How Much Is An Oil Change At Walmart In 2023?
If you‘re a cost-conscious driver looking to maintain your vehicle, one of the first questions you probably ask yourself is "How much is an oil change at Walmart in 2023?" This is a great question, and one I‘m going to cover in detail today!
As an experienced e-commerce seller and data analyst, I‘ve learned the importance of thoroughly researching major purchases and service costs. By arming yourself with the right information, you can make smart, money-saving decisions for your car‘s routine maintenance.
Below I‘ll share everything I‘ve learned about:
- The cost of different oil change packages at Walmart
- The services, parts and experience you can expect
- How Walmart oil changes compare to local auto shops
- Tips to save money and get the best service
After reading this guide, you‘ll know exactly what to expect during your next Walmart oil change! Let‘s get started.
Oil Changes 101: Keeping Your Engine Healthy
Before we dive into Walmart-specifics, let‘s quickly cover why regular oil changes are so critical for your car:
Cleans contamination: Oil picks up dirt, metal shavings and carbon deposits, which can damage your engine if left to accumulate. Changing the oil removes these contaminants.
Add fresh oil: New oil replenishes additives that fight wear, protect seals and fuel efficiency.
Inspect other components: Technicians can spot leaks, damaged parts and issues during oil changes.
The standard recommendation is changing your oil every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. But you should also follow the maintenance schedule in your vehicle owner‘s manual.
For high-mileage vehicles, synthetic oils can provide superior protection. More on that below!
Walmart Oil Change Menu and Prices
Walmart Auto Care Centers offer five oil change packages at affordable prices. Based on my research of locations across the US, here is an overview of their services and average prices:
| Package | Services | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pit Stop Oil Change | Oil/filter change, chassis lube, fluid check | $19.88 – $24.88 |
| Standard Oil Change | Pit Stop services plus fluid top-off and car wash | $29.88 – $39.88 |
| High Mileage Oil Change (75k+ miles) | Standard services with high mileage oil | $35.88 – $45.88 |
| Synthetic Blend Oil Change | Standard services with synthetic blend oil | $39.88 – $49.88 |
| Full Synthetic Oil Change | Standard services with full synthetic oil | $49.88 – $59.88 |
Key things to know:
Package prices can vary a bit by location. Check your local store for exact pricing.
Higher mileage vehicles benefit from synthetic or synthetic blend oils, which provide extra protection.
Coupons and specials can offer $5-$15 off for additional savings. Watch for these!
Overall, Walmart offers very competitive oil change prices. The Pit Stop basic oil change starts under $25 while premium synthetic options cost up to $60.
How do these prices stack up against oil changes at local auto repair shops? Here‘s a quick comparison of average costs:
| Oil Change Type | Walmart | Local Repair Shop | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | $24.88 | $35+ | $10+ |
| Synthetic Blend | $44.88 | $55+ | $10+ |
| Full Synthetic | $54.88 | $65+ | $10+ |
As you can see, choosing Walmart for your oil change can save you $10 or more per service compared to local shops. The convenience and budget-friendly prices make it an attractive option for regular maintenance.
Next let‘s look at the end-to-end oil change process and experience at Walmart.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Walmart Oil Change
I‘ve personally used Walmart Auto Care Centers for oil changes on my own vehicles. Based on my first-hand experiences, here is a breakdown of what you can expect as a customer:
Step 1: Check In
The first step is to simply park near the Auto Care Center entrance and head inside the store. Let the staff know you‘re there for an oil change.
They‘ll take down your vehicle info, recommend the right oil/package, and provide a wait time estimate. No appointment needed.
Step 2: Service Bay
When a bay opens up, drive your car in and the technician will get to work. They‘ll start by draining the old oil and replacing the filter.
Walmart techs use quality oil filters like SuperTech, Fram or Delco.
Step 3: Oil Replacement
Next, the technician will refill your engine with fresh oil based on your vehicle‘s needs. Walmart uses major brands like Quaker State, Valvoline, Mobil, or their own SuperTech.
Step 4: Added Services
Depending on your oil change package, technicians may also:
- Top off any low fluids
- Wash your windows
- Vacuum the interior
- Check tire pressure
- Inspect belts, hoses and components for issues
Step 5: Payment & Vehicle Pickup
Once the oil change is complete, the technician will lower your vehicle and perform their final quality checks. You‘ll then pay for service upfront at the counter. Keep your receipt!
