Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the world, offers extensive options for your vehicular needs such as spare parts, oils, and other automotive services through its Auto Care Centers.
Since car owners often have to get their vehicles inspected, you might be wondering if Walmart does car inspections. Here is what I discovered after doing some research!
Does Walmart Do Car Inspections?
Unfortunately, Walmart does not perform car inspections at any Auto Care Center or Supercenter. Instead, you can get basic services like oil changes and tire balancing at Walmart. For proper car inspections, you can visit centers like Midas, Valvoline, Mr. Lube, and Jiffy Lube.
If you want to learn more about why Walmart does not do any car inspections, where else you can go for these, and how much different types of car inspections cost, keep on reading!
Why Does Walmart Not Do Car Inspections?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, each state requires different safety inspections for vehicles depending on when they are bought, sold, or registered.
In addition to that, some ride-sharing services such as Lyft or Uber require further vehicle inspections depending on the driver and location of travel, particularly if the car might go over state lines.
Walmart simply does not have the automotive capacity to handle all the variations and so it does not offer car inspection services at its Auto Care Centers or Supercenters.
Where Can You Get A Car Inspection?
To get your car inspected, you need to find a mechanic who is certified (by external authorities) to assess the vehicle’s safety according to the city or state’s set standards.
You can check out inspection services at service centers like Valvoline, Mr. Lube, Midas, or Jiffy Lube (which has a handy service center locator for your convenience).
Alternatively, drivers can refer to their local Department of Motor Vehicles for specific guidance, using this collection of 50 state DMV links.
How Much Do Car Inspections Cost?
While the cost of your car inspection is largely determined by the state you live in, the center you take it to, and the age and type of vehicle, generic safety tests are usually affordable.
Certified mechanics in private shops will undoubtedly be more expensive, but a service center like Midas or Jiffy Lube will also be able to carry out routine safety inspections and give you the certification necessary.
Before you head over to one, check with your state’s regulations to make sure you know the types of inspections your vehicle will require as some states need more than one (such as passing proper emissions tests).
Car safety inspections fall into three categories of examination and price:
- Basic Vehicle Inspections—The most budget-friendly, a basic check covers the mechanics of the car and will cost the least at around $80.
- Standard Vehicle Inspections—Standard inspections cover the entirety of the vehicle and all components. This will run you about $150 to $250 at most service centers.
- Comprehensive/Advanced Vehicle Inspections—This is the most extensive type of inspection, useful for more intricate car builds or vehicles that might deal with dangerous goods or hazardous situations. This will typically cost upwards of $300.
Which Auto Services Does Walmart Offer?
Walmart offers a variety of vehicle services through its Auto Care Centers including tire care, oil changes, lube services, and much more.
Walmart’s certified automotive technicians can provide timely, cost-effective, and professional care for your vehicular needs.
Here is the full list of automotive services that Walmart Auto Care Centers offer:
- Air filter replacement
- Battery installation
- Battery testing
- Coolant system cleaning
- Flat tire repairs
- Fuel system cleaning
- Lube services
- Oil changes
- Oil filter replacement
- Tire balancing
- Tire installation
- Tire replacement
- Tire rotation
- Windshield wiper fluid change
To easily find your local Walmart Auto Care Center, put your ZIP code into their store locator and select “details” next to your most convenient store location for information on their opening hours and phone number.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Walmart’s Auto Care Centers do not do car inspections. They do offer a wide range of other vehicle services including tire servicing, engine maintenance, and oil changes.
But if you need a car inspection, check out alternative automotive service centers such as Midas, Mr. Lube, Jiffy Lube, or Valvoline, who have trained and certified mechanics to carry out inspections.
