Walmart is a convenient one-stop shop for groceries, household goods, and quick vehicle maintenance. However, recent shocking claims and viral stories have put drivers on alert after allegations that retailers’ Auto Care Centers were using recycled oil to service customer vehicles, disguising it as new.
A $10,000 Nightmare After a Routine Oil Change
What should have been a routine service turned into a financial battle for one Louisiana driver who claims that the Walmart oil change destroyed their car. The driver took the car earlier this year for servicing, but it developed mechanical problems the next day that caused it to slow down and overheat.
When roadside assistance checked the vehicle, they found no oil on the dipstick. A dealership later estimated that the issue would cost $10,000 to repair, citing that a drain plug had not been replaced after the oil change. The customer confronted Walmart, which only agreed to cover a portion of the total cost and left the driver to handle the rest.
The issue is now subject to legal proceedings, with Walmart stating that it will contest the claims but is still looking to settle the issue with the customer.
Viral TikTok Raises Bigger Concerns
In a separate case, a viral TikTok has left drivers questioning the Walmart oil. A TikToker known by her username @pyt21_, allegedly a former Walmart service technician, said that some Auto Care Centers might be reusing old oil instead of installing new oil.
The viral video has sparked an intense debate online. The technician goes ahead to warn that even filtered recycled oil can wear down an engine much faster and even cut oil life from 7,500 miles to just 1,500.
While some people on Reddit bashed the viral video and insisted that Walmart Auto Care Centers were safe and affordable, others added their personal horror stories.
The Truth About Recycled Oil
According to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, recycled/refined oil meets the same standards as new oil. Industry experts support this, adding that as long as the oil is properly processed, it offers the same protection and durability for engines as conventional motor oil.
However, critics have an issue with Walmart’s lack of transparency. It is important to inform car owners whether the oil being used to service their car is refined or brand-new. Additionally, Walmart has only listed synthetic, high-mileage, and conventional options on its website. It doesn’t clarify that it uses refined oils.
What Drivers Should Do Before Leaving Walmart (or Any Auto Shop)
If you are getting your oil changed at Walmart and in other centers, you can protect your engine by following these steps:
- First, ask about the type of oil being used.
- Check the level of the oil using a dipstick. Also, ensure that it is clean.
- Request documentation and keep receipts specifying the oil type and mileage.
- Listen and look for signs such as smoke, odd smells, dashboard warnings, and other red flags immediately after service.
- Stick to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule by ensuring that you don’t miss any service schedules. Most modern vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Conclusion
Although allegations and viral claims about Walmart Auto Care Centers might be false, they still highlight a bigger issue, which is the need for transparency. While an oil change is just routine maintenance, lying to a customer that their car has been filled with new oil when it’s refined oil is wrong. Additionally, it could lead to engine damage that could cost them thousands of dollars.
Due to the allegations, Walmart is facing scrutiny from lawsuits and online debates. Drivers should be keen on what is being done on their engine and do due diligence before leaving any auto care center.