Getting your oil changed regularly is one of the best ways to maintain your vehicle and keep it running smoothly for years to come. Two popular oil change options are Take 5 and Walmart, but how do you decide which is the better choice for your car?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, costs, and key differences between Take 5 and Walmart to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Take 5 | Walmart |
| Cost | $39.99-$109.99 | $19.88-$49.88 |
| Speed | 5-10 minutes | 15-30+ minutes |
| Appointment Needed? | No | No |
| Oil Types Offered | Conventional, Synthetic Blend, Full Synthetic | Conventional, Synthetic Blend |
| Oil Filter Brands | Fram, Bosch, Purolator | SuperTech |
| Additional Services | Limited | Extensive auto repairs |
| Nationwide Warranty | Yes | Yes |
Overview of Take 5 Oil Change
Take 5 Oil Change is a quick lube franchise with locations across 30 states. They specialize in speedy oil changes while you wait in your car, promising a professional grade oil change in just 10 minutes or less.
Some of the key features and benefits of Take 5 oil changes include:
- Convenience: With over 1000 locations across the country, Take 5 aims to make oil changes as easy and fast as possible. No appointment is needed, just drive up and they’ll service your car while you wait.
- Speed: As their name suggests, Take 5’s oil changes typically take just 5-10 minutes. This is perfect for those with busy schedules who need a quick automotive service.
- Service options: Take 5 offers conventional, high-mileage, and synthetic blend oil options. They’ll also check and fill other fluids and replace your oil filter.
- Nationwide warranty: Oil changes at Take 5 come with a nationwide 12-month/12,000 mile warranty, providing peace of mind wherever you drive.
- Online appointments: While not required, you can make an online appointment to select your service time and reduce wait times even further.
Take 5 provides fast, convenient oil changes using quality products. However, the convenience does come at a slightly higher price point than other shops.
Overview of Walmart Oil Changes
Walmart offers oil change and lubrication services at over 2,000 Auto Care Centers located conveniently within Walmart stores across the United States.
Here are some key things to know about Walmart oil changes:
- Lower cost: Walmart is known for lower prices, and their oil changes are very affordably priced, often $10-$20 cheaper than Take 5.
- No appointment: Like Take 5, no appointment is needed for a Walmart oil change. Just drive up and they’ll take care of your car.
- Time: Walmart does not promise hyper speedy oil changes like Take 5. Wait times can vary more, so expect the process to take 15-30 minutes typically.
- Products used: Walmart uses quality oil filters and brand name conventional and synthetic blend oils, though not full synthetics.
- Services: Beyond just oil and filter changes, Walmart does inspections, brake services, battery replacement, tire services, and more.
- Nationwide warranty: Similar to Take 5, Walmart offers a nationwide limited warranty on oil changes for 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Walmart is a solid choice for affordable oil changes without compromising too much on convenience or service quality.
But the trade-off is you may wait a bit longer compared to the fast in-and-out times of Take 5.
Key Differences Between Take 5 And Walmart Oil Change
- Prices
One of the biggest differences between Take 5 and Walmart is the pricing. Take 5 oils changes tend to cost $20-$40 more on average.
Here’s a pricing comparison:
| Service | Take 5 Price | Walmart Price |
| Conventional Oil Change | $39.99-$59.99 | $19.88-$24.88 |
| Synthetic Blend Oil Change | $69.99-$89.99 | $39.88-$49.88 |
| Full Synthetic Oil Change | $89.99-$109.99 | Not offered |
| Additional Services (wiper blades, etc.) | $9.99-$29.99 | $7.88-$19.88 |
The steeper prices at Take 5 reflect their convenience-focused model. You’re paying more for the faster oil change without an appointment. Walmart offers similar services at a lower price point, but may lack some specialized offerings like full synthetic oil.
When budget is a top concern, Walmart is likely the better deal for you. Take 5 is worth the extra cost when speed and convenience are your priorities.
- Oil and Filter Quality
Both Take 5 and Walmart use quality brand name conventional and synthetic blend oils like Havoline, Pennzoil, Valvoline, or Quaker State. You can trust the products used at either location will properly lubricate and protect your engine.
