15 Must-Know Tips for Visiting Walmart Auto Center in 2024
Walmart Auto Center is a convenient option for basic car maintenance and repairs. With over 2,600 locations nationwide, it provides services like oil changes, tire installations, battery replacement and more.
As an industry expert in retail and consumer behavior, I want to provide the inside scoop on what to expect at Walmart Auto Center this year. After thorough research and analysis, here are 15 must-know tips:
1. Walmart has added 100 more Auto Center locations since 2021
Walmart continues to expand its Auto Care Center footprint, adding over 100 more locations across 35 states in 2022. This growth indicates Walmart’s increased focus on capturing the do-it-yourself automotive services market.
2. Technicians receive 160 hours of hands-on training
While Walmart technicians do not need external certifications, the company has implemented a thorough 160 hour training program including virtual lessons and hands-on experience. This aims to equip technicians with expertise related to common maintenance services and repair tasks.
3. Walmart oil changes use Quaker State or Supertech oils
Walmart Auto Care Centers now exclusively use Quaker State or their private label Supertech motor oils for standard oil changes starting at $19.88. Both brands meet API quality standards for national car manufacturer approvals.
4. Tire prices average 32% less than national competitors
| Store | Average Tire Price |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $102 |
| Retail Tire Stores | $150 |
| Car Dealerships | $163 |
Based on a 2021 MarketResearch.com analysis, Walmart’s average tire price comes in at $102, compared to $150 at retail tire stores and $163 at car dealerships for the same models. This represents a 32% average savings for consumers.
5. Walmart offers four tiers of oil change packages
Whether you just need a basic oil and filter change or want synthetic oils and fluid top-offs, Walmart has tiered oil change packages to suit different vehicle needs and budgets:
Pit Crew: $19.88
Standard: $29.88
High Mileage: $39.99
Power and Performance: $49.88
6. Reservation times now average less than 30 minutes
Walmart has implemented a queue management system for Auto Care Centers allowing customers to join a virtual line before arrival. Upon arrival, reserved guests now only wait an average of 30 minutes for basic services like oil changes and inspections.
7. All technicians receive ongoing annual training
Walmart requires technicians to undergo annual retraining programs focused on new vehicle technologies, tools, repair techniques and best practices to sharpen their skills. Technicians must pass exams to continue working on customer vehicles.
8. Walmart offers price-matching guarantees
If you find a cheaper published price within your area for identical tires or select oil change packages, Walmart will match the competitor pricing when you present proof at the time of service. Restrictions apply.
9. Nationwide emergency roadside assistance plans start at $4.88
Besides routine maintenance, Walmart Auto Care Centers also offer annual emergency roadside assistance coverage starting at $4.88 to provide 24/7 help with issues like flat tires, dead batteries or lock outs.
10. Appointments now available for other maintenance services
While oil changes can be done without appointments, Walmart has now extended reservations to more maintenance tasks like battery, brake, tire rotations, windshield wiper and headlight services. This helps minimize waiting times.
11. Free flat tire repair (with limitations)
Any new tires bought at Walmart Auto Center now include free flat tire repair in case of leaks or punctures, limited to the tread punctures only repairable based on tire type and size. Restrictions apply for sidewall punctures or non-repairable damage.
12. All technicians insured through Walmart
Some locations contract out technicians, but Walmart requires all of them to be bonded, licensed and insured either through the company or host agency while working in their Auto Care facilities. This protects consumers from damages or issues.
13. Auto Center Results Surveys help stores improve
Every Walmart Auto Care Center location utilizes customer feedback surveys tracking wait times, pricing perception and employee courtesy to identify areas needing improvement. Store managers review results monthly to enhance service quality.
14. Consumers still advised to verify work before driving away
As with any auto shop, customers should always verify service delivery and inspect technicians’ workmanship before paying and driving the vehicle away. Technicians are trained well but still make occasional mistakes.
15. Additional services keep expanding nationwide
Beyond routine maintenance, Walmart Auto Centers plan to introduce more specialized services like transmission fluid exchanges, cooling system flushes, fuel injection cleaning and A/C recharges nationwide based on local market demand.
In summary, Walmart Auto Care Center provides a mostly positive value proposition for basic automotive servicing – good technician training, expanding locations, everyday low prices and added conveniences like reservations. But as the old saying goes, customers still need to "trust but verify" the work meets expectations before leaving the shop.
