It’s not enough to buy a car stereo, but you also need to get the new stereo installed.
You can go to a specialty store, but what if you need to buy household items while you wait for the employees to install the stereo?
Walmart definitely has an auto parts section, but does the retailer install car stereos?
We answer all your questions about if you can get a car stereo installed in your car at Walmart.
Does Walmart Install Car Stereos?
Yes, Walmart sells and installs car stereos for a wide range of cars through its partner InstallerNet.
You can purchase a car stereo through Walmart’s website and schedule an installation at the same time.
Installation is only available for specific car stereo models.
How Much Does Car Stereo Installation Cost At Walmart?
You can get a standard stereo installed for roughly $64.99, and a subwoofer can be installed for $44.99.
Advanced stereos that include Bluetooth and/or GPS, cost roughly $100 to install.
The installation prices do not include the cost of the car stereo.
Installation may also vary based on your type of car.
Keep in mind that Walmart also sells self-install kits for car stereos if you feel like taking on the task yourself.
The kits only cost about $5 to $10.
Does Walmart Install Car Stereos You Bought Somewhere Else?
No.
Walmart will not install your car stereo if you purchased it from another store, even if it’s one of the car stereos that they install when you buy through them.
Why would you buy your car stereo elsewhere, though?
If you see a car stereo somewhere cheaper, talk to a Walmart representative to learn about whether they will be able to match the price or not.
How To Get A Car Stereo Installed At Walmart
In order to arrange a car stereo installation through Walmart, you will first need to buy a qualifying car stereo through the website.
Once you select a qualifying car stereo online, you will have the option to add an installation.
If you do opt for installation, you will get an email that will assist you with scheduling the appointment.
When you schedule the appointment, you will need to select the correct store location (out of more than 1,500 locations) and the most convenient time for you among those listed.
This is the only way you can get car stereo installation through Walmart.
You can’t simply walk into the auto center to schedule installation in-store.
Car Stereos Sold At Walmart
Walmart sells an impressively large selection of different car stereos that fit every driver’s needs and budget.
Some of the brand names they offer include:
- Pioneer
- JVC
- Blaupunkt
- Kenwood
Walmart also sells generic models from lesser-known brands that are designed to fit into any budget.
Walmart Car Stereo Warranty
Walmart offers a warranty on many of its car stereos.
You can usually choose between a two- or three-year protection plan (not applicable to all products).
One great thing about Walmart’s protection plan on car stereos is that it’s powered by Allstate, one of the leaders in car and car part protection.
The protection plan will cost an additional fee.
Car Stereo Installation Warranty
Walmart has faith in its team, so it not only offers a warranty on the car speakers but also on the installation itself.
The labor comes with a lifetime warranty that covers any errors on part of the installation.
Returning A Car Stereo At Walmart
If you change your mind and decide that you want a different car stereo than the one you originally purchased, what are your options?
Luckily, Walmart allows you to return your car stereo within 90 days of your purchase, even if it has already been installed!
Of course, you can eliminate the likelihood of needing to make a return if you understand which car stereo you need.
Different Types Of Car Stereos
While many car stereos seem the same, there are some variations to know so that you pick a car stereo that best works for you.
1. CD Receivers
CD receivers are the most basic type of car stereo.
As the name suggests, many of them still accept CDs.
However, don’t think that CD receivers are out of date or behind the times.
You will also find CD receivers with radio tuners, AUX inputs, and USB inputs.
They may not offer Bluetooth or WiFi technology, but you can still listen to music from your phone and talk to people through your stereo.
Most CD receivers come with a lower price tag than other models.
CD receivers generally come 2” high or 4” high (larger than some other options).
2. Digital Media Receivers
Digital media receivers eliminate the CD player (like most of us already have) but allow you to connect your smartphone to the stereo via Bluetooth.
It does not come with a large touchscreen.
Digital media receivers come in a small size that accommodates cars without a lot of room for a CD receiver or a large screen.
3. DVD Receivers
DVD receivers provide you with a large touchscreen display and allow you to play both CDs and DVDs (be careful watching DVDs when you drive!).
Many DVD receivers also have applications preloaded to make it easy for you to access your music from Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
4. Navigation Receivers
Navigation receivers offer most of the same features you’ll find in a DVD receiver but with the additional feature of navigation services.
Some navigation receivers may even also include a rearview camera for when you find yourself in a tight spot.
Picking A Car Stereo
If you don’t know much about car stereos, how do you know what car stereo to buy?
Here are some tips on what to consider when purchasing a new car stereo for your car.
