Walmart for auto supplies

[thool]

Went to a new super Walmart today to buy some Sea Foam: 16 ounces ran me $6.74. Haven't bought it in a long time, so I didn't know prices. The didn't have the anti-seize I was looking for, so headed to the nearby Advance Auto. The same Sea Foam there was $11 on sale!

Although I hate the evil empire, I have to wonder how much I can save by buying more auto consumables at Walmart. Thinking: oil, filters, windshield washer fluid, lubricants, solvents, fuel treatments, etc.

I don't mind comparison shopping, but is there a general guide to what is consistently less expensive at Walmart?

 

[landlord30]

I buy valvoline oil there. Cheapest around me by a couple bucks per gallon.

 

[RocketScott]

I bought some generic antifreeze there a few months ago. It was a couple bucks cheaper than the auto parts stores.

It was probably made in China so who knows what was in it. They put ethylene glycol in the toothpaste so I'm guessing there's toothpaste in the antifreeze.

It worked though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KDXSR5]

I have been buying oil at Walmart for years, as it is significantly cheaper than any other retailer in town. The only place that can beat Walmart here are the bulk oil distributors with their in house offerings, but then I am not sure if what I am buying something equivalent to a name brand or not.

 

[bwringer]

Oil is the only reason I ever go to Wally World. My bikes use Rotella, and the cars get whatever name brand 5W-30 is cheapest.

Although Menard's has some good sales on motor oil sometimes, and it seems like I'm in there way too much for other stuff.

Conversely, I've never quite figured out how the hell the auto parts stores charge so much for consumables. I guess most people don't know or care.

 

[Farmall450]

Oil is the only reason I ever go to Wally World. My bikes use Rotella, and the cars get whatever name brand 5W-30 is cheapest.

Although Menard's has some good sales on motor oil sometimes, and it seems like I'm in there way too much for other stuff.

Conversely, I've never quite figured out how the hell the auto parts stores charge so much for consumables. I guess most people don't know or care.

Probably convenience factor. OP, Menards and Farm & Fleet (if there's one by you) are smaller family owned options for cheap oil, etc. Farm & Fleet runs like $1.69/quart on sale for their private label (Citgo) oil.

 

[nbpt100]

I read somewhere that Wal-Mart is the largest Oil retailer in the country. I believe it. Their prices are even cheaper than Sam's Club. Believe it or not.

I find their prices for automotive fluids to be hard to beat.

 

[thool]

Conversely, I've never quite figured out how the hell the auto parts stores charge so much for consumables. I guess most people don't know or care.

I had used auto parts stores for some consumables, not knowing about Walmart. Like I'd wait for a oil+filter sale, or get consumables like brake cleaner, additives, carb cleaner, gear oil, spray lubricants.

Going forward, I'll go to the Walmart first for these. I was surprised to find that they had more consumables than Advance Auto.

 

[nine4gmc]

Transmission fluid is about half the cost at WM compared to all the auto part stores here.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Walmart is cheaper even with my discount at advance. I paid $34 for mobile 1 Walmart had it for 25

 

[nbpt100]

I will add that when NAPA has a sale they can beat Wal-Mart with brand name products like 3M brake cleaner or Pennz oil. And more. I am sure this varies by region.

 

[jumbojak]

Another place to check in Dollar General. Full synthetic valvoline is cheaper than I've seen it anywhere else. Of course, I don't shop at Walmart so they might be a bit lower.

 

[bczygan]

I get everything that I can, there.

 

[JJThrasher]

Conversely, I've never quite figured out how the hell the auto parts stores charge so much for consumables. I guess most people don't know or care.

I buy 5 quart jugs of Mobil 1 synthetic with a Wix filter for $16 from the local autoparts store. The pricing difference is retail vs commercial accounts. Joe blow gets the shaft and big business makes the cash.

 

[jd_1138]

Wally world is 20 minutes away. I'd rather go to Napa 2 miles away. May pay a couple bucks more, but my time, gas, wear and tear on the car, plus not having to deal with douche nozzles at Wally World -- all makes up for it.

 

[Ign]

I found H1 bulbs way cheaper at Home Depot than O'Reilly.

