Why I Ceased Having My Engine Oil Changed by the Dealer

SoCal 370Z · 04-29-2009, 06:41 PM

Why I ceased having my engine oil changed by the dealer:

Typically, the low man on the totem pole gets oil changing duty. "Hey, you, yeah you, when you're done jockeying that customer's car around the back lot get over here as I have some oil changes that need to be done!"
No cost deduction for bringing my own oil versus what their Service Department may or may not have to offer. We wouldn't want the customer to be happy, especially since we can't gouge them for our crappy oil, but we surely can for labor costs.
Learning the hard way that you need to ask for all your used oil containers back; also, numbering each container so that you can verify that they actually used your oil. (And still this is no guarantee that Joe Six Pack* didn't simply store your high-end oil in another container and pump their low-end oil into your engine. There's a happy lot jockey somewhere in the world tonight that he's now running synthetic oil.)
My personal favorite: Far too many stripped oil drain plugs from idiots who cannot discern foot pounds from "that feels about right," let alone use an actual torque wrench. You know you've been had when you look underneath your oil pan and see a shiny new oil drain plug (most likely oversized because the lot jockey used an air ratchet to speed-up your oil change in between his having to drive customers cars around. Whoops!).
When I change my oil, I know it's done correctly. (And I actually change my oil filter...not write-down that I did on a customer's invoice.)**

*Mind you, if Joe Six Pack drinks dark beer, then he's cool; if he drinks piss-water light beer, then he's not.

**For those of you who actually work at a Service Department and take pride in your work—this is not regarding you, and I commend you, but your type is few and far between.

dad · 04-29-2009, 06:45 PM

That's the way I feel also!

AK370Z · 04-29-2009, 07:27 PM

True. I'm always so nervous when I take my car to the dealership service. I'm always thinking someone is not paying attention and making a mistake on my car. I took my car for first oil change to the dealer because it was free of charge . I don't think I'm taking it in anymore. I will do my own.

>135I · 04-29-2009, 07:38 PM

Planning on doing my first oil change myself this weekend. Either one of you guys use royal purple??

drdre8424 · 04-29-2009, 07:49 PM

I agree. But anytime i have anything done to my car, i ALWAYS WATCH THEM. Stand there, right next to my car, while they work on it, i dont care what there doing. If they tell you you cant be there, just ask them if there paying for your car, im sure they will shut up.

SoCal 370Z · 04-29-2009, 07:50 PM

I believe that MiniCobra1 is using Royal Purple. You might want to contact him about his thoughts on it.

drisko · 04-29-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdre8424

I agree. But anytime i have anything done to my car, i ALWAYS WATCH THEM. Stand there, right next to my car, while they work on it, i dont care what there doing. If they tell you you cant be there, just ask them if there paying for your car, im sure they will shut up.

LOL!!!! I would love to see that. I can't imagine how much that would piss them off. If I had the guts, I would do that too

drdre8424 · 04-29-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drisko

LOL!!!! I would love to see that. I can't imagine how much that would piss them off. If I had the guts, I would do that too

yea, just wait till they pull your car in, and just watch them work on it. Ask them questions too, it's there job.

K20A2_S · 04-29-2009, 08:18 PM

that's why only my personal friends who work at dealerships(one Honda, one Toyota) touch my car..........even if I have to drive farther, or wait longer........

eXo5 · 04-29-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdre8424

yea, just wait till they pull your car in, and just watch them work on it. Ask them questions too, it's there job.

Youre allowed to be in the work area? Any dealer around me will not allow you into the maitenice bay unless they escort you to your car to show you a "problem".

spearfish25 · 04-29-2009, 09:42 PM

During my first oil change at 1000 miles, I was talking to the mechanic and standing under the car the entire time. Apparently my Nissan dealer doesn't care a bit.

AK370Z · 04-29-2009, 09:52 PM

Most shop in NJ won't allow customer in the work area due to "Insurance reason". Their (dealers/shops) insurance only covers their employees in case of an accident (i.e. lift failure/accident etc). My previous Nissan dealer had a glass window that I can see. This new one, got solid wall

. I can't even see anything

m4a1mustang · 04-29-2009, 09:57 PM

I would hate to buy a car from a dealer and fear taking it in for service. It's nice to have a little faith that the dealer's service department will take care of you when you bring your car in for work.

I don't worry about oil changes because a) an untrained monkey can change oil and a filter, b) my dealer confirmed that they use Nissan's recommended ester oil on these cars, and c) I get free service for a year.

After that I will consider doing the work on my own simply because I enjoy it... but I never fear that they are going to treat my car like crap while they throw their poo at each other.

>135I · 04-29-2009, 10:11 PM

Personally I just enjoy working on my car. So I will do most of the work to it, unless I do not have the tech know-how.

