transmission fluid changed (if needed, a new trans filter). The job took 2 1/2 hours, told me they did have to replace filter and they did a flush (I asked for a change, not flush). With military discount it came to $299.60. I drove it 5 miles away to the island, between 35-45 mph, and did not drive again until the next morning. 31 Oct 23 7:40 am I took my dog with me to head to Leland. I drove 14 miles and came to a stop sign at Midway and BUS 17. As soon as I pulled out, I heard a gushing/spraying sound, the vehicle smelled like it was overheating, the temp guage was actually reading really low, transmission sounded labored and the vehicle did not want to go. I was barely able to get into the parking lot of the new Dollar General right there. I didn't even fully pull into a spot before putting it in park and shutting it off. Right away, I opened the hood for it to cool and noticed there was barely any coolant in expansion tank, everything was soaking wet under the hood and under vehicle, smelled like it was overheating, puddles under SUV, so I took pics then called Southport Quick Lube since I didn't have any problems with my vehicle until they serviced it. Repeatedly I was told it wasn't anything they could have done, it was just condensation and the cleaner they used. I kept saying that doesn't make sense given the issues I'm having. After going back and forth for some time and sending pics, they said they would send a tow truck to bring it back to them for review and send a ride share to get me and my dog back to where I'm staying. Late that afternoon I was called and told the same thing about it being condensation,the smell of cleaners and they did nothing wrong. I was also told they vehicle was fine, they drove it 3-4 times (even though they only went 6 miles and only had the vehicle 17 mins), they hooked it up and did a diagnostic with no codes, I had to come get it and also pay for the towing. No matter how much I told them that didn't make sense and I was scared to drive it at this point, she just said, there's nothing they did but I should probably only drive it close to home just in case it happens again I won't be stuck in the same position. I honestly didn't even know what to say. Since it was late in the day, I got a ride share early the next morning. She told me the same nonsense when I picked up the SUV, then told me to go upfront to pay the tow bill. I paid it (they charged me more than what the bill stated). Reluctantly, I was able to get a copy of the actual bill. I left and drove approximately 10 miles before it all started happening again but this time all of my electrical components started to malfunction as well. It was beeping, no RPMs, zero miles to empty (actually had 3/4 full), no speedometer (actually going around 60), no tire pressure etc. I was just praying to make it back over the bridge to where I was staying. I just made it to the driveway and turned off the vehicle. After sitting and cooling I just looking and checking what I could. The expansion tank was empty, I took radiator cap off and it was full of debris, still looked like something was sprayed everywhere, it got into electrical. At this point I took it slowly miles aways to another mechanic, left the SUV there with all my paperwork and receipts then walked back. The spray everywhere was coolant. Apparently when I put the radiator cap back on myself I had fixed the issue. Just to be on the safe side, I did buy a new radiator cap since mine had debris in it, I also had to buy more coolant. My vehicle is now running just as perfect as it had been before I brought it to Southport Quick Lube. I was able to use it 8 1/2 days. A job that should have been $299.60 ended up being $462.44, guessing over $500 without my military discount and if I didn't walk back from mechanic. They didn't respond back. I have pics and video.

  Annie Mountjoy
3 months ago
Had my vehicle inspected. While waiting was very impressed by the desk and garage staff who displayed such a friendly, familiar and welcoming environment with everyone.

  Lindsey Matthews
9 months ago
Used to receive great service from this business, not anymore. I have tried on four different occasions to take my car here in the past month. Each time I am told that they don t have time today regardless of how many cars are there. Many other people on the island have experienced the same thing. Yaupon service center was able to get me right in.

  Family OKI
2 months ago
Don t go there if you have anything but an oil change or tire rotation! They are inept for everything else!

  Don Powell
9 months ago
I had an ongoing issue with my key fobs with them taking turns to interact with my truck's door locks and starter. I had just had two issues of the starter spinning the engine, but not starting. I took it in and advised Donna of my key fob issue and the new engine issue. I requested to leave it overnight for Bryan to take a look at the next day. I received a phone call about lunch time that my fuel pump was broken and was the cause of the starting issue. Of course it was replaced and the truck is running as well as when brand new. Both key fobs are also working as expected. Once again Bryan is keeping my 170,000 mile truck rocking!

  Stan Scott
5 months ago
I'm always pleased with the services at Valvoline Express Care. My wife and I are, and will continue to be, repeat customers.Service: Oil changeService: Oil change

  Jerry vargeson
a year ago
They cater to who they want when it comes to state inspections, particular window tinting. Some they pass some they fail. No matter how dark those windows are.*** Amy, Amy, Amy, you should pay attention to what's going on in your shop. I know the rules for tint. Explain how a friend of mine can come into your shop 3 days before I do, with with darker than dark window tint and your shop passes his vehicle. I come in with much lighter tint and fail. You obviously have no clue. You have a great day..

  Rob OConnor
a year ago
Staff was super efficient and friendly. Not only changed my oil, windshield wipers, and an interior air filter that had not been changed in over 10 years, they also reset the factory s maintenance required setting. Top-notch. Great addition to Southport.

  Mobile Renovations
a year ago
Office staff was friendly and accommodating. I came in with a leaking tire, I was told it couldn't be fixed and that I needed a new tire. They didn't even try to plug it or offer to put any air in the tire! I went down the road to Coastal Auto Repair and they fixed it in less than 10 minutes and didn't even try to charge me!

  Eugene Foster
2 years ago
These people are fast and do good service. They are crowded at times so there could be a wait. The lady up front is nice and worka with you well if you want to drop off and pick up. They do the oil service and tires. The shop behind (same) dies the alignment. I would highly recommend them

  Fireman Joe
4 years ago
I go here for the oil changes and stay for the long wait. All jokes aside they do an excellent job here. All of the workers from the front desk onwards are super on point with their professionalism and timing. Unfortunately they have at times become too popular for their building size so seats are limited. The main issue you ll have is all the walk-ins that demand to be seen for work they don t do. They have a separate business they out source more advance work just one building behind them. No appointments accepted so that could be turnoff for some; but if you need good work done fast because you forgot you needed that oil change before your trip then they ll do it right.

  Kate Ienna
a year ago
Yesterday I dropped off my 2018 VW Atlas, due to my car not starting the night before. I explained that AAA had jumped it, ran diagnostics and thought it probably needed a new battery (it was the original w/ 88k miles). I was able to drive it to their shop without another jump in the morning. A representative called me a couple hours later and said the tech thought it was the alternator. I was given an estimate of $1200 for a new alternator, a battery and labor. This was prior to them actually testing it. They called me back once it was "tested" and said it was the alternator. The representative said the VW alternator was back ordered and they could get an off the mkt brand on Monday. I asked if that would be less money, she said yes, but gave me an estimate of $1200 - $1500. That didn't sit right with me, so I called VW Flow in Wilmington. I spoke to their tech and he said he has NEVER had to change an alternator in a 2018 Atlas. So, I picked up my car from Valvoline, told them I was taking it to VW and they got a little defensive. Well, surprise surprise VW ran their diagnostics and determined I do NOT need an alternator...only a battery. Be careful and go with your gut if something feels off.****Amy, I was called twice and I was given a quote of $1200 prior to them testing the alternator. I was called back a second time and told it was the alternator and that VW alternators were out of stock. Your associate offered me an off the mkt option. I asked if it would be less than the original quote, your associated said yes and proceeded to quote me between $1200-$1500. But wouldn't explain how it was less. When I arrived at the shop, I was surprised that I had a bill (for oil change and diagnostic (approx $150), since I said I would call back to let your shop know how I wanted to move forward.Service: Brake service & repair

  Sarah Brown
a year ago
Went to get an alignment, and once the vehicle was returned I noticed many bolts were loose and missing. This was very dangerous as this is the vehicle I carry my child in daily. Also, my oil plug was not completely screwed on, causing oil to get all over the undercarriage of my car. 10/10 don't recommend it.

  DI Boling
3 years ago
Rude worker. I called ahead for a car inspection. Since I thought it was an express service business (hence the name), I pull in front of one of the many service bays. The worker came out and was very rude to both me and the person parked in front of the other service bay.. They were not busy at all and had no reason to be so rude. I backed up and drove off as did the other person in front of the other bay. I will never go back go and will not recommend this place to anyone I know. They must not need the business.

