Jiffy Lube

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Mark72
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
I don't want anyone to monkey with the air filter until it's time to change it.


I ALWAYS tell them to leave the air in my tires alone and not to worry the air filter.


I actually had the tires set to about 38psi cold so they were over 40psi when hot. The door specs 34 psi. The techs checked the tire pressure and did not bleed any out, which is a good thing.

Originally Posted By: 3putter
My experiences at the Collierville, TN Jiffy Lube have been nothing but positive. Service very good, they communicate well and don;t try to high pressure you into additional purchases. And the place is spotless. ALWAYS have a $10 off coupon as well. They were using Conoco fluids up until recently, and are now on the PZ bandwagon (doesn't matter to me one way or the other).


They didn't upsell anything either. When the work order was written up, the tech just pointed to the computer screen and asked if I wanted any of those services-- which were tire rotation ($24.99) and fuel system cleaning ($69.99). I said no, and the topic was never bought up again.

Originally Posted By: nfs480
I work at a VIOC location and I always mention the VW oil requirements and recommend Synpower 5w40 MST, but 90% of our VW customers just say "I've never put anything but conventional in it and that's all I want."

I will never buy a VW without documented proof that the correct oil was used after talking to so many VW owners.

The ethical thing to do would be to turn those cars away. That's what the VW dealer would do-- not service the vehicle if the owner insisted on not using the correct oil.

Originally Posted By: willix
Why not tote in a empty jug and have them fill it & give it away if you have no use for it? You are paying for the oil.

Had not thought about that. Thanks for the tip.

 

[wiswind]

Most of these chain places, Jiffy, Valvoline, etc are franchise locations.....so it will be a matter of the franchise owner.
The corporation will likely check up on them, as their name is on the place.....so it is their reputation, but it still comes down the the individual business owner.
The franchise program should give them the same computer system at all locations......so when you come in, they enter the information in, and the computer will tell them what the correct fluids are for that vehicle....and the correct change interval....as well as any special instructions.
If an owner wants something different......or turns down a recommended service......that would be notated in the system as declined, etc.

Buster,
YES.....it is almost always cheaper to do it yourself.
However, some folks, like my father have gotten to that point in their lives where they don't want to mess with that anymore.
My father did a lot of his own work......which certainly included oil changes......but now he would rather not fuss with it.
So, he faithfully takes his vehicle in and has the services performed for him.
He follows the owner's manual....and checks the shop recommendations against the owner's manual....or asks his trusted independant shop owner.


Also...many folks who live in apartments and condominiums are faced with regulations that do not permit working on their vehicle on the grounds.

For those folks......I am hoping a new business in the Milwaukee area is sucessful......."Hands On Garage".
They will rent you a service stall......complete with lift and tools......for you to work on your vehicle.
They have mechanics on hand......don't know all the details of what support they provide....or what all tools they provide.
A person can also rent a stall and have their own repair business....bringing other people's cars in to work on them.
It sounds like a great concept.....think of all the tools that one needs to buy for certain projects.....only to use them once or twice.

However.....time is also a issue......I spend a lot of time fussing with my vehicle.....and any time I spend doing that means that something else is left undone.....so one has to prioritize.
For me.....it is a hobby.....making a vehicle last.

 

[buster]

I hear you. I hate changing the oil. You'd obviously have to have some data, but I'd be willing to say that most Jiffy Lubes or QL's do ok. Of course mistakes will be made. Cars are lasting longer across the board. I personally prefer to at least bring my own oil and watch them.

 

[Vizzy]

Originally Posted By: wiswind



For those folks......I am hoping a new business in the Milwaukee area is sucessful......."Hands On Garage".
They will rent you a service stall......complete with lift and tools......for you to work on your vehicle.
They have mechanics on hand......don't know all the details of what support they provide....or what all tools they provide.
A person can also rent a stall and have their own repair business....bringing other people's cars in to work on them.
It sounds like a great concept.....think of all the tools that one needs to buy for certain projects.....only to use them once or twice.

.


I always wanted to start a similar business..decades ago the problem was...the legal aspects of it...The possibility of injury to persons and property was so expensive to deal with that I decided not to attempt this...It is ashame because the concept is sound....the US legal system and excessive and frivalous law suits are outrageous...

As for the VW customers demanding that NON mfr spec'd syn oil be put in recent cars...THAT IS ASKING FOR TROUBLE DOWN THE ROAD!!!! VW specifically states that many of their late model cars MUST use approved oil and it if it not used the warranty may be voided! To any business out there...if a VW car calls for a specific spec oil DO NOT FILL WITH ANYTHING ELSE!!! Tell the customer you won't be responsible for the damage that may occur in the future...

 

[Mr Nice]

Most VW owners don't know about the mfr spec'd oil.

They just want their oil changed and to be on their way.

 

[fdcg27]

And more than likely, if the 3mo/3K OCI interval that the quick-lube places promote is followed, the VW, BMW, Saab, Volvo or Mercedes will be just fine.
You probably need not use the correct oils if short drains are maintained.

 

[Thomas34]

if you are standing right in front of them while doing the oil change and you have an intelligent discussion about your car...im sure these quick lube places will be fine. it's the vulnerable customer who get taken advantage of.

any place i go for an oil change, i always watch them drain the oil and make sure i see them pouring the new oil from the new bottle (if it isnt bulk oil).

it drives me nuts to sit in the waiting room. especially at the dealership when your car is out of viewing distance. in fact, any repairs on my car..i am always there!

sorry, but i dont trust anyone. especially when it has something to do with maintenance.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Thomas34
if you are standing right in front of them while doing the oil change and you have an intelligent discussion about your car...im sure these quick lube places will be fine. it's the vulnerable customer who get taken advantage of.


Or even the informed customer, sometimes. An oil change place just opened adjacent to a business of mine. The manager wanted to show off what they do, so my buddy went for it. He's pretty picky, too. He warned them not to open the differential and check the level, as it had been flushed and filled the previous day.

So, they do their thing. Petro Canada HDEO. Good choice. Hastings filter. Another good choice. He pulls out, and looks underneath, and there's an oil drip near his differential plug, because they insisted on checking it, contrary to his direct instructions.

Okay, people, changing oil is just about the easiest piece of maintenance to do. Following instructions isn't very hard, either. It does not require a journeyman mechanic or an engineer to work at an oil change place. Listen to what the customer says. Put in the correct oil in the correct amount. Use the proper filter. Upsell all you want; just don't pressure the heck out of everyone. Just do the job you're tasked to do correctly. Repeat for each customer.

 

[stenerson]

I haven't gone to a quick lube place since late 80's. I saw the
young guy changing my oil. Then saw his supervisor approaches him
with a sly smile and they were obviously conspiring. Kid finishes
the oil change and comes over to where I was. He says I'm missing
a very important bolt in my carburetor which they can fix for 90 bucks.
No academy award for these idiots, they were too obvious.
I said don't put a finger in that engine, give me the key see ya.

 

[Vizzy]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Most VW owners don't know about the mfr spec'd oil.

.


They should because usually at the time of purchase and in the owner's manuals it is specifically stated that only the correct VW spec'd oil MUST be used. Anything else may cause damage and or void your warranty....

It doesn't matter about the mileage because it is the design of the engine that requires a specific high durability oil ....

If the customer can't read the owner's manual then they should be riding a bike! Considering it is the second often times biggest purchase they will ever make it is insanity not to read your owner's manual.

 

[nfs480]

While I would prefer to turn them away rather than put the wrong oil in the engine, if I did that i'd have been fired long ago. It's the corporations stance that the best we can do is inform the customer, we can't force them to do anything. Therefore, I simply note on their receipt that they declined to use the VW certified oil and if they have a problem down the road and the dealership sends them to us we just say, "we told you so." If they can't accept any personal responsibility, that's what the legal department is for.

I have very little sympathy for the owners who after having been informed of the requirement and why it's a requirement still decline to use it. If they don't believe me, then they should at least check their owner's manual to verify what I said is true or not.

