If you‘re a Sam‘s Club member, you know that this popular retail warehouse club is a fantastic place to save money on everything from groceries and household essentials to electronics and furniture. Sam‘s Club is also well-known for its automotive services, offering great deals on tires, batteries, and accessories for your vehicle. But what about oil changes? Can you get this important bit of routine car maintenance taken care of during your next Sam‘s Club run?
The Short Answer: No, Sam‘s Club Does Not Do Oil Changes
While Sam‘s Club does provide several automotive products and services to its members, unfortunately oil changes are not on the list. If you pull into your local Sam‘s Club service center looking for an oil change, you‘ll be out of luck.
This may come as a surprise to some Sam‘s Club shoppers, especially considering that Walmart, which is the parent company of Sam‘s Club, does offer oil change services at many of its Supercenter and Auto Care Center locations. More on that in a bit.
So why doesn‘t Sam‘s Club offer this common auto service that many of its members likely need on a regular basis? While the company has not provided a public statement with their official reasoning, there are a few potential explanations:
Proximity to Walmart Auto Centers
In many cases, Sam‘s Club locations are situated very close to a Walmart Supercenter – sometimes right next door in the same shopping plaza. And since Walmart does perform oil changes at quite affordable prices ($19.88 for a basic oil change!), it may be that Sam‘s Club has decided it‘s not necessary to duplicate this service when members can simply pop over to the nearby Walmart.
Focus on Other Automotive Services
While oil changes may be the most frequent maintenance item that vehicles require, there are plenty of other products and services that Sam‘s Club has chosen to focus on instead. This includes:
- Tire sales, mounting, balancing, and flat repair
- Battery sales and replacement
- Wiper blade sales and installation
- Air filter sales
- Motor oil and other fluids/additives
By offering this selection of a la carte automotive items, Sam‘s Club can still be a convenient one-stop-shop for many of its members‘ vehicle needs without having to deal with the added complexity and liability of performing oil changes on-site.
Space and Labor Considerations
Performing oil changes requires a fair bit of space for automotive bays as well as additional staff who are trained as mechanics. For a retailer whose primary business is bulk grocery and merchandise sales, the extra space and labor required for oil changes may not make sense compared to focusing on their core offerings. Walmart has separate dedicated Auto Care Centers, while Sam‘s Club service areas are typically more limited.
Where to Get Your Oil Changed Instead
So if Sam‘s Club is off the table for your oil change needs, where should you go instead? You have a few different options, each with their own pros and cons.
Walmart Auto Centers
As mentioned, if you have a Walmart nearby (which is quite likely if you have a Sam‘s Club in your area), their Auto Care Centers are a great budget-friendly option for oil changes. A few benefits of getting your oil changed at Walmart include:
- Very affordable pricing, with basic oil changes starting under $20 in most locations
- Convenient online scheduling and check-in to reduce wait times
- Usually open 7 days a week with extended evening hours
- Ability to get your shopping done while you wait for your oil change
- Technicians are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified
A potential downside is that Walmart Auto Centers can get very busy, so even with an appointment you may have to wait a while. Quality of service can also vary widely depending on location and who is working that day. But if price is your main priority, it‘s hard to beat Walmart.
Quick Lube Chains (Jiffy Lube, Valvoline, etc.)
Ubiquitous quick lube centers like Jiffy Lube and Valvoline Instant Oil Change specialize in fast, convenient oil changes, usually with no appointment necessary. Most oil changes at these types of shops will run around $40-$50 depending on your vehicle and oil type, so they‘re a bit pricier than Walmart. Benefits include:
- Fast service, with most oil changes complete in 30 minutes or less
- Extended hours, some even open nights and weekends
- Usually offer a range of oil types including conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic
- Perform a range of other fluid top-offs and inspections as part of the oil change
- Staff are usually ASE certified and specialize in oil changes
Potential downsides are the higher prices compared to Walmart or DIY, and the upselling that often occurs for additional (sometimes unnecessary) services. But if you value speed and convenience and are willing to pay a bit more, quick lube chains are a solid choice.
Dealerships and Local Mechanics
Another option is to take your vehicle to your auto manufacturer‘s local dealership or an independent mechanic for an oil change. Prices will vary quite a bit, but will generally be more expensive than Walmart or quick lube centers. However, there are some advantages to consider:
- Dealerships have manufacturer-trained technicians who know your specific vehicle make and model inside and out
- Service departments usually have comfortable waiting areas and amenities, some even offer free loaner cars
- Local mechanics can offer a more personalized level of service and counsel than a chain
- Can be a good choice if you need other services performed on your vehicle beyond just an oil change
- Building a relationship with a service center can be beneficial for future repair needs
On the downside, dealerships and local shops will be more expensive and usually require appointments, so they‘re not as convenient as a quick lube center. Some people also feel pressured or upsold at dealerships. But if you want the most professional, thorough service and aren‘t as price sensitive, it‘s worth considering a dealership or trusted local shop.
