The best way to ensure you get the maximum life from your vehicle is to keep up with the recommended scheduled maintenance for that vehicle, and although some of those services can be postponed, it is important to keep up with the scheduled oil changes.
Getting your car serviced at Walmart can be a fantastic way to save a bit of money on car repairs, and if you are thinking about getting your vehicle’s oil changed at a Walmart location you might be wondering, “do I need to make an appointment for a Walmart oil change?”
Most Walmart Auto Care Centers will take walk-ins without an appointment if they have time available. However, making an appointment is the best way to ensure that you will not be turned away.
Continue reading to learn more about Walmart’s oil-changing services and how you can book an appointment to get your car serviced today.
How Much Do Oil Changes Cost at Walmart?
Walmart Auto Care Centers offer a variety of services at a fraction of the price of other service centers. One of the biggest reasons why Walmart can offer such low prices is because their technicians are not fully licensed mechanics.
Instead, they are given specialized training surrounding the services that they are performing. However, this should not be taken as a sign that their services are not “good.”
As far as price is concerned, the overall cost of your oil change will depend on which service you choose. Walmart offers multiple oil change packages and customers should understand more about each package before making a final decision.
Below you can find a list of oil change packages offered at most Walmart locations, along with more information about each one.
| Service | What is Included | Price of Service |
| Pit Crew Service | This is the basic service offered by Walmart. It includes up to 5 quarts of conventional oil, a new oil filter, chassis lubrication (where applicable), a tire pressure check, and battery performance check. | Some sites have quoted this at $19.88. However, according to Walmart’s website, this service will cost drivers $22.88. The purchase price may depend on your location. |
| Standard Oil | This service meets industry performance standards and offers basic engine-level protection. It includes everything that is in the Pit Service and may also include fluid checks and vacuuming. | Some sites have quoted this at $29.88. However, according to Walmart’s website, this service will cost drivers $32.88. |
| High Mileage Oil Change | This service is designed for vehicles over 75,000 miles and protects against oil burn-off and leaks while helping to extend the life of the engine. It includes everything that is included with the Pit Service and includes “Lube and Services.” | Some sites have quoted this at $35.88. However, according to Walmart’s website, this service will cost drivers $42.88. |
| Semi-Synthetic Oil Change | This service meets Dexos and new car specifications while supplying better protection than standard (conventional) oil. It includes everything that is included in the Pit Service and includes “Lube and Services.” | Some sites have quoted this at $39.88. However, according to Walmart’s website, this service will cost drivers $42.88. |
| Synthetic Oil Change | This service includes synthetic oil, which has special additives that maximize performance. This offers the highest level of engine protection. It includes all the services included in the Pit Service and includes “Lube and Services.” | Some sites have quoted this at $49.88. However, according to Walmart’s website, this service will cost drivers $52.88. |
| “Lubes and Services” | This includes up to 5 quarts of conventional oil, a new oil filter, chassis lubrication (where applicable), interior vacuuming, and a windshield wash. Additionally, technicians will check the tire pressure, transmission fluid, washer fluid, power steering fluid, and differential fluid of the vehicle. Batter performance, air filter, wiper blades, and lights are also checked and attended to appropriately. | This does not cost anything and is included in high-mileage oil change, semi-synthetic oil change, and synthetic oil change. |
Source: Walmart and Querysprout
Do I need To Make an Appointment?
Although most Walmart Auto Care Centers will take walk-ins, they are limited to the number of customers they can service at one time. Additionally, walk-ins are served on a first-come-first-serve basis, and anyone with an existing appointment will be serviced before you.
This may not be a problem if the store is not busy, and they have service bays available when you arrive. However, if they are busy, you may have to wait a while before being helped.
The best way to avoid having to wait, or even being turned away if they are fully booked, is to make an appointment ahead of time.
When Can I Make an Appointment?
Although the hours may vary depending on the location, Walmart Auto Care Centers are typically open between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm. Some locations do offer extended hours to accommodate people who work odd hours, or they may be open longer on a particular day.
For example, some locations (such as the one found in Rapid City, SD) open as early as 6 am, while other locations (such as the one found in Weslaco, TX) remain open until 11 pm.
While the hours vary by location, it is important to note that most Auto Care Centers are located within a Walmart Super Center, and their hours are independent of the Super Centers hours. For example, the Super Center store may be open from 6 am to 11 pm, but the Auto Care Center may only be open from 7 am to 7 pm.
How Can I Make an Appointment?
From scheduling an appointment in person to calling your local Auto Care Center, there are several ways in which you can make an appointment to have your oil changed at Walmart. However, if you have access to the internet, booking an appointment through Walmart’s website might be the best way.
Customers can go to Walmart.com and click “services” found in the top lefthand corner. Clicking on Auto Care Center will transfer you to another website, where you can click on the “get started” button to find a store near you.
Once you enter your zip code and choose the store you wish to visit, you can book an appointment online. Additionally, this is an effective way to find the store’s Auto Center phone number, which can often be difficult to find.
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John Cunningham
John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write fluff-free articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