 

[chet2]

wal mart will do it for like 15$ last i knew if you supply oil

 

[chet2]

i would not buy a used vw turbo, i am sure most owners dont use the 5-40 synthetic

 

[Bill in Utah]

I was at Jiffy lube yesterday getting the work truck done and watched them service a Volvo Turbo'd vehicle and it called out for syn 5w-40 and they went and got a case of QS 5w-40 syn (thing must of took 7-8 quarts).

They also did a Turbo Subaru and it got PP 5w-30. They did each vehicle very well, checking and having another co-worker check the level on the dipstick, making sure the filter was correct (and both signed the filter) calling out to make sure the filter and drain plug was in before filling and using a torque wrench on the drain plug! (I don't even do that)

Still I rather do it myself but it was nice seeing people get their vehicles serviced.

Bill

 

[Nick R]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
I was at Jiffy lube yesterday getting the work truck done and watched them service a Volvo Turbo'd vehicle and it called out for syn 5w-40 and they went and got a case of QS 5w-40 syn (thing must of took 7-8 quarts).

They also did a Turbo Subaru and it got PP 5w-30. They did each vehicle very well, checking and having another co-worker check the level on the dipstick, making sure the filter was correct (and both signed the filter) calling out to make sure the filter and drain plug was in before filling and using a torque wrench on the drain plug! (I don't even do that)

Still I rather do it myself but it was nice seeing people get their vehicles serviced.

Bill

See, now ALL jiffy lubes need to aspire to this kind of service.

 

[Vizzy]

Quote:

See, now ALL jiffy lubes need to aspire to this kind of service.


It does seem like we are seeing a pattern of these proceedures being used by more and more jiffy lubes.. My guess is that with all the horrible publicity corporate HAD to take drastic action or the whole chain would be out of business in short order...

I hope that Jiffy lube is using undercover shoppers to randomly visit stores and using the services . perhaps they are even using hidden video cams to tape the store and the employees , I don't like that aspect but it would encourage the employees to maintain integrity to a degree.

Hopefully corporate management got the message and will enforce strict practices.

 

[wiswind]

I am thinking more people don't read the owner's manual than do.
This is one reason that car companies put the oil viscosity right on the fill cap.
Not reading the owner's manual is just asking for trouble.
Person pulls into Quick lube with a $19.95 sign out front......or with a coupon.......only to be told that their car requires a "special oil" that is going to cost more.......had they read their owner's manual......they would have expected it.
Having not read their owner's manual, they instantly think that they are getting jacked up for more money.

Same thing with recommending a transmission fluid change.....based upon odometer reading and what their computer tells them.
Person again thinks that they are getting jacked up.
Remember.....if they have had the transmission fluid changed elsewhere, or DIY, the shop's computer is not going to tell them this.
The computer will tell them the recommended service based upon the odometer reading and vehicle information.

Read the owner's manual.....even research a bit more....and many times you will be able to know if you are being jacked up.
True, 3K OCI is a bit short in my opinion for most vehicles.....but then.....for MANY folks, the only time that the fluid levels and other things get looked at is at the Quick Lube.

I have a solid stance.......maybe I'm wrong.....but.....
I truely believe that there is plenty of honest money to be made in auto service.......no need to gouge the customer.

 

[RF Overlord]

+1 on everything wiswind said^^^.

We Americans are notoriously derelict when it comes to "RTFM". We want to treat our vehicles as appliances like the fridge and the stove that don't require routine maintenance, then when something goes wrong they think the car is junk, or that they're getting screwed; it's always someone else's fault. I have zero sympathy for those people.

 

[Mokanic]

Originally Posted By: buster
You must have a good Jiffy Lube in your area. They are hit or miss. As I recently posted, the quick lube place by me tried telling me Amsoil XL 10w30 was fine to use in a Honda MTF.

I'll never get over the time Jiffy Lube forgot to put oil in my friends car.


I love Jiffy Lube. I've got alot of engine work from them. By all means keep using them. I need the money.

 

[Kestas]

Good post by wiswind. I don't see how anybody can own a vehicle without keeping some kind of log book on it. I came to this realization on my own when I was 17 and took on the responsibility of maintaining the family vehicles from my dad.