Do It Yourself
Finally, if you‘re mechanically inclined, doing your own oil changes can be a great way to save money. Even if you‘re new to turning a wrench, oil changes are a fairly simple process on most modern vehicles. What you‘ll need to do it yourself:
- Carjack and stands or ramps to safely lift your vehicle
- Socket set and wrenches
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Gloves and rags/towels
- Appropriate oil and filter for your vehicle
When you do the labor yourself, you just have to pay for the cost of materials which will usually be under $25-$30 for a basic oil change. Advantages to DIY oil changes include:
- Lowest cost option, saving $15-$50+ each oil change
- Can use whatever oil/filter you want (good to use manufacturer recommended)
- Learn more about how your vehicle works
- Satisfaction of maintaining your vehicle yourself
- Can do it on your own schedule
Of course, the main downside to changing your own oil is the time and effort involved. It‘s a messy job that requires crawling under your vehicle, and proper disposal of used oil is important for the environment. If you don‘t have the mechanical confidence, tools, space, or desire to do it yourself, you‘re better off paying for a professional to handle it.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
No matter which option you choose for your oil changes, the important thing is that you get them done at regular intervals. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle‘s engine, providing essential lubrication, cooling, and cleaning. Over time and miles driven, engine oil breaks down and gets contaminated, reducing its ability to protect your engine.
Most newer vehicles have oil monitoring systems that will alert you when an oil change is needed, usually between 5,000-10,000 miles. Older vehicles should generally get their oil changed every 3,000-5,000 miles. Check your owner‘s manual for the recommended oil change schedule and oil type for your specific vehicle.
Skipping or delaying oil changes can lead to accelerated engine wear, reduced fuel economy and performance, and even catastrophic engine failure in extreme cases. Replacing an engine is thousands of dollars, while basic oil changes cost just $20-$100 per year. It‘s preventive maintenance that pays for itself many times over.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Vehicle
When getting your oil changed, you‘ll have a few different types to choose from at different price points. The most common types are:
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Conventional oil: The cheapest option, best for older/high mileage engines and infrequent drivers. Usually changed every 3,000-5,000 miles.
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Synthetic blend: A mix of conventional and synthetic oil, good for SUVs, pickups, and cars that tow or haul. Usually changed every 5,000-7,500 miles.
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Full synthetic: The highest performing and most expensive oil, good for newer engines and frequent/long distance drivers. Can go 7,500-10,000+ miles between changes in some cases.
Higher mileage vehicles (over 75,000 miles) should also consider using a high-mileage oil for added protection. Always consult your vehicle‘s owner manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for oil type and viscosity (thickness) to keep your engine running optimally.
Proper Disposal of Used Motor Oil
One final consideration when it comes to oil changes is what happens with the used oil that is drained out. Motor oil can be very harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly – it can contaminate soil and water, harming wildlife and ecosystems.
The good news is that used motor oil is recyclable. If you get your oil changed professionally, the service center should recycle your used oil for you. If you change your own oil, most auto parts stores will accept used oil for free recycling – just be sure to store it in a clean, leak-proof container.
Never dump used motor oil on the ground, down a drain, or in the trash. One gallon of improperly disposed motor oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of fresh water.
A Greener Future: The Shift to Electric Vehicles
As more and more automotive manufacturers pledge to shift towards electric vehicles in the coming years and decades, the way we think about routine vehicle maintenance will change significantly. Electric motors don‘t require motor oil to function, so oil changes (along with many other maintenance items like spark plugs and emissions controls) will become a thing of the past.
Of course, the transition to widespread EV adoption will take a long time, and internal combustion engines will continue to need oil changes for many years to come. But it‘s interesting to think about how the tried-and-true ritual of the oil change could one day fade into history as our vehicle technology evolves.
Conclusion
While Sam‘s Club may not be the place to go for your next oil change, there are plenty of other convenient and affordable options out there. Whether you choose a nearby Walmart, a quick lube center, a dealership, a local mechanic, or even tackling the job yourself, the important thing is to stay on top of this crucial maintenance item to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
With oil changes costing a small fraction of major engine work, it‘s one of the best investments you can make in your vehicle‘s longevity and your own peace of mind as a car owner. So keep an eye on that oil life percentage, check your mileage, and get that oil change sorted on schedule – your car will thank you for it!
