Walmart stands out as the cheapest option to receive this service
An essential part in the maintenance of our vehicles lies in changing the oil around every 3,000 miles. The lubrication of the engine and its consequent better performance depend largely on the viscosity of the lubricant, since it prevents the friction of its parts and therefore their wear.
With the passage of time and the development of new technologies in the automotive industry, the issue of lubricants suitable for the most recent models has changed a lot compared to the way it was maintained for decades, incorporating so-called synthetic oils, whose composition makes them yield up to double the miles before it is necessary to change it, a difference that is also proportional to its price.
As with tire sales and assembly services, Walmart stands out as the cheapest option in the market for this service, with prices below those of the large specialized chains that offer this service such as Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys, Firestone Complete Auto Care and Valvoline Instant Oil Change, according to a study carried out in 2019 by the portal cheapsim.com.
With a price starting at $20 for the simplest package (and up to $50 for the use of synthetic oil), the cost at the supermarket giant’s auto service module would even be similar in calculation if done at through DIY, assuming you have enough knowledge to change the oil at home.
In this sense, Walmart’s advantage over much of its competition in terms of oil changes lies in the same strategy that is applied in the pharmaceutical sector by delivering these products and services as an additional attraction that attracts the public to the store and take advantage of their visit to consume in the areas where they have the highest profit margin.
Among chains specialized in automotive service and oil change in particular, Pep Boys is listed as the cheapest option with a range between $35 and $80 dollars, followed by Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Firestone Complete Auto Care, both between $40 and $90, as well as Jiffy Lube, which can reach $100 per serving in the most complete package.