Walmart opens mobile-friendly 'Auto Care Centers of the Future' — here's where

Walmart is reimagining car care for customers with a next-gen model that blends its physical and digital assets.

The discount giant has opened the first of 10 planned "Auto Care Centers of the Future" locations at a supercenter store in Fayetteville, Ark. Walmart aims to modernize its auto services with the new model, which features a contactless service model that lets customers schedule, check in and track their car's progress through the company's app.

"We’ve built Auto Care Centers around value and convenience," said Corey Bender, senior VP, hardlines, Walmart U.S. "By adding new technology, we’re giving customers the same trusted service — now with a seamless experience that fits their lifestyles."

Walmart has opened Auto Care Centers in 2,582 supercenters across the U.S. The centers have expanded their service offerings and auto assortment over time, including tire services and oil changes.

Here's how the new model works: 

•Customers sign into the Walmart app, navigate to "services," click "auto services" and schedule their service.  

•At their appointment time, customers pull into a parking spot near the auto care center and check in on the app. They enter the center, follow the instructions in the app to unlock an assigned locker and drop the keys into a locker.

•Live updates of a car’s progress are available through the app. Customers are notified to pick up their keys and pay once their vehicle is ready.