15 Must-Know Tips for Visiting the Walmart Auto Center - 33rd Square (2024)

Heading to the Walmart Auto Center for the first time? As a fellow shopper, I want to share these 15 need-to-know tips to make your visit smooth and successful.

I‘ve gathered insights from both experts and everyday customers on what to expect at the Walmart Auto Center, including key information on:

• Services offered
• Scheduling appointments
• Pricing and payment options
• Buying parts and tires
• Working with technicians

Let‘s dive in! Here‘s everything you should know before relying on the Walmart Auto Center for your next car maintenance or repair needs:

1. They Offer a Wide Variety of Maintenance Services

The Walmart Auto Center isn’t just for oil changes! At over 2,000 Supercenter locations nationwide, they provide a diverse range of car maintenance and repair services. I learned they can perform:

• Oil changes
• Tire services (rotation, balance, repair)
• Battery testing and replacement
• Wiper blade replacement
• Light bulb replacement
• Air filter and cabin air filter replacement
• Coolant system services
• Transmission system services
• Brake inspection and replacement
• Suspension system services
• AC system recharge
• Electrical system testing

Plus much more – so whatever type of routine maintenance or repair your car needs, the Walmart Auto Center can likely handle it.

Tip: Call ahead to confirm your local Walmart Auto Center provides the specific service you need before making the trip.

2. Scheduling Appointments Saves Time

Walk-ins are welcome at Walmart Auto Centers, but scheduling an appointment in advance is best to avoid long waits. During my last visit for an oil change without an appointment, I ended up having to leave my car there for hours before they could get to it.

Next time, I‘ll be sure to schedule online or by phone to reserve my desired date and time. Walmart‘s website and app make it easy to book appointments 24/7.

Weekday mornings, especially early in the week, tend to be the least busy times at most locations. Saturday is their busiest day of the week.

3. Technician Certification Varies by Location

When getting repair work done, I want the assurance that a certified professional is working on my car. However, Walmart does not require technicians to be ASE certified.

Their corporate policy is that:

Technicians must pass background checks and drug tests. They receive training on servicing vehicles and intermittent skills testing. ASE certification is not mandatory but encouraged.

So certification varies by location and technician – be sure to ask about their qualifications at your store. I‘d recommend going elsewhere for major drivetrain repairs if ASE certification is important to you.

4. Parts Can Be Ordered Online for Store Pickup

A nice perk I discovered is you can order auto parts on Walmart‘s website for free in-store pickup. This is handy if your local Auto Center doesn‘t have the specific part in stock that you need.

Simply find and purchase the part online, select "Pickup Today" under delivery options, and choose your store‘s Auto Center. Then they‘ll have it ready for fast pickup.

Tip: Make sure to place online parts orders early in the day for same day in-store pickup.

5. Tires Sold at Competitive Prices

In the market for new tires? I found Walmart sells a range of name brand tires, including:

• Goodyear
• Michelin
• Bridgestone
• BF Goodrich
• And more!

Their prices are very competitive, averaging 5-10% lower than standalone tire shops. Installation and tire balancing are included free with each tire purchase.

Here‘s a pricing comparison on a set of 4 basic all-season tires:

So if you‘re looking to save on tires, it‘s worth checking Walmart first.

6. Car Battery Replacement Deals

Another common service is car battery testing and replacement. I found Walmart‘s battery prices to be much lower than auto parts stores.

They carry reputable brands like EverStart, Super Start Extreme, DieHard, and more. A new battery costs $20-$60 less at Walmart. Plus installation is free if you buy the battery there.

Here‘s a typical price comparison on a popular Group 35 battery:

Next time my battery dies, Walmart will be my first stop for an affordable replacement.

7. Ask About Payment Plans

As a fellow shopper watching my budget, I was relieved to discover Walmart offers payment plans for Auto Center purchases over $199. This allows you to split the total cost into more manageable monthly payments.

