Car owners often ask, does Walmart oil change include filter, and the answer matters more than most people think. An oil change protects your engine, but the filter plays an equal role. Fresh oil alone cannot keep your engine clean without a new filter to trap dirt, metal particles, and sludge.
Walmart Auto Care Centers offer budget-friendly oil change services that attract millions of drivers each year. Many drivers choose Walmart because of simple pricing, wide availability, and fast service times.
Most standard oil change packages at Walmart include a new oil filter along with fresh motor oil and basic maintenance checks. Service details can vary based on your vehicle type and the oil package you select.
Understanding what the service covers helps you avoid surprises at checkout. Clear information saves money, protects your engine, and helps you decide if Walmart fits your car care needs.
Does Walmart Oil Change Include Filter?
Many drivers ask a simple but important question. Does Walmart oil change include filter?
Oil protects engine parts from heat and friction. The filter keeps that oil clean. Both parts work together every second your engine runs. Missing one step can shorten engine life.
Walmart Auto Care Centers serve millions of vehicles each year. Low price attracts many car owners. Clear facts help you decide if the service fits your needs.
This guide explains the full process, the filter details, pricing structure, limits, and what really happens during the service.
Does Walmart Oil Change Include Filter?
Yes. Standard oil change packages include a new oil filter.
Technicians remove the old oil. They remove the used filter. They install a new filter that matches your vehicle. Then they add fresh oil based on your chosen package.
The filter replacement is not optional in the basic package. It is part of the service.
Most standard packages include:
-
Up to 5 quarts of motor oil
-
A new oil filter
-
Drain plug gasket check
-
Basic lubrication of chassis parts (if needed)
-
Tire pressure check
-
Battery and fluid level check
Some engines need 6, 7, or even 8 quarts of oil. Larger engines such as V6, V8, or turbo engines often need more oil. Extra oil adds extra cost.
What Type of Oil Filter Do You Get?
Walmart installs a standard quality oil filter that matches your vehicle’s engine size and thread type.
Oil filters vary in:
-
Filter media quality
-
Dirt holding capacity
-
Pressure relief valve strength
-
Anti-drain back valve design
A basic oil filter can hold about 10–15 grams of contaminants before clogging. Higher-end filters may hold more. Most regular oil change intervals do not exceed this limit.
The filter usually includes:
-
Steel outer shell
-
Rubber gasket seal
-
Filter paper or synthetic blend media
-
Bypass valve
The bypass valve allows oil to flow if the filter becomes clogged. This protects the engine from oil starvation.
Why Changing the Filter Every Time Matters?
Engine oil flows through the filter thousands of times per minute.
At highway speed, your engine may run at 2,000–3,000 RPM. That means oil circulates constantly under pressure. Dirt particles from combustion and metal wear mix into the oil.
Over time:
-
Oil breaks down from heat
-
Dirt builds up inside the filter
-
Sludge may form
Old filters can restrict oil flow. Poor oil flow leads to:
-
Engine noise
-
Reduced fuel efficiency
-
Increased wear
-
Overheating
Replacing only oil without the filter leaves trapped dirt inside the system. Fresh oil can quickly become dirty again. That is why full service includes both oil and filter.
Oil Types Offered and How They Affect Filter Use
Oil type changes performance and service interval.
Conventional Oil
-
Made from refined crude oil
-
Lower cost
-
Shorter lifespan
-
Usually changed every 3,000–5,000 miles
Conventional oil produces more sludge in high heat. The filter traps more contaminants during shorter intervals.
Synthetic Blend Oil
-
Mix of conventional and synthetic oil
-
Better temperature stability
-
Lasts 5,000–7,500 miles
Synthetic blend reduces deposits. Filter life improves slightly compared to conventional oil.
Full Synthetic Oil
-
Chemically engineered base oil
-
Better protection in extreme heat and cold
-
Lasts 7,500–10,000 miles or more
Full synthetic oil produces fewer deposits. Engines stay cleaner. Filters still require replacement at each oil change. Even with long-life oil, the filter must match the service interval.
Oil Quantity and Extra Charges
Most basic packages cover up to 5 quarts.
Many modern engines require:
-
5.5 quarts
-
6 quarts
-
6.5 quarts
Each extra quart increases the total cost.
Turbocharged engines often require:
-
Synthetic oil only
-
Special viscosity grades such as 0W-20 or 5W-30
Special oil grades increase cost.
Some vehicles use cartridge-style oil filters instead of metal spin-on filters. Cartridge filters may cost more.
Service Time and Work Process
A typical oil change follows these steps:
-
Technician raises the vehicle.
-
They remove the drain plug.
-
Old oil drains for several minutes.
-
They remove the old filter.
-
They install a new filter and seal it properly.
-
They reinstall the drain plug with correct torque.
-
They refill engine with new oil.
-
They check oil level with dipstick.
-
They inspect for leaks.
Total service time usually ranges from 20 to 40 minutes. Busy days may increase wait time.
Engine Protection Data and Long-Term Impact
Regular oil and filter changes extend engine life.
Studies from automotive service data show:
-
Engines with regular oil changes often exceed 200,000 miles.
-
Sludge buildup decreases with proper filter replacement.
-
Clean oil improves fuel efficiency by 1–2%.
Poor maintenance leads to:
-
Oil thickening
-
Valve train wear
-
Bearing damage
Repairing major engine damage can cost thousands of dollars. Regular oil and filter service costs much less in comparison.
Situations Where Filter May Cost More
Certain vehicles require:
-
Oversized filters
-
Heavy-duty truck filters
-
Diesel engine filters
Diesel engines use different oil and filters. Some Walmart locations may not service large diesel trucks.
Hybrid and newer models often require full synthetic oil. Filter inclusion remains standard, but oil cost rises.
What You Should Confirm Before Service?
Ask these questions:
-
How many quarts does my engine need?
-
What oil type matches my manual?
-
Does my vehicle use a special cartridge filter?
-
Is the oil life monitor reset included?
Clear communication prevents surprise charges.
FAQs
Does every oil package include a new filter?
Yes. Standard oil change packages include a new oil filter that matches your vehicle.
Can I skip the filter change to save money?
Skipping the filter change reduces oil quality. Mechanics recommend replacing both together.
Do synthetic oil changes include a better filter?
The package includes a filter designed for your vehicle. Some locations may offer upgraded filters for extra cost.
How often should oil and filter be changed?
Most vehicles require service every 3,000 to 10,000 miles. Driving style and oil type affect this range.
Does Walmart use name-brand oil filters?
Filters meet standard automotive specifications. Brand may vary by location.
Conclusion
Walmart oil change services include a new oil filter as part of standard packages. Oil and filter work together to protect your engine from heat, dirt, and wear. Most services cover up to 5 quarts of oil, and extra oil increases total cost.
Regular oil and filter replacement improves engine life, fuel economy, and overall vehicle performance. Clear understanding of your vehicle’s oil needs helps you make the right choice and avoid unexpected charges.