‘As a ex employee at O’Reilly…’
While an oil change is routine maintenance that may at times feel inconsequential, it’s in fact pretty essential to the engine’s health and performance overall.
When done incorrectly, it can lead to all kinds of major engine damage and costly repairs down the line.
That may be part of the reason why, when a woman posted on TikTok about taking her car to Walmart for an oil change, commenters were alarmed and advised against it.
The video, which was viewed over 422,100 times, was posted by TikTok creator Meelah (@meelahsaved_).
“Me getting a Oil Change at Walmart instead of my dealership cs it’s $32 cheaper,” she wrote in the clip’s text overlay.
In the video, she films herself paying for the service, then picking up her vehicle and driving away.
In the comments section, most viewers agreed that Walmart is not the place to go for car maintenance.
“That $32 might cost you someday… when they don’t put no oil in it or leave the plug loose,” one user wrote.
“My cousin got his oil changed there ONE time and had to get a new car bc they messed everything up,” shared another. “He’s currently in the process of suing them also.”
“As a Dealer tech don’t do it,” a third commenter advised. “I can’t tell you how many motors I’ve had to replace on Walmarts dime cause they [expletive] up.”
However, not everyone agreed with this take. “The amount of people that think Walmart oil changes are bad just because it’s cheaper is crazy,” a fourth user noted.
Walmart Auto Care Centers has a 1.4 out of 5 rating on ConsumerAffairs, with many users who gave it low ratings citing oil changes.
One reviewer, for example, alleged that a Texas auto center overfilled their oil first, and when they returned to have the technicians drain it, the technicians drained the transmission fluid instead.
Other customers have made similar claims, including one who reported their car smoking shortly after a Walmart oil change, and another who said their oil began leaking immediately after the service. Motor1 also previously reported on a similar case.
Additionally, in 2023, Walmart was ordered to pay $10,000 to a customer to cover engine damage allegedly caused by an oil change at one of its auto care locations, according to the Powell Tribune.
With over 2,500 locations across the United States, the quality of service most likely varies from one location to the next.
The biggest issue that gives some customers pause, however, is that it appears that Walmart doesn’t require any certifications or prior experience for its auto technician hires.
As reported by several auto care center employees online, while new hires get thorough training before working on cars, they don’t need any former education to apply for the role.
Two of the most common errors technicians make during an oil change are failing to tighten the drain plug or improperly installing the oil filter. This can cause the oil to leak, which may deprive your vehicle of lubrication if you don’t address the issue quickly.
Additionally, there are different oil viscosities, and using the wrong one can cause overheating because it won’t flow properly through your engine.
Other common mistakes include underfilling or overfilling the oil pan, failing to fully drain the old oil, and more.
Typical signs that something is wrong include your engine making strange noises, your oil light staying on, noticing a leak, your engine overheating, or the new oil appearing dirty.
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s probably a good idea to have your car checked by a professional.
Motor1 has reached out to Walmart via contact form and Meelah via email for comment and additional details. We’ll update this piece if we hear back.
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– The Motor1.com Team