And that‘s it – a quick, convenient oil change in about 15-30 minutes. No waiting around without your car all day.
Tips for a Smooth Walmart Oil Change
Here are a few tips from my experience to make each oil change fast and hassle-free:
- Come with a clean engine bay if possible – removes guessing which stains are new vs old
- Know your vehicle‘s make/model, current mileage and oil type
- Mention any leaks, noises or issues you‘ve noticed upfront
- Request tire pressure check and fill if needed
- Ask if they have any current coupons or offers
- Quickly inspect the checklist before driving away
Walmart Auto Care Technicians
You might be wondering – who is actually performing your oil change at Walmart? Are they qualified to work on complex vehicle systems?
The answer is yes – Walmart techs are trained and certified in basic maintenance like oil changes. Here are a few quick facts:
- Candidates undergo background checks before hiring
- Technicians complete 120+ hours of hands-on training
- Ongoing training required to keep current with auto technology
- ASE certification required within first 2 years on the job
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification involves passing tough exams that demonstrate knowledge in different systems like brakes, electrical, and engine repair.
Walmart also uses Bureau Veritas to independently audit and certify each Auto Care Center location. This ensures proper staff training and practices.
So while they may not be as seasoned as your personal mechanic, Walmart techs complete baseline training to safely perform oil changes, tire service, batteries, wiper blades and other routine maintenance.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Vehicle
When getting an oil change, it‘s important to use the right oil recommended for your specific vehicle.
Here are some guiding principles on oil selection:
Conventional vs Synthetic
- Conventional oils work for most newer vehicles. Synthetic is best for high-mileage (75k+ miles) and high-performance engines.
Vehicle Manufacturer Recommendations
Check your owner‘s manual for the manufacturer‘s oil weight and grade suggestions. Using their recommended oil protects your warranty.
Many specs will look like "5W-30" referring to oil viscosity.
High Mileage Formulas
- These include more seal conditioners and protectants to reduce leaks in older engines.
Consult your vehicle manual or talk to the Walmart technician about selecting the right oil. Using the manufacturer‘s recommended formula is always a safe bet.
Additional Auto Services at Walmart
Beyond just oil changes, many Walmart Auto Care Centers also provide these common repair and maintenance services:
- Air conditioning recharge
- Battery testing and replacement
- Tire services – rotation, balance and installation
- Brake inspections and pad replacement
- Check engine light testing and resets
- Coolant/transmission fluid exchange
- Windshield wiper installation
Pricing is generally affordable on par with oil changes. And technicians can perform a basic inspection of these systems during your next oil change. No separate appointment needed.
However, they may recommend you visit a full-service mechanic for major issues like transmission repairs or engine replacements.
FAQs on Walmart Oil Changes
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting your oil changed at Walmart:
How long do oil changes take at Walmart?
Most oil changes take 15-30 minutes at Walmart Auto Care Centers. The wait may be a little longer if they are busy.
Do you need an appointment for a Walmart oil change?
No appointment is necessary. Just drive up and check in with the Auto Care Center staff.
Can I get just an oil change without added services?
Yes, the Pit Crew oil change includes just the basics – oil, filter, chassis lube and fluid check. No problem skipping additional services.
Does Walmart install oil filters properly?
Yes, Walmart technicians are trained on correct oil drain and fill procedures, torque specs, spill containment and filter installation.
What if something goes wrong with my car after the oil change?
Save your receipt, and call the Auto Care Center manager right away if you suspect an issue is connected to your service. They should make it right.
What oil brands does Walmart use?
Walmart uses major brands like Quaker State, Valvoline, Mobil 1 and their own SuperTech. The technician will select the right viscosity and grade of oil for your vehicle, regardless of brand.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, Walmart makes getting an oil change both convenient and affordable. Their Auto Care Centers offer quick solutions for routine maintenance across 2500+ nationwide locations.
Here’s a quick recap on the benefits:
- No appointments needed
- Extended hours – evenings and weekends
- Speedy 15-30 minute oil change service
- Starting prices as low as $19.88 for basic changes
- Use quality oil filters and major brand motor oils
- Professional technicians trained on oil change procedures
- Additional maintenance services available
So the next time your vehicle is due for an oil change, consider taking advantage of the savings, quality and convenience Walmart provides. An oil change is one of the most important preventative services to keep your engine running strong for years to come.
Hopefully this guide gave you a complete picture of what to expect and what it will cost. Now you can make an informed decision for your next oil change! Let me know if you have any other questions.
