Oil Change Shop Fraud: Conventional instead of Syn

[oil_film_movies]

Wonder how often this happens?

At th 2:24 time point, is that an elemental spectrograph like Blackstone does? If it is, looks like the conventional oil they put in doesn't have the same additives. Sometimes conventional oil moly, boron, etc., looks so similar to Mobil 1 (only different in base oil). Usually different additive amounts anyway, although that conventional looked very flat-lined.

 

[tig1]

Dirty rotten horse thieves!! That's why I still change my own oil.
With that said, cheap UOAs don't tell you much. I once called B-S and they said they can't tell the difference between synthetic oil and dino. Perhaps the test in the video was done on more expensive equipment.

 

[PimTac]

This probably happens more often than we know sadly.

 

[oil_film_movies]

We even have to watch some stores, make sure the jugs/bottles are sealed in case someone swaps something in. Rare anyway. Oil filters I've seen swapped though.

Very common in bars where the owner pours in cheap vodka in Grey Goose bottles. Some got caught a while back.

 

[PimTac]

An additional thought, the former employee whistleblower is taking a big risk exposing his identity like that. He should have asked for some face blurring and voice change audio. I hope he stays safe.

 

[mclasser]

Wouldn't be surprised if this happens often. Seeing as many shops use bulk oil, even if the customer's watching, how do they know the dispenser actually contains synthetic oil?

Back in the day before I knew about the wonders of BITOG, I used to get my oil changed at Walmart (yup). They were honest and always used single quart bottles of M1 off the shelves when I asked for synthetic. I heard the seal crack off each bottle so it was the real deal.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: mclasser
Wouldn't be surprised if this happens often. Seeing as many shops use bulk oil, even if the customer's watching, how do they know the dispenser actually contains synthetic oil?

Back in the day before I knew about the wonders of BITOG, I used to get my oil changed at Walmart (yup). They were honest and always used single quart bottles of M1 off the shelves when I asked for synthetic. I heard the seal crack off each bottle so it was the real deal.


WM would have way to much to lose by cheating on oil changes. I changed oil yesterday and the 5 qt jug of M1 0-20 had the foil seal.

 

[sir1900]

If DIY is not an option, people should seriously consider Costco or Walmart for their oil changes. Fraud is a lot less rampant at these places.

 

[oil_film_movies]

In the video, it shows a nice BMW Z4 in for an oil change. Wondering if it even gets Euro-spec oil at most places.

 

[Rand]

I used my free oil change on the new cherokee. I paid $10 for the mopar filter vs the jobber one..
and they put the jobber one on. I saw it from the bottom of the hood.

They also used a drill on the airbox screws with 2500miles on the car.

Boogered them up fierce.

The oil splatter all over the engine bay was nice too.
never again.. even for free.

They DID use a torque wrench on the vehicle they were rotating tires on though at least.

And it actually was moving not just the click test where its overtightened and they just use the torque wrench to see if its tight..(but you cant tell how tight because it didnt move)

 

[KrisZ]

Reward your local indy people and change the oil with him. You will have a much better experience when it comes to big repairs or maintenance. Or DIY.

 

[PimTac]

The most plausible scenario for dealers and other shops is if you ask for full synthetic and see M1 or Castrol or whichever brand is advertised with signs and such, you are most likely getting the Acme brand of synthetic instead since it costs less for the establishment. As mentioned above, watching them pour the actual brand of oil in is the proof you are getting what you want.


@Rand, did you get the shop to change the filter to the Mopar you requested? Yep, I would be [censored] also about those screws.

 

[JustinH]

Watched this on local TV last year, pretty interesting.

This is the Local Austin TX NBC affiliate.

Anyways, do you guys think that $95.xx is too much for a Mobil 1 Oil Change?

Seems way high to me.

If you can't do it yourself, it makes sense to stick with a major oil change shop, not an off brand quick lube place like this.

Firestone always did a decent job on our oil changes when I lived in an apartment. At the time they had Kendall Semi Synthetic.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Synthetic is not an oil spec; Its an advertising term per API and ILSAC committee.
The Subaru dealer in Plasitow used bulk PEAK 5w20 in my wifes forester. It Ran ok though

 

[Hyrde]

Originally Posted By: PimTac
As mentioned above, watching them pour the actual brand of oil in is the proof you are getting what you want.


In OP's video they changed what was in the jugs as well, so you apparently have to make sure it's sealed.

I don't understand why such a shop would bother with jugs anyway, drums are significantly cheaper.

 

[demarpaint]

I'm not one bit surprised.

 

[Kuato]

Not a bit surprised....

"No comment" - of course not!

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Synthetic is not an oil spec; Its an advertising term per API and ILSAC committee.
The Subaru dealer in Plasitow used bulk PEAK 5w20 in my wifes forester. It Ran ok though

 

[FCD]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Synthetic is not an oil spec; Its an advertising term per API and ILSAC committee.
The Subaru dealer in Plasitow used bulk PEAK 5w20 in my wifes forester. It Ran ok though

If i'm paying for Mobil 1 i want Mobil 1, call me crazy.

 

[69GTX]

The irony is that if you buy those synthetic oils yourself, you can find them for $10-$13/jug fairly regularly after rebates or on clearances. Not much different than the price of conventional.