At Walmart, you can find all the products you and your family need for the week, from groceries to cleaning items to clothing.
In addition to physical products, Walmart also has several services available, like its Auto Center. Keep reading to discover 15 things you should know before heading over to Walmart’s Auto Center!
15 Things To Know Before Visiting Walmart Auto Center In 2024
1. Walmart Auto Center Sells Tires
At Walmart’s Auto Center, there are a few ways to purchase new tires. First, you can go to your local Walmart Auto Center, and an associate will help you find the correct tires for your vehicle.
Also, walmart.com has a wide array of tires for sale. After purchasing tires online, Walmart allows you to ship them to the nearest Walmart Auto Center or your house.
Moreover, when you send the tires to your local Walmart Auto Center, an associate will install them for you for an extra fee.
2. Tires Are Inexpensive At Walmart
Compared to other auto centers, Walmart’s tires are inexpensive.
That said, the prices for Walmart’s tires are consistently lower than the competition, with an average per-tire price of $102. Additionally, Walmart has a vast tire selection.
Therefore, you can opt for higher-quality tires for your vehicle or choose a less expensive option to save some money.
3. Walmart Auto Centers Offer Four Different Oil Change Options
One popular service that Walmart Auto Centers provide is oil changes.
In fact, Walmart’s Auto Center lets you choose from four different kinds of oil changes, each varying in price and the additional services.
For example, here’s a list of the oil changes Walmart Auto Centers provide:
- Pit Crew Oil Change: $19.88 for oil, lube, filter, battery, and tire pressure check
- Standard Oil Change: $29.88 for all Pit Crew services plus a vacuum, a check of all essential fluids, air filter check, and check all lights
- High Mileage Oil Change: $39.88 for all Standard services but includes up to five quarts of High Mileage or Semi-Synthetic oil
- Power And Performance Oil Change: $49.88 for all High Mileage services (designed for specific vehicles)
4. Walmart Auto Center Uses Different Types Of Oil
Walmart’s Auto Center will use different oil for oil changes depending on the year, make, and model of the car requesting the service.
Still, the most frequently used oil at Walmart’s Auto Center is Quaker State Oil. Additionally, Walmart’s Auto Center may also use the following types of oil:
- Fram
- Supertech (a Walmart private label brand)
- Delco
- An oil of your choice purchased from Walmart
5. Walmart Auto Center Employees Don’t Need Certifications
Walmart associates working in the Auto Center don’t need certifications to be hired.
Essentially, Walmart Lube and Tire Technicians don’t have to be certified mechanics to work at the Auto Center. For some customers, the lack of certifications raises concerns.
However, with Walmart’s 100% satisfaction guarantee, you’ll receive a refund if you aren’t happy with the service you received.
Additionally, Walmart thoroughly trains Auto Center associates before performing services on vehicles.
6. It’s Easy To Find The Closest Walmart Auto Center
If you’re not sure where the closest Walmart Auto Center is, the store’s website makes it effortless to find.
That said, by using Walmart’s store locator, you can see where the closest Auto Center is by entering your zip code. After entering your zip code, a list of Walmart stores appear.
Then, click on the “Details” button to find out whether or not Walmart has an Auto Center onsite.
7. There Are An Array Of Auto Services
As previously noted, Walmart’s Auto Center can install tires and change your vehicle’s oil. However, this is by no means the extent of services available at a Walmart Auto Center.
For example, Walmart Auto Centers provide the following services:
- Valve stem installation
- Tire rotation
- Lugnut replacement
- Wiper blade installation
- Headlight restoration
- Battery installation
- Flat tire repair
- Tire mounting
Moreover, the services available at your local Walmart Auto Center might vary compared to what’s on the general website.
Therefore, it’s best to call and check that the Auto Center can provide the service you want.
8. Walmart Auto Centers Have Free Maintenance Services
Overall, the prices for Walmart’s auto services are significantly lower than what other auto centers charge. On top of that, Walmart’s Auto Center also includes several free services.
For example, the following services are free of charge at Walmart Auto Centers:
- Battery installation (as long as you buy the new battery from Walmart)
- Tire installation (as long as you buy the new tires from Walmart)
- Air filter installation
- TPMS relearn
- 50-mile re-torque
9. Walmart.com Makes It Easy To Find Car Parts
If you’re looking for new products for your car, you might now know where to start. Fortunately, Walmart’s website makes it simple to find the correct auto parts for your car or truck.
For example, on Walmart’s website, you can enter your vehicle’s make, model, year, and other information, and Walmart will automatically direct you to the products you need.
10. Schedule An Appointment With Walmart’s Auto Center
Although it’s not required to receive auto assistance at Walmart, it’s best to call the Auto Center ahead of time and schedule an appointment.
If you don’t schedule an appointment, you may end up waiting hours to receive service.
Fortunately, it’s simple to schedule an appointment, and you can do so by calling your Walmart Auto Center.
However, you can still receive services like an oil change without scheduling an appointment beforehand.
11. Walmart Sells Cars, Too
As an extension of its Auto Center services, Walmart also sells cars, both new and used.
That said, you can browse vehicles based on make, model, price, payment type, body style, and whether the vehicle’s new or used.
As part of a partnership with CarSaver, Walmart’s Auto Center website includes a direct link to various vehicle choices.
12. Walmart Auto Techs Are Underpaid
Compared to the national average, Walmart’s Auto Techs are paid well below the national average for the same position.
According to Indeed, Walmart Auto Techs receive wages 27% below the national average.
However, Walmart offers quarterly bonuses, employee discounts, and other benefits for Auto Techs to counteract the lower wages.
13. Get An Oil Change At Your Car Dealership
If your local car dealership is nearby, it might be better to get an oil change there instead of at Walmart’s Auto Center.
That said, dealerships work on the same makes and models of vehicles every day, so they’re more likely to perform the service accurately and find other issues.
Additionally, dealerships often perform a complete check of your vehicle during the oil change.
14. You Can Return Tires To Walmart
If you accidentally buy the wrong tires from Walmart, there’s no need to worry. With that, Walmart has a generous 90-day return policy for tires.
However, if the tires are mounted, installed, or the 90-day window has passed, they aren’t eligible for return.
15. Walmart Tires Come With A Warranty
Almost every tire Walmart sells comes with a manufacturer warranty, depending on the brand. However, Walmart also offers additional coverage, including:
- Road Hazard Warranty: $10 per tire
- Lifetime Balance and Rotation: $14 per tire
Moreover, carefully read the product description for the tires you buy from Walmart to stay informed about the manufacturer warranty.
To know more about Walmart, you can also read our posts on Walmart automative technician, does Walmart patch tires, and if Walmart balance tires.
Conclusion
Walmart’s Auto Center provides various services and auto products, like battery installation, tires, and oil changes.
Additionally, some maintenance services at Walmart Auto Center are free of charge.
Still, it might be safer to get an oil change at your local car dealership instead of Walmart because auto techs check your entire car.
