Do you trust dealer oil change service?

[uscratch]

I took my 08 coupe today to nearest honda dealer for an oil change. The mileage was 5,660 and MM was 30%. I didn't want to wait until 15% MM because it's the first oil change since I bought a car and already drove 8months.

OK, when I took the car and checking in for an oil change, I requested that I want Mobil1 5W20 synthetic. A guy checked me in looked at me said if you want synthetic, MM won't give you a correct % for your next oil change. I said I don't care, I will change the oil every 7k or whatever I feel the car needs.

He typed in the paper work, so I looked at it. He just typed in 'customer requests synthetic oil.' I said I want Mobil1 5W20 synthetic. He said I know you already told me.

How does a technician know what kind of oil I want if they don't specify in the paper work. I was starting to get irritated this service rep guy.

I also brought acura TSX switch blade key for them to cut and programmed it. He flat out said it's not going to work. I told him about this forum and other people who done it, but he said it's going to take a lot of time and send the key to acrua to verify and all BS stuff. I give up this guy and will let another dealer to do it. BTW he would charge me $100 to cut and programmed it.

Anyway, the oil change was done and paper work said mobil1 5w20.
I just don't feel 100% sure what they do in there. Is there any way that I can find out what kind of oil they put it in my car? I don't think I will come back to that dealer again.

[Osiris_x11]

My recommendation of what to do in regards to a future oil-change that you still feel compelled to let the Honda dealer service-center perform...

Honda dealers generally charge $29.99 for an oil-change using conventional-oil & OEM filter and environmental/disposal-fees.

Bring your Mobil 1 synthetic oil (~$24 @ Wal Mart for 5qt jug), and let them use that.

That will knock at least ~$10 off the cost of the oil-change invoice, so ~$24 for the Mobil1 + ~$19.99 for the oil-filter/labor/disposal-fees.

I imagine the dealer service-center must've charged more than ~$24 for the synthetic-oil alone that they provided, what was the total cost of the oil-change/service?

[uscratch]

Yes, I will buy 5qt jug and let them use it next time.
They charge $8.21 for qt. So $41.05 for Mobil synthetic they provided. I would've saved $15+ if I'd bought 5qt jug.
The total cost of oil change cost me $65.49 after $5 coupon.

[namegoeshere]

You can usually find Mobil1 and a oil filter bundle on sale at Pep Boys, Auto Zone, et al. for around $25. The filters are usually Purolator or Mobil1 filters too.

It's on sale this week...

http://akimages.crossmediaservices.com/dyn_rppi/550.0.90.0/pepboys/large/080713_p3CA_ou16i.jpg

The Pennzoil and Purolator filter bundle is a better deal at $10. And based on UOAs of Pennzoil's dino oil on BITOG, you can easily hit 6K or even 7K miles with it.

http://akimages.crossmediaservices.com/dyn_rppi/550.0.90.0/pepboys/large/080713_p1BE_ma93b.jpg

[uscratch]

Ahhhhhhh. It's so typical that I buy something and find out a good deal later on.
Oh well...... at least now I know where/how to save money.
Thanks a lot for all the info guys. I appreciate it.

[Accordlover]

My dealer charged me $34.75 for a conventional oil change last visit.

Ridiculous if you ask me, but it doesn't hurt me too bad seeing as this happens 3 times a year for me, if that.

[Accordlover]

BTW - with the synthetic, you can def follow the MM to 5%, which is when you should change the oil.

Honda is a smart company, people should trust the MM system and the maintenance schedules Honda creates for its older cars.

[uscratch]

I jsut went out this morning and bought 2 sets(10qt) of mobil1 5w20 and filters at Pepboys. $24.99 after rebate for 5qt and a mobil filter like advertised.

Mobil filter chart had no 08 filter number listed, so I bought M1-110 mobil filter which 07 accord needs. I hope this is right number.

[CA05LXDriver]

They never pre-fill the oil filter when changing your oil. That's one of the reasons I always do it myself.:thmsup:

[uscratch]

what do you mean by pre-fill the oil filter?

[Osiris_x11]

what do you mean by pre-fill the oil filter?Ideally, you should add oil to the new oil-filter before installing it (fill it as much as you can).

[whododat]

To save even more money, use a mechanic you trust to change the oil if thats all you are going to do. I use the custom shop and bs with the guy while he is doing it. he charges me 15 dollars to change it with my supplies. I only do it becuase I trust the guy 100 percent.

[Bruce Hawkins]

My procedure for oil chenge. It's gotta wanna change, no???
Get a paper bag, to drape over the flex joint, that sits exactly ware oil drips, once the old filter is removed. Then, I get out the new filter, add oil to it, and let it sit, till I need it.
The rest is the same old stuff...
I can fill in the ... If you like...

[stevencrosbie]

This is one reason why I do the change myself. I know what goes in the truck and what goes out. I also happens to be cheaper and I can do the oil change on my schedule instead of someone elses (since they open at 9 and close at 5 there is no chance of me getting there to get any work done).

[CA05LXDriver]

what do you mean by pre-fill the oil filter?

If you don't pre-fill you oil filter with oil before installing it your engine runs without oil pressure for several seconds as oil has to first fill, then push through the oil filter.

That's why the oil light stays on for a few seconds after starting if you don't do it.:yes:

[cjg1999]

How does a technician know what kind of oil I want if they don't specify in the paper work. I was starting to get irritated this service rep guy.



He probably knows because all new honda's take 5w20 and they probably don't keep much of any other weight on hand. That is what i would assume anyway.

[WisAccord]

He probably knows because all new honda's take 5w20 and they probably don't keep much of any other weight on hand. That is what i would assume anyway.

I think he was referring to more than just the weight. He was referring to Mobil1 5w-20, not just the bulk 5w-20 they have on hand.

[uscratch]

Yes, I was wondering how a technician know what brand oil and weight I want unless the paper work specifies it.
Service rep only typed "customer requests synthetic oil" in the paper work. I guess 5W20 is easy to figure out, but there are so many synthetic oil brands out there. I don't think honda dealer will only carry Mobil1 synthