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3Z3VH · 06-14-2006, 09:07 AM

Want a way for non-car-geeks to make sure this doesn't happen to you ?

Watch them as they perform the service, and ask questions. Keep it friendly while you are talking to them so they don't see you as a nag (talk to them more like a friend than an employee). If you are hanging around every step of the way, they will be a lot less likely to skip something since there is an eye-witness. If they do not allow you in the garage to watch, be VERY suspect of the work they are doing. There is no OSHA standard that says you cannot be in there with them. The only restriction is that you cannot be under the car (in the pit or beneath a lifted car).

If you are worried about them putting used oil in your car, there is a simple way to avoid it. Request a non-standard oil type. If you ask for a Synthetic Blend, or Synthetic oil, I can almost guarantee you will see them reach for a brand new bottle and break the seal on it as you stand there. If you don't want to change your car to expensive synthetics, you can simply request a different 'weight' of oil than what they have in the machine. Most oil change places will only have your standard 10w30 or 10w40 on-tap. Any different weights will need to come from a bottle, and will generally not cost extra. If you do request a different weight oil, keep in mind, the lower numbered weights (5w30, and 5w20) are for newer cars or for cold weather, while higher weights (15w40 and 20w50) are for older cars and warmer weather. Either that, or you can just bring your own oil and have them use it. Typically cars will need 3.5 to 4 litres, while trucks, or larger V-8 cars will use 4.5-6 litres. You can check the car's manual to see how much it takes. The only downside of bringing your own is that some shops will not warranty their work if you do not use their oil.

06-14-2006, 09:07 AM	#45 (permalink)
3Z3VH Tilted	Want a way for non-car-geeks to make sure this doesn't happen to you ? Watch them as they perform the service, and ask questions. Keep it friendly while you are talking to them so they don't see you as a nag (talk to them more like a friend than an employee). If you are hanging around every step of the way, they will be a lot less likely to skip something since there is an eye-witness. If they do not allow you in the garage to watch, be VERY suspect of the work they are doing. There is no OSHA standard that says you cannot be in there with them. The only restriction is that you cannot be under the car (in the pit or beneath a lifted car). If you are worried about them putting used oil in your car, there is a simple way to avoid it. Request a non-standard oil type. If you ask for a Synthetic Blend, or Synthetic oil, I can almost guarantee you will see them reach for a brand new bottle and break the seal on it as you stand there. If you don't want to change your car to expensive synthetics, you can simply request a different 'weight' of oil than what they have in the machine. Most oil change places will only have your standard 10w30 or 10w40 on-tap. Any different weights will need to come from a bottle, and will generally not cost extra. If you do request a different weight oil, keep in mind, the lower numbered weights (5w30, and 5w20) are for newer cars or for cold weather, while higher weights (15w40 and 20w50) are for older cars and warmer weather. Either that, or you can just bring your own oil and have them use it. Typically cars will need 3.5 to 4 litres, while trucks, or larger V-8 cars will use 4.5-6 litres. You can check the car's manual to see how much it takes. The only downside of bringing your own is that some shops will not warranty their work if you do not use their oil.