Also the best place to buy wipers is anywhere but auto parts; Home Depot, WalMart, Family Dollar, True Value all cheaper

 

[bullnerd]

OIL here too. For years.
Another advantage is he ability to park in the auto section,walk in, get oil, walk back out in about 5 minutes!
Don't have to venture into or deal with the rif raf.
Sometimes filter, but I mostly buy them at napa. They cant touch the oil prices.

 

[SweetD]

Funny you posted this today - I just went to Wal-Mart this afternoon.

I bought oil and filter (USA Made FRAM filter) and did my oil change this evening after work.

I bought a large can of WD-40 (just have to have a can around and I was totally out) and a couple cans of carb cleaner to have handy as well.

It's all like 20% less than at a local auto store. I'm a hypocrite in saying that I don't like Wal-Mart. But man, money is money!

* - I do shop as much as I can at local small stores for stuff, and buy Made In USA as much as possible...

Dave

 

[cpttuna]

It all depends on which products you use. Bought Dex/Merc trans fluid at Wal mart for about $2 cheaper than Oreilly auto parts

 

[Regnar]

My goto place is Amazon just have to think a day ahead. Usually the same price as Walmart. 5 quarts of Mobil1 5w30 Full Synthetic $25.47 shipped to the door.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I4E91GI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[theoldwizard1]

I buy all my oil there. If the vehicle can use "plain" antifreeze, I buy Prestone there. Motorcraft oil filters and Fram air filters. Windshield washer fluid.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

If it weren't for the people at Walmart, I would shop there more often. I do get my oil and filters there, as well as my other auto fluids.

 

[southalabama]

I now check amazon.

Needed light socket for jeep tail light.

$3.00 amazon

Cheapest at local auto parts $8.00

Saved $30 on HP toner vs Office Depot.

More and more going amazon and don't sweat the wallyworld lines.

 

[snyder]

Small cans of 134A are $4.00 at WW. 2 or 3 times that at auto house.

 

[48fordnut]

Retired so money is fixed income. I use WMart as my go to store. I raced and used the store brand oil and all of my consumables. Use the self check out or go to the automotive section.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Only thing I ever get at Wal-Mart is Valvoline oil if amazon isn't the same price... other than that I never step foot in one.
I am starting to hate going to any store honestly. Customer service is piss poor most of the time.

It bothers me when I can see in the employee's eye that I am a burden being there buying ****... I used to work retail when I was young so I have standard on what is/is not acceptable and most of the stuff I see now and how employees act is totally unacceptable to me. Oh well, life isn't perfect.

-Nigel

 

[ratdoggy]

I read somewhere that Wal-Mart is the largest Oil retailer in the country. I believe it. Their prices are even cheaper than Sam's Club. Believe it or not.

I find their prices for automotive fluids to be hard to beat.

That's odd that Sam's Club would be more since it's part of Wal-Mart

 

[WhiffySpark]

I buy 5 quart jugs of Mobil 1 synthetic with a Wix filter for $16 from the local autoparts store. The pricing difference is retail vs commercial accounts. Joe blow gets the shaft and big business makes the cash.

That's funny I work for a billion dollar company and with our discount at advance a 5 gallon jug is 37.99. Our store alone spends $10k+ a week there. Isn't it funny how that works

Although brakes, suspension parts, steering filters etc I get a good discount on

 

[ozyborn]

Never stepped foot into a Walmart and never will. I abhor their business practices and will never support them in any way.

 

[brownbagg]

Another place to check in Dollar General. Full synthetic valvoline is cheaper than I've seen it anywhere else. Of course, I don't shop at Walmart so they might be a bit lower.

they sell sea foam at dollar general too, its like four dollars a can

 

[thool]

If it weren't for the people at Walmart, I would shop there more often. I do get my oil and filters there, as well as my other auto fluids.

This is a new Walmart, and they workers are less offensive than the ratty one that it replaced. It still seems to attract zombie shoppers, you know, the ones with glassy eyes who shuffle around for hours with a shopping cart that has one thing it in. The workforce at this one appear to be more visible at least.

My MO is to avoid shoppers and employees, go to the area of interest as quickly as possible, and use the self checkouts.

 

[zz9000]

I buy my oil there and this is the second year I have bought it from Walmart and used a rebate offer to get $12 off. My purchase this year will cost me less than $13 for a 5 quart jug of Mobil 1 5W30.

