Walmart is obviously well known for being a major supplier of just about any item you can possibly think of. But did you know that Walmart also offers auto care services?
The Walmart Auto Care Center is a great resource for anyone seeking basic affordable services for their vehicle.
When it comes to conventional automotive “tune-ups,” Walmart Auto Care Center doesn’t offer a full-service vehicle tune up as they are not equipped to offer things like spark plug checks, brake checks, etc.
What Walmart offers instead is oil change packages and routine maintenance.
Firstly, Walmart offers a basic “pit crew” service which is a minimal oil change package. The following services are included:
- Oil change
- Changing the oil filter
- Greasing the grease inserts if there are any
- Tire pressure check and airing up if needed
In addition to the above, they offer multi-service packages which include more items than just a simple oil change.
Walmart Auto Routine Maintenance
As mentioned above, Walmart offers multi-service packages which can include things a variety of things besides oil changes.
The packages they offer include:
- Standard oil packages
- Synthetic oil packages
These oil change multi service packages can include:
- Changing the oil
- Changing the oil filter
- Checking the air filter
- Checking some fluids
- Checking the lights
- Checking the battery
- Checking tire pressure
- Airing up the tires
- Checking windshield wipers
- Washing the windshield
- Vacuuming the front floors
In addition, these services are offered at the Walmart Auto Care Center and they could either be part of the packages or can be a-la carte:
- Cleaning your headlights
- Changing vehicle light bulbs
- Changing wiper blades
- Changing batteries
- Tire installation
- Tire rotation and balancing
- Checking tires for wear
- Flat repairs
- Replacing air filters
- Oil/gas top treatment kits
Costs
These will vary based on the package you select, the type of oil and what services you want covered and even where you are located.
For example pit crew service could cost around $60.
Now, if you’re trying to find something that involves a bit more than just topping off your oil and checking your tire pressure, you’ll have to piece together your services “a la carte.”
For example, you could combine the following services to get as close to a “tune-up” as you can get at Walmart:
- Standard oil change – $32.88
- Pit crew service – $22.88
- Tire balancing and rotation – $60 for a standard vehicle ($15 per tire)
- Fuel system maintenance – $20
The total cost of this combination of services would be $135.76.
But keep in mind that standard tune-ups are typically a bit more involved than this. It’s important for a tune-up to include a brake check, spark plug check, and a general assessment of the engine to check for parts that might need to be replaced. This typically involves checking hoses, belts, and more to make sure nothing is beginning to fail.
Overall, Walmart Auto Care Center isn’t really the best place to go for a tune-up, as they’re not equipped to offer the full spectrum of services that this process should entail.
But their routine maintenance packages are great for simple things that you are supposed to do to keep your vehicle functioning properly.
Does Walmart Accept Auto Insurance During Vehicle Tune-Up?
Unfortunately, automotive workers and auto care centers usually do not work directly with insurance companies. If you have coverage through your car insurance company that covers basic things like tune-ups, you will need to seek compensation for your tune-up directly through your insurance company.
However, it’s worth noting that basic vehicle maintenance is rarely something that an insurance company will cover.
How Long Does It Take?
How long Walmart will take to service your vehicle depends on several different factors.
The factors that will determine how long this process will take include:
- How many individual services you paid for
- How busy the Auto Care Center is
- What time of day you made your appointment
If you scheduled an appointment in advance, arrived on time, and the Auto Care Center you visit is well-staffed, then your services might only take 1-2 hours. However, depending on the factors listed above, your services could take as long as 4 or 5 hours. It’s best to schedule your service appointment at a time when you will be okay without your vehicle for a potentially large portion of the day.
Getting an Appointment
To schedule any service at a Walmart Auto Care Center, simply follow these steps:
- Use Walmart’s store locator tool to locate your nearest Walmart Auto Care Center
- Once you’ve found a location near you, give them a call or visit in person to discuss the services you need and schedule an appointment
- When your appointment has been made, arrive at the Walmart Auto Care Center location you chose to avail your services
