Oil change shop questions

[DARKSCOPE001]

Ok guys so I have a question that I need some help with.

My dad drives a 2007 suzuki sx4. Runs pens platnum. Ive done one oil change on the car so far and My dad just called me again today and asked me If i could do another. So I told him yes.

But he told me that the last time he took it to an oil change shop they showed him his dipstick and said "see how dark your oil is? We really recomend our flush" my dad told them no but they told him how horrible not having the flush done is and how hard it is on his engine.


So my dad asked me, Is the flush worth having. I told him no but then I really didnt have a reason or information to back up my oppinion. So I was wondering can anyone tell me a bit more? As far as I understand the flush sold to you at an oil change shop is more or less just a gimick. But I dont know enough about it.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[Klutch9]

Really, the first thing you learn about oil is that its color is probably the worst indicating factor of oil condition. Oil gets black; some cars it happens sooner, some cars it takes a little longer. Heck, if he is using PP, maybe it got dark sooner because the PP was doing a little cleaning. Either way, any 2007 car that has been reasonably maintained should not and most likely will not have sludge or deposits, other than what might be considered "normal" buildup. You sound like you maintain his car well with the PP. Don't do any flushes, just keep using good oil at reasonable OCI's, and sleep easy at night

 

[daves87rs]

No flush...just a plain scam.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

Thanks guys I knew I could get a relaiable answer from you guys.

But yes I wish my dad would let me change the oil all the time so I could keep a little better track of it. But lately its been harder and harder to find time to spend with my dad. So Im not sure how long he is going between OCI and stuff. I told him dont go much furter than 8 or 9. I usualy like pens platnum and a purolator pure one as my weapon of choice. So If I do the oil change ill get back to you. for the money i save him he could pick up a analasis kit and we could get to the nitty gritty.


Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[Klutch9]

Honestly, shops will try to sell you anything... they recommended that my mom have the coolant flushed on her new car that only had 20,000 miles on it. It's ridiculous. And realize that even oil change employees probably know literally nothing about oil; most people don't, to be honest, even people behind the counter at most local parts stores. Just use a synthetic and a P1 filter, and your dad will be A-okay between OCI's, even if he goes a little over.

 

[raytseng]

This is like the very first myth in every oil change scam. Search for Oil myths and this will be #1.
#2 will probably be related to 3000/3months intervals
#3 will probably relate to synthetics causing leaks.

The oil shop probably marked your dad as a rube, and based that the discussion went further then GTFO with that nonsense, looks like he bit on the hook.

If you go to an oil parts store to dump your oil, at least in my area, they all have a big sticker on the container saying stop if fluid is not black, (indicating black oil is completely normal).

Now instead of kicking a dead horse, here is advice:
Research and find an honest mechanic in your area (yelp or cartalk mechanix files or whatever), and tell your dad to go there when you can't do the service. Then you can feel that he isn't getting ripped off.

Around me, I found a shop that sells amsoil, and they will do oil changes for $15 +parts prices(fluid at the pref. custoemr rate if you want amsoil, or they have bulk conv if you want that instead).

For all other maintenance they go strictly by alldata book hours*reasonable shop rate without inflating the hours or nickel and diming (like 10% shop fees).

Now flushes and other things like fuel additives can improve your car-see additives section of this forum, but it is not typically needed if your car is maintained, and definitely not because "oil is black".

 

[SIXSPEED]

You're doing fine with the PP fill and the Purolator oil filter. Same products I use on our family van and on my dad's Envoy. Regular oil changes with the PP will keep the motor clean without the need to flush it out.

 

[crazyoildude]

if you have a high mileage engine and flush it you are asking for problems

 

[someguy]

Originally Posted By: raytseng
T
If you go to an oil parts store to dump your oil, at least in my area, they all have a big sticker on the container saying stop if fluid is not black, (indicating black oil is completely normal).


That's because they don't want people dumping coolant and other fluids in with the oil. But yep I agree black oil is normal

 

[willix]

Take a peek in the under the oil fill with a flashlight.

Shop personsel will sell you Florida if its in the stock room, its their job.

 

[OneEyeJack]

A quickie oil change place told my neighbor that he need an engine flush on his new Honda with 3k total miles because it would get rid of all the metal filings and other gunk from the manufacturing process. He declined and came to me for an answer. I told him to keep his money and go to a local independent Honda shop for his oil changes and service. They also gave him the pitch for a coolant and transmission flush, and this for a new car. He got nervous and left.

 

[electrolover]

yep its a gimmick. dont buy it! just keep running PP.
(i sold alot of flushes)

 

[Arnaldo]

That's why it's called a "Sales Pitch", old buddy! They put on their "face-of-worry-mask", and proceed to "explain the harm" that would ensue to "so-and-so area" of the vehicle, if one doesn't do whatever they're pushing on the "valued customer". All of this applies to independent mechanics, auto parts stores, stealerships, etc. So, r-e-l-a-x, dude; you're doing fine!
_____________________________
Flawless '04 350Z Touring Coupe!

 

[demarpaint]

Just another reason why I do 99% of my own work, and if I pay someone to do work I go to a shop I trust. I hate the thought of the day when I can no longer do my own work............

 

[LunerEclipse]

Originally Posted By: Arnaldo
That's why it's called a "Sales Pitch", old buddy! They put on their "face-of-worry-mask", and proceed to "explain the harm" that would ensue to "so-and-so area" of the vehicle, if one doesn't do whatever they're pushing on the "valued customer". All of this applies to independent mechanics, auto parts stores, stealerships, etc. So, r-e-l-a-x, dude; you're doing fine!




Hey now.....I work for AAP. Don't know about others, but we aren't taught to oversell anyone. We help people get what they need as quick as possible to maintain their cars.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: LunerEclipse


Hey now.....I work for AAP. Don't know about others, but we aren't taught to oversell anyone. We help people get what they need as quick as possible to maintain their cars.


Nice to see someone from AAP who cares and wants to learn! You are the exception! Good on you!

 

[Arnaldo]

Exceptions are not the general rule, old buddy. Most mechanics' shops, stealerships and auto parts stores WILL try to squeeze extra $$$ out of your pocket. Speaking out of my own experience, though. Puerto Rico IS "sharks' territory", auto maintenance-wise, I must admit! Greetings from sharks' territory...ooops!, I mean, Puerto Rico.
____________________________
Flawless '04 350Z Touring Coupe!

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Arnaldo
Exceptions are not the general rule, old buddy. Most mechanics' shops, stealerships and auto parts stores WILL try to squeeze extra $$$ out of your pocket. Speaking out of my own experience, though. Puerto Rico IS "sharks' territory", auto maintenance-wise, I must admit! Greetings from sharks' territory...ooops!, I mean, Puerto Rico.
____________________________
Flawless '04 350Z Touring Coupe!


Trust me I know. I had the honor of working in the automotive world. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part squeezing extra $$$ out of your pocket is the norm. When I see someone from AAP here trying to learn I see him as an exception. Most people I've dealt with at AAP are clueless, and need all the help they can get.

 

[Scum_Frog]

Classic up-sell tactics

 

[Wolfpack]

What a rip off. They are full of it and you should not let them do anything like that to your dads vehicle. Oil does get very dark and black in some cases, it does not mean your on the verge of failure in the engine. Keep on doing what you are doing and everything should be just fine.