Originally Posted By: Eddie
When I was young, dealerships would change filters as a courtesy, but, expect a TIP. Now dealers charge for everything. No one can change any filter in less than ~ 20+ minutes at a service dept. Get the vehicle from the owner, get keys and move vehicle to stall. Remove old filter and check. Go to parts department and ask for filter for .... vehicle and get filter. Go back to vehicle and install new filter. Go to service person and fill out paperwork and get car owner to sign off and pay. People who say they can change a filter in 5 minutes are very, very poor time keepers. I must spend my time and fuel to go to AP and look up filter number and stand in line to purchase filter and drive home. That IS one part of how long it takes me to change a filter. I don't expect anyone making a living to do this, in 5 or 50 minutes for free as some think. Ed
Why not stop at the parts house on your way home from work or from doing errands? Swap the filter out in the parking lot. Done. Wait in line ? The alternative is to wait in the waiting room and get hassled with upsells.
There's no way to justify paying criminal prices for these simple services and supporting a dealer's racket.
A CAF shouldn't cost more than an oil change, which is far more labor intensive.
Maybe if all dealers were fair and honest, they'd get more business and make more money.