Does Walmart do car inspections? (full guide)
Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the world, offers a wide selection of options for your vehicle needs such as spare parts, oil, and other auto services through its auto care centers.
Since car owners often need to have their vehicles inspected, you might be wondering if Walmart conducts auto inspections. Here’s what I found after doing some research!
Does Walmart do car inspections?
Sadly, Walmart does not conduct auto inspections at any auto care centers or supercenters. Instead, you can get basic services like oil changes and tire balancing at Walmart. For a proper car inspection, you can visit centers such as Midas, Valvoline, Mr. Lube and Jiffy Lube.
If you want to learn more about why Walmart doesn’t do any car inspections, where else you can go to get them, and how much the different types of car inspections cost, keep reading!
Why doesn’t Walmart do car inspections?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, each state requires different safety inspections for vehicles based on when they were purchased, sold or registered.
Beyond that, some ride-sharing services like Lyft or Uber require further inspection of the vehicle based on the driver and location of the trip, especially if the vehicle may have crossed state lines.
Walmart simply doesn’t have the car capabilities to handle all the changes, so it doesn’t offer car inspections at its car care centers or supercenters.
Where can I get a car inspection?
To have your car inspected, you’ll need to find a mechanic certified (by an outside authority) to assess the vehicle’s safety against established standards by the city or state.
You can check for inspection services at service centers like Valvoline, Mr. Lube, Midas, or Jiffy Lube (which has a handy service center locator for your convenience).
Alternatively, drivers can refer to their local Department of Motor Vehicles for specific guidance, using this collection of links to 50 state DMVs.
How much does a car inspection cost?
While the cost of a car inspection depends largely on the state you live in, the inspection center, and the age and type of vehicle, general safety testing is usually affordable.
A certified mechanic in a private shop will undoubtedly be more expensive, but a service center like Midas or Jiffy Lube will also be able to perform routine safety checks and provide you with the necessary certifications.
Before you head to one of these, check your state’s regulations to make sure you know what type of inspection your vehicle requires, as some states require more than one (such as passing a proper emissions test).
Car safety inspections are divided into three categories of inspections and prices:
- Basic Vehicle Inspection – The most affordable basic inspection covers the mechanical structure of the car and costs the least, around $80.
- Standard Vehicle Inspection – A standard inspection covers the entire vehicle and all components. This will set you back about $150 to $250 at most service centers.
- Full/Advanced Vehicle Inspection – This is the broadest type of inspection and is suitable for more complex car builds or vehicles that may handle dangerous goods or hazardous conditions. This usually costs upwards of $300.
What car services does Walmart offer?
Walmart offers a variety of auto services through its auto care centers, including tire maintenance, oil changes, lube service, and more.
Walmart’s certified automotive technicians can provide prompt, affordable and professional maintenance for your vehicle needs.
Here is a complete list of the auto services offered at Walmart Auto Care:
- replace air filter
- battery installation
- battery test
- Coolant system cleaning
- tire repair
- fuel system cleaning
- Lubricant Service
- oil change
- oil filter replacement
- tire balance
- tire installation
- tire replacement
- tire rotation
- Windshield wiper fluid replacement
To easily find your local Walmart Auto Care Center, enter your zip code into their store locator and select “Details” next to your most convenient store location for information on their hours of operation and phone number .
in conclusion
Unfortunately, Walmart’s auto care centers do not offer auto inspections. They do offer a wide range of other vehicle services, including tire repairs, engine maintenance, and oil changes.
However, if you need an auto inspection, check out other auto service centers such as Midas, Mr. Lube, Jiffy Lube, or Valvoline, which have trained and certified mechanics who can perform inspections.
