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Walmart wanted $50. They got their $50 and you got to pay $75 for a tow plus a starter/labor which is probably over $200. So you're at $325+ when the local shop could've done it for $130.
Talk about losing a dollar to save a penny.
You got what you paid for. I wouldn't put it past Walmart to have messed up the labor and damaged something. They're not exactly known for high quality auto labor. I've read enough stories of them doing oil changes and either forgetting to put oil back in the engine or not tightening the drain plug to spec.
I usually like to use walmart for oil changes and tires but I suspect the quality of the workers near me is slightly better than other areas.
I would still avoid having their people doing too much work on my car for the simple reason that every car is a bit different and I don't know how much training their people have to be able to fix an issue if they come across something slightly out of the ordinary.
The autozone free installation would be no different, although their workers *might* have more mechanical aptitude. The only way to be sure it's done right is to pay a mechanic to do the work.
That installation charge is compensation for their training and your own lack of knowledge or unwillingness to DIY.
we use their batteries for our small fleet and we install them ourselves. they are as good as any other parts house battery we have ever used and the warranty is awesome. most of the time, we take a battery in within the warranty and the service desk says go get another one and they just trade out for little or sometimes nothing!
Why are you going to Walmart for ANYTHING having to do with your car??????? Mistake #1.
And your battery is only 3 years old, that's way too soon for you to be having problems with it.
It could have been your alternator going bad, combined with a battery that was being drained of its charge by the alternator going bad.
Take it to a reputable shop.
I agree with this guy. I've heard stories about oil changes where the old oil was drained and never replaced. I don't need to tell you what happened next.
When I need a new battery for my Toyota, I will go to Toyota. The original battery lasted twelve years.
Got a new battery for my Camry at the Toyota dealer. The old one was cracked at the negative terminal and corroded the ground cable beyond repair. When I got home I found a Nissan 24F instead of the OEM 26F. Well, the dealer sells Nissans, too, and the battery does work.
Went to Walmart to get the spare on an S-15 truck repaired, after I had to change it for a flat. The "tech" didn't know where the spare was located. It's under the truck bed and you crank it down on a chain. Lots of trucks do that.
Van was hesitating to start, lights were dim. Battery was last replaced in 2014. Walmart would do it for $50 installed. Local shop wanted $130 installed. I went to walmart.
They finished with the battery and brought it out. I went to get in it and it wouldnt start. I go in and tell them. They come out and say " its your starter, its fried".
I Uber home and the shop is going to go tow my van to the shop and put on a starter. $75 tow + part.
Hubby called Walmart to complain.. They claim " It caught fire". B.S. I was standing right there, no it didnt. You switched the batteries and messed up something.
I just had the stater tested at Advanced and it was FINE.
It's not Rocket Science to change a car battery. If don't have minimal tools - ask a friend.
we use their batteries for our small fleet and we install them ourselves. they are as good as any other parts house battery we have ever used and the warranty is awesome. most of the time, we take a battery in within the warranty and the service desk says go get another one and they just trade out for little or sometimes nothing!
Yup, and with coupons they often have great prices on the 5 quart jugs of Mobile 1, as well. Never had a problem with a WalMart branded battery.
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