Walmart Auto Care Centers

The Walmart Auto Care Center located at 891 US-9, Queensbury, NY 12804, USA, operates within the expansive retail environment of a Walmart supercenter, classifying it under the Auto Repair Stations category. This integration allows the center to offer basic automotive maintenance and tire services conveniently alongside a wide range of retail shopping. For local users in Queensbury and the surrounding areas, the appeal often lies in the perceived convenience and affordability of getting vehicle service done while attending to other shopping needs.

The physical environment of a Walmart Auto Care Center typically consists of a dedicated bay area for vehicle servicing, often visible from a customer waiting area or through a glass partition. The facility would be equipped with standard tools for basic maintenance tasks, tire changes, and battery services. The integration within a larger Walmart store provides a unique customer experience: while waiting for their vehicle, customers have access to the entire retail floor, including groceries, electronics, and apparel. This can be a significant convenience, allowing customers to maximize their time.

However, the provided customer reviews for this specific location paint a concerning picture of the actual service experience, overshadowing the convenience. One review details an appointment for an oil change that went awry due to a lack of an oil filter in stock. Despite being assured of immediate service, the customer experienced a significant delay: "It has been 30 minutes now and counting and they haven’t even STARTED on the vehicle." This indicates issues with inventory management, appointment scheduling accuracy, and communication. The frustration is palpable, leading to a strong negative sentiment: "Absolute garbage service that we will never be using again."

A second, more severe review highlights a critical problem after an oil change. The customer noticed an immediate oil leak, which, after returning to the center and receiving a temporary fix that failed, led to a second opinion from another shop. This revealed that the Walmart technicians had "over tightened my oil pan to the point where it leaks," a significant mechanical error. The review further notes that this is "very common that they do that at Walmart." This points to systemic issues with technician training, quality control, and accountability. The customer's regret of not saving money in the long run ("now I have to pay to have my car fixed") and the continuous need to add oil underscore severe negative consequences from what should be a routine service. Both reviews give "ZERO stars," indicating extreme dissatisfaction with the quality of work and customer service.

Walmart Auto Care Centers typically offer a limited but essential range of automotive services and associated goods, primarily focusing on routine maintenance and tire-related needs. These commonly include:

• Oil Changes: Various types of oil changes (conventional, synthetic blend, full synthetic). This is a core service, as highlighted by the reviews.
• Tire Services: Tire installation, rotation, balancing, flat repair, and pressure checks. They also sell a range of tires.
• Battery Services: Battery testing, replacement, and sales.
• Fluid Services: Coolant flushes, transmission fluid exchanges, and power steering fluid services.
• Wiper Blade Replacement: Sales and installation of wiper blades.
• Headlight/Taillight Replacement: Basic bulb replacements.
• Air Filter Replacement: Engine air filter and cabin air filter replacement.

While the center does offer these services, the customer feedback raises significant concerns about the competence and reliability of the service execution, particularly for seemingly simple tasks like an oil change. The problem with an out-of-stock oil filter and the subsequent overtightening of an oil pan are direct indicators of operational and technical deficiencies.

Based on the business model and the provided customer reviews, the perceived and actual features of Walmart Auto Care Centers include:

• Convenience of Location: Integrated within a Walmart store, allowing customers to shop while their vehicle is serviced. This is a primary draw.
• Price Competitiveness: Often positioned as a budget-friendly option for basic automotive services, aiming to attract customers looking to save money. However, as the reviews suggest, this can be a false economy if quality is compromised.
• Basic Service Offerings: Focus on high-volume, routine maintenance tasks rather than complex repairs.
• Potential for Poor Communication: The lack of upfront information about out-of-stock parts and extended wait times despite appointments indicates significant communication gaps.
• Concerns about Workmanship: The severe issues reported, such as the overtightened oil pan leading to leaks, highlight serious concerns about the quality and care taken during services. The "very common that they do that at Walmart" comment, if true, suggests a systemic problem rather than an isolated incident.
• Lack of Accountability/Follow-up on Errors: The inability or unwillingness to properly fix a problem they caused (the oil leak) and the customer's need to seek repair elsewhere demonstrate a lack of accountability.

These negative features, particularly regarding service quality and accountability, are critical detractors that undermine the initial appeal of convenience and low cost.

Walmart Auto Care Centers typically promote themselves through in-store signage, online advertising on the Walmart website, and possibly local flyers or circulars, emphasizing affordability and convenience. Their presence within a highly frequented retail store serves as a constant form of exposure. The phone numbers, (518) 793-0714 and +1 518-793-0714, are provided for customer inquiries and scheduling. However, the most potent "promotional" information, in this case, comes from the real customer reviews, which are overwhelmingly negative. These reviews directly counter any positive marketing messages by highlighting severe service failures, extended wait times, lack of communication, and damage to vehicles due to improper workmanship. For potential local users, these direct accounts of dissatisfaction serve as a significant warning, leading them to "never be using again" these services. The "zero stars" rating reflects a complete breakdown of trust and satisfaction, acting as a powerful deterrent for anyone considering bringing their vehicle to this specific Walmart Auto Care Center for an oil change or other services.