If interested search for "mobil 1 rebate 2016". If you do want in on the rebate time is limited. The offer is for purchases between August 1, 2016, and October 31, 2016.

The rebate varies from $7 to $15 depending on what you buy.

 

[zendriver]

I blame the Internet, which has turned brick-and-mortar stores, into overpriced "convenience stores", where if you want/need it now, you gonna pay the price.

For instance, If you buy Autozones overpriced parts and you want a can of Seafoam, your gonna pay the price. Sure, you can go get it for "less" at Walmart, but you gotta drive to one, park where someone will scratch your truck and deal with that whole dismal scene, just to save a few bucks.

Even Walmart does it.

Sells a cheaply made outboard motor fuel tank hose for $39. Don't like the price? Go get one somewhere else local.

 

[ford fanatic]

I do a can of Seafoam every oil change and was buying it at the local auto store. I heard Wal Mart had my oil on sale and happened to check the price on Seafoam and it was about $4 cheaper there, regular oil/filter prices were cheaper too. Needless to say, that's where I get my supplies from now.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

I go there anyway for other items. They have good prices for auto supplies. I can't justify $6 for a can of brake cleaner.

 

[MovingAlong]

I am starting to hate going to any store honestly. Customer service is piss poor most of the time.

Welcome to the peaceful quietness of Amazon Prime!

I order the exact fluids I like and they drop them off on my doorstep.

Plugs, wires, coils, bearings, exhaust manifolds, nuts/bolts, wiper blades, seat covers, filters, tail light assemblies, bulbs, Freon, master/slave clutch hydraulics, even tools if I needed them - all dropped off within 3 ft of the garage. No driving around, no parking issues, no stupid floor staff repeating my questions back to me as if they just woke from a coma. Me - "I'm looking for oil", them - "You're looking for oil?", me - "Goodbye".

I blame the Internet

It's a brave new world out there. Last year I averaged an Amazon order every 3-4 days. Love those guys...

 

[nickelmore]

OIL here too. For years.
Another advantage is he ability to park in the auto section,walk in, get oil, walk back out in about 5 minutes!
Don't have to venture into or deal with the rif raf.
Sometimes filter, but I mostly buy them at napa. They cant touch the oil prices.

Thats the only door I use. Discovered that when i had them doing monthly oil changes on my truck when I was out of town. Small town WM so they had a decent work ethic.

At one point I would take the oil of my choice, filter of my choice (They carried AC at the time) off the shelf bring it to the counter and they would do the oil change, grease top off fluids and vacuum the floor for an additional $10.00.

Again small town WM I would not trust the idiots they have working where i live now.

 

[reader2580]

OIL here too. For years.
Another advantage is he ability to park in the auto section,walk in, get oil, walk back out in about 5 minutes!

Most of the Walmarts near me are new and they no longer have tire and lube centers. One of the store managers explained that Walmart couldn't hire enough people to do tire and lube so they are not building many of them anymore. (Duh, maybe if paid a decent wage they could hire workers.)

I buy a lot of my oil and fluid at Walmart since I shop there for groceries often anyhow. I won't buy the Fram filters.

 

[nbpt100]

Never stepped foot into a Walmart and never will. I abhor their business practices and will never support them in any way.

I understand why a lot of people feel that way about Wal-Mart. I try to use small locally owned businesses when I can. But my resources are limited like everyone else on here.

If you don't like Walmart then you should hate Amazon! Typical predatory business practices. They put their so called partners out of business. Well out lined on CNBC and confirmed again and again by several other investigative reporters. They Treat their ware house workers like toilet paper. They have passed Wal-Mart as the largest retailer in the World.

I know they are cheaper and convenient. But think about what your money is going to.
Wal-Mart is starting to feel the pressure and paying people a bit better and providing some more with benefits. They have a ways to go but compared to Amazon...not even close. When on line I go to Ebay, some others and avoid Amazon. Somethings are not always about the money.

 

[PhantomEB]

Nothing but Wix Filters on my small fleet from the auto parts store, I usually buy in 2s of everyone I need as well my mom's car. Rest of the stuff comes from Walmart or Costco.