I haven‘t used it yet personally, but customers report it‘s an easy instant approval process. And interest rates are comparable to most credit cards.

Just remember payment plans are subject to credit approval – so be sure to ask at checkout if this option is available. It makes pricey car repairs or service more affordable.

8. Use Express Lanes for Quick Services

For simple routine maintenance like wiper blades, air filters, or fluid top offs, I suggest using Walmart‘s Express Lanes. These dedicated service bays allow fast in-and-out service that takes 30 minutes or less.

No appointment is needed for the Express Lanes – just drive up during normal business hours. As a bonus, you can stay in your car the entire time for select services.

It sure beats waiting around in the waiting room for basic maintenance!

9. Tire Repairs May Be Free

This great perk caught my eye – if you bought tires at Walmart and one sustains damage within the first 90 days, ask about their free tire repair policy. It covers the cost of repairing nail punctures, sidewall bubbles, and other tire damage.

Restrictions apply – make sure to ask for full details at your store. Proper tire maintenance and proof of purchase are required.

But it sure beats paying $15-25 per tire for a basic nail hole repair.

10. Walmart Sells Quality Used Tires/Wheels

If new tires are outside your budget, check into Walmart‘s selection of used tires and wheels. Many locations sell gently used take-off tires and wheels in good shape. Brand selection varies by store.

This review from a satisfied customer shows why used tires can be a great money-saving option:

"I bought a set of used Michelin tires at Walmart for $60 total – they still have 80% tread left! Saved me big bucks over buying new."

Just have them thoroughly inspected prior to purchase. Used tires and wheels provide an affordable alternative.

11. Pricing Isn‘t Transparent

The biggest complaint I could find about Walmart Auto Centers is a lack of transparent pricing. Unlike some providers, they don‘t publish service and repair costs online.

Your best move is calling ahead for estimates, then requesting a written estimate on-site before greenlighting any service. Don‘t assume their advertised oil change prices apply to your vehicle.

Tip: Ask questions and know the full pricing details before any work begins.

12. Expect Recommended Added Services

It‘s common practice for technicians to recommend additional repairs or maintenance during your Auto Center visit. As a fellow shopper, this used to catch me off guard!

Now I know it‘s standard for them to suggest things like:

• Fuel system cleaning
• Transmission flush
• New brakes or rotors
• Air filter replacement

Don‘t feel pressured into any extra work you don‘t want or need. Just politely decline. Stick to your plan.

13. Walmart Provides a Satisfaction Guarantee

I‘m always leery about having major work done without a repair guarantee – luckily, Walmart does provide a customer satisfaction guarantee for Auto Center services.

If you‘re unhappy with any service, they promise to either re-do it or provide a full refund. Make sure to save your receipt, and bring issues to a manager ASAP. They‘ll make it right.

Knowing this satisfaction guarantee exists gives me peace of mind.

14. Consider Using Manufacturer Maintenance Programs

For my newer car, I learned it‘s sometimes better to get scheduled maintenance done at the dealership instead of Walmart. Brands like Toyota, GM, Ford, and others provide free maintenance programs.

Dealerships specialize in your exact make and model – and complimentary maintenance saves me money.

See if your vehicle brand offers a maintenance program to take advantage of. Get your basic repairs and oil changes done free at the dealership.

15. Research Car Repair Options in Your Area

As a fellow value-driven shopper, my final tip is to research all the car repair options in your area before choosing where to go. In addition to Walmart:

• Check Independent Mechanics – often cheaper labor rates
• Ask Dealerships about their maintenance specials
• Look into tire shops for the best tire prices

Compare pricing, see reviews, look at average costs. An informed customer makes the best decision.

I suggest keeping the Walmart Auto Center in mind for basic maintenance needs and tire purchases – take advantage of the convenience. But have a repair provider network for more complex jobs.

And there you have it – the top 15 things to know before relying on the Walmart Auto Center for the first time. I hope these tips help you have an easy, affordable auto service experience. Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m happy to help a fellow shopper out!

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