  J D
a year ago
Valvoline Southport did a good job with Aivy's Ford for me, (8/4/2022) they had some callouts and werent doing inspections but i just needed an oil service and a few other things and boom they did it at a good price and fast. Wayne the Tech and the young lady behind the counter 5 stars.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Oil changeServices: Air & cabin filter replacement, Oil change

  Carmen Mslovelylade Maldonado
3 years ago
Wouldn't recommend them at all. I went there attempting to get a safety inspection waited in the rain for 10 minutes and the Mechanic comes to me and says I don't want you to be upset and tells me I needed an emissions inspection (I knew better; just had the vehicle inspected the year before)! He in turn stated they only did state and safety inspections. He then referred me to another location in downtown Southport and gives me a contact name just to later tell me they are taking appointments only. I then ask him if he knew of another location. Mr mechanic then pointed out Boys Under the Hood right down the road. Unfortunately after arriving at that location; I found that they don't perform inspections at all! Luckily, they have another location on Oak Island that did. A ten minute ride, a 5 minute wait and $13.60 later I was in out with my SAFETY INSPECTION, A HUGE BIG UPS TO BOYS UNDER THE HOOD! I must add I was the only non-white customer at Valvoline Express makes me wonder!!!!!!!!

  Gerry Rickard
2 years ago
Great place for auto/truck service. Had to get my van inspected for registration renewal. They're fast and efficient. I get both my personal vehicles serviced here. People are nice too.

  Mark Beeson
4 years ago
OMG...worst experience I have ever had getting a simple oil change! I walked in the door, told the guy at the counter I had a Fleet Vehicle and needed an oil change. No problem he said, should be about 45 minutes. An hour an a half later, they finally pull my car in and then they tell me, they are not a Valvoline store and dont take the fleet card!!! Are you kidding me! Now I have to pay out of my own pocket!!! And while I was waiting, there other customers came in and said that they had called ahead and were told on the phone that they could get an inspection today, but when they got here, were told, I'm sorry, we are really busy, we can't get you in today...this place is poorly managed, the employees are super slow, they dont care about their customers at all!! BEWARE!!

  Lisa Riddle
11 months ago
Excellent service ! Efficient, communicate well, very busy and impressive restroom quality! Friendly knowledgeable staff. Love this place.Services: Tires, Oil changeServices: Tires, Oil change

  Mike Snyder
a year ago
Busy in the mornings, but worth the wait. Those guys work very hard to get as many cars done as possible in a day. Friendly awesome people!Service: Oil changeService: Oil change

  George Freeman
5 years ago
Strongly suggest saying away from Valvoline Express Care on Long Beach Road, Southport. Our 10-yr old car came with window tinting that we never changed and for the past 9 years had no trouble passing inspection. The State requirements have not changed, nor has our tinting, yet they failed our vehicle. Then they tried selling us a service to remove the factory installed tint and sell us new windshield wipers we didn't need either.

  Brenda Mitchell
4 years ago
I have gone here for years for different issues, mechanics come and talk to you about issues prior to repairing. Always busy as there isn't anywhere close to get an.oil change while you wait, so sit back and wait or drop off and come back. If you want an appointment go to a dealership but you will have to wait there too!!

  Michelle Deluca
a year ago
Both times I went over there to get my inspection done called for some service to be done didn't matter They are very rude

  Jess Fortes
a year ago
Excellent crew here. Always very nice. Great waiting area. Reasonable prices.

  Kenneth Hardesty
4 years ago
My first visit was today. Highly recommended the staff is very friendly and their bays are exceptionally clean something very hard to find. I ll be having them service both my cars

  Jennifer Netzer
4 years ago
Slowest laziest people I have ever met in my life. Watched as their lazy employees say around talking for 3 hours after they promised me only a 30 minute wait on a car inspection. This place will not get business from anyone in my family again.

  Debbie
2 years ago
Go early to avoid a long wait. We dropped off my car and then came later to pick it up. Never a problem when we have used their service.