Demon Z · 04-29-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

During my first oil change at 1000 miles, I was talking to the mechanic and standing under the car the entire time. Apparently my Nissan dealer doesn't care a bit.

Same here. I don't care whether they mind me breathing down their neck. It's that important.

04-29-2009, 06:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 35	Why I Ceased Having My Engine Oil Changed by the Dealer Why I ceased having my engine oil changed by the dealer: Typically, the low man on the totem pole gets oil changing duty. "Hey, you, yeah you, when you're done jockeying that customer's car around the back lot get over here as I have some oil changes that need to be done!" No cost deduction for bringing my own oil versus what their Service Department may or may not have to offer. We wouldn't want the customer to be happy, especially since we can't gouge them for our crappy oil, but we surely can for labor costs. Learning the hard way that you need to ask for all your used oil containers back; also, numbering each container so that you can verify that they actually used your oil. (And still this is no guarantee that Joe Six Pack* didn't simply store your high-end oil in another container and pump their low-end oil into your engine. There's a happy lot jockey somewhere in the world tonight that he's now running synthetic oil.) My personal favorite: Far too many stripped oil drain plugs from idiots who cannot discern foot pounds from "that feels about right," let alone use an actual torque wrench. You know you've been had when you look underneath your oil pan and see a shiny new oil drain plug (most likely oversized because the lot jockey used an air ratchet to speed-up your oil change in between his having to drive customers cars around. Whoops!). When I change my oil, I know it's done correctly. (And I actually change my oil filter...not write-down that I did on a customer's invoice.)** Mind you, if Joe Six Pack drinks dark beer, then he's cool; if he drinks piss-water light beer, then he's not. For those of you who actually work at a Service Department and take pride* in your work—this is not regarding you, and I commend you, but your type is few and far between. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!! Last edited by SoCal 370Z; 05-01-2009 at 07:07 PM.

04-29-2009, 06:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
dad Grand Prix of Endurance Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,476 Drives: Mulsanne Straight Rep Power: 27	That's the way I feel also! __________________ We can do without any article of luxury we have never had; but once obtained, it is not in human nature to surrender it voluntary.

04-29-2009, 07:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,931 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	True. I'm always so nervous when I take my car to the dealership service. I'm always thinking someone is not paying attention and making a mistake on my car. I took my car for first oil change to the dealer because it was free of charge . I don't think I'm taking it in anymore. I will do my own. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

04-29-2009, 07:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
>135I Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Radcliff, KY Age: 44 Posts: 409 Drives: 2003 Cobra Rep Power: 18	Planning on doing my first oil change myself this weekend. Either one of you guys use royal purple?? __________________ I will miss my Z. I hope she goes to a good home.

04-29-2009, 07:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 35	I believe that MiniCobra1 is using Royal Purple. You might want to contact him about his thoughts on it. __________________ ( Click to show/hide ) Why I NEVER say NO to the Panda Lou Fusz!!!

04-29-2009, 07:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
drdre8424 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: https://t.me/pump_upp Posts: 133 Drives: 09 Pearl 370z Auto Rep Power: 0	I agree. But anytime i have anything done to my car, i ALWAYS WATCH THEM. Stand there, right next to my car, while they work on it, i dont care what there doing. If they tell you you cant be there, just ask them if there paying for your car, im sure they will shut up.

04-29-2009, 08:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
K20A2_S Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 67 Drives: 04 RSX Rep Power: 274	that's why only my personal friends who work at dealerships(one Honda, one Toyota) touch my car..........even if I have to drive farther, or wait longer........

04-29-2009, 09:42 PM	#11 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1858	During my first oil change at 1000 miles, I was talking to the mechanic and standing under the car the entire time. Apparently my Nissan dealer doesn't care a bit.

04-29-2009, 09:52 PM	#12 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,931 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Most shop in NJ won't allow customer in the work area due to "Insurance reason". Their (dealers/shops) insurance only covers their employees in case of an accident (i.e. lift failure/accident etc). My previous Nissan dealer had a glass window that I can see. This new one, got solid wall . I can't even see anything __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

04-29-2009, 09:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	I would hate to buy a car from a dealer and fear taking it in for service. It's nice to have a little faith that the dealer's service department will take care of you when you bring your car in for work. I don't worry about oil changes because a) an untrained monkey can change oil and a filter, b) my dealer confirmed that they use Nissan's recommended ester oil on these cars, and c) I get free service for a year. After that I will consider doing the work on my own simply because I enjoy it... but I never fear that they are going to treat my car like crap while they throw their poo at each other. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

04-29-2009, 10:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
>135I Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Radcliff, KY Age: 44 Posts: 409 Drives: 2003 Cobra Rep Power: 18	Personally I just enjoy working on my car. So I will do most of the work to it, unless I do not have the tech know-how. __________________ I will miss my Z. I hope she goes to a good home.

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