1. Size
Some cars only have limited space for a car stereo.
Typically, you have two choices: single-DIN and double-DIN.
Single-DIN receivers are usually seven inches wide and two inches tall.
Double-DIN receivers are usually seven inches wide and four inches tall.
Receivers that come with a screen, such as DVD receivers and navigation receivers, may require even more space.
Talk to a representative at Walmart to get help with sizing a car stereo.
2. How You Listen To Music
The first and most important thing to consider is how you listen to your music in the car.
While you want options, you want to pick a stereo that makes it easy for you to enjoy music your way.
Some of the common ways of listening to music in the car include:
- Radio tuner
- CDs
- External device (phone or USB drive)
- Digital radio (Sirius or XM)
- Spotify/Pandora
Ensure that the radio you select prioritizes your favorite ways of listening to music, but you should also be open to trying new things, especially if you qualify for a free month of a new service.
You may find that you like Sirius radio way better than you expected and ditch your phone’s playlist for Sirius radio after you give it a try.
3. Features
Different car stereos offer different features.
We’re not just talking about Bluetooth technology or a touchscreen with apps.
Compare car stereo features regarding playback and how to control the stereo.
Cool features you may want to look for include:
- High resolution
- Digital time correction
- Parametric equalization
- Large, easy-to-read buttons
Naturally, the most important features focus on the quality of the music coming from the stereo.
High resolution audio files sound much better.
Low resolution audio files won’t sound nearly as good, no matter how high you crank up the volume.
4. Appearance
Your car stereo can enhance the appearance of your vehicle, or it can create an eyesore.
A sleek design usually complements any car.
Some cool aesthetic considerations include matching the car stereo to the interior of your car, customizable LED lights, and even floating screens.
Are you looking to impress someone?
Floating screens have a “wow” factor that will catch the eye of an important professional colleague or even a romantic interest.
5. Installation
Does the car stereo come with installation through Walmart, or will you need to install the car stereo itself?
How difficult will the installation be?
Will anything require additional line items on your final bill?
Why Buy A Car Stereo Through Walmart?
There are numerous auto stores out there.
Why would you buy a car stereo at the same place you buy your lunch meat?
Here are some of the reasons people choose to buy a car stereo through Walmart:
1. One-Stop Shopping
Instead of asking, “Why buy a car stereo at the same place you buy your lunch meat?” ask, “Why not buy your car stereo where you buy your lunch meat?”
We all live busy lives, and Walmart offers shoppers the convenience of getting most of their shopping done in one stop instead of going to multiple different stores.
2. Scheduled Appointments
You schedule your car stereo installation in advance.
While walk-ins are more convenient, the appointments ensure that employees can dedicate time to your installation.
You’ll also know in advance how much time you can expect the installation to take so that you can plan accordingly.
It also minimizes wait times on a large scale.
If you demand instant gratification, you can always ask your local Walmart auto center employee if they can squeeze you in early, but you can’t always count on it.
3. Tested And Perfected Processes
Walmart runs a relatively large-scale operation, and it has been around for quite a while now.
Walmart didn’t turn into the retail juggernaut it is through inefficiency and subpar products.
You can trust that the employees at your local Walmart auto center will do the job by the book.
You can also trust that the book has updated details on how to install your car stereo efficiently and properly.
4. Additional Auto Services
If you like your experience when you get your car stereo installed, you may decide to trust Walmart for your other car maintenance needs.
Some of the other auto services offered through Walmart include (and the current prices):
- Standard oil change: $32.88
- High-mileage oil change: $42.88
- Semi-synthetic oil change: $42.88
- Synthetic oil change: $52.88
- Pit crew: $22.88
- Tire rotation (lifetime): $14
- Flat tire repair (tubeless): $15
- Tire mounting: $5 per tire
- Headline installation: $7.50 per headlight
- Battery installation: $10
Remember that these prices do not include the cost of parts.
You will need to buy tires or headlights you need.
Luckily, you can purchase all of those items at Walmart!
Conclusion
You can definitely get a new car stereo installed at Walmart as long as you select a qualifying product online.
You’ll schedule an appointment based on your local Walmart’s schedule and get your car stereo installed with a lifetime guarantee on the labor.
No retailer can improve a person’s taste in music, but even bad music sounds better when it’s coming through quality speakers.
Be sure to schedule your car stereo installation before your next big road trip.
Get some additional maintenance done to your car at the same time while you’re at it.
Really? I just called the Installernet people Walmart uses and was quoted $305.00, plus sales tax, just for the stereo, not even including camera installation.