The main differences are:
- Full synthetic oils: Take 5 offers full synthetic oil options while Walmart does not currently. Synthetic oils are higher-performing, though also pricier.
- Oil filter brands: Take 5 uses Fram, Bosch, or Purolator brand filters. Walmart uses their own SuperTech brand filters. Both are high-quality.
So while the oils and filters used are comparable, Take 5 edges out Walmart by providing full synthetic oil options for maximum engine protection.
- Convenience and Speed
Convenience and speed are where Take 5 really outshines Walmart.
Take 5’s oil changes take just 5-10 minutes with no appointment, perfect for quick errands with minimal wait time.
In contrast, Walmart is less consistent on wait times.
While you may get in and out quickly, some locations are busier so your oil change could take 15-30+ minutes even without an appointment.
Take 5 offers a level of speed and convenience that Walmart simply can’t match. If your top priority is getting in and out fast, Take 5 is likely the better option.
However, Walmart does also offer the convenience perk of getting your oil change done while shopping for other items.
- Additional Services
Both Take 5 and Walmart provide oil changes plus some additional maintenance services like:
- Tire rotation
- Wiper blade replacement
- Light bulb replacement
- Battery services
- Fluid top-offs
- Air filter replacement
However, Walmart offers significantly more beyond just oil change services. Their Auto Care Centers provide services like brake repair, wheel alignment, tire sales and installation, and emission system repairs.
So while both meet basic needs for oil changes plus minor maintenance, Walmart is the clear winner when it comes to the variety of mechanical services available. Take 5 focuses specifically on speedy oil changes.
- Nationwide Warranties
The peace of mind provided by warranties is another area where Take 5 and Walmart are evenly matched. Both offer nationwide 12 month/12,000 mile warranties on their oil changes.
If any issues arise from an oil change within that timeframe or mileage, you can get it addressed at any location in their nationwide networks. The warranties cover the cost of a new oil change plus any resulting repairs or damage to your engine.
When it comes to warranty coverage, Take 5 and Walmart offer equally strong protection.
Which Is Better: Take 5 Or Walmart?
So when all factors are considered, which oil change provider comes out on top – Take 5 or Walmart?
For most drivers, the deciding factor will come down to priorities:
- If speed and convenience are most important, Take 5 is likely the best fit with their hyper-fast oil changes requiring no appointment.
- If affordability is your top concern, Walmart offers similar services for $10-$20+ less per oil change.
- Drivers wanting full synthetic oil will need to choose Take 5, as Walmart does not offer full synthetic options currently.
- Those who want their oil change done while running other errands may prefer the one-stop-shop benefit of a Walmart Auto Care Center.
- Anyone needing extra auto repair services beyond just oil will get the widest selection of services at Walmart.
- Both offer strong nationwide warranties, so no clear advantage on either side there.
Take 5 and Walmart both have their perks. Take 5 offers greater speed and convenience, while Walmart provides lower pricing and more extensive services. Considering your specific needs and priorities will lead you to the best option for your oil change.
Also Read: Differences Between Oil Changes At Dealership And Valvoline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Take 5 offers full synthetic oil changes as an upgrade option. This provides maximum protection and performance for engines, though costs $20-$30 more than conventional or synthetic blend oil options.
The national average cost for a standard oil change is $35-$75 depending on oil type and additional services. Take 5 prices tend to be on the higher end starting at $40, while Walmart is very affordable starting under $25 per oil change.
Pit Crew Top Treat is a service package Walmart offers that includes their standard oil change plus 5 additional maintenance items: wiper blade replacement, tire rotation, battery test, air filter check, and fluid top-off. It provides more complete auto service.
Full synthetic oils can last 7,500-10,000 miles between oil changes. Conventional oil needs changed about every 3,000-5,000 miles. Synthetic blends fall in the middle, with change intervals around 5,000-7,500 miles.
Final Thoughts
Looking at factors like price, convenience, and services offered helps reveal whether Take 5 or Walmart is the better choice for your next oil change.
Keep your vehicle running smoothly by getting the basics like oil changes done routinely, and consider the differences outlined here to find the provider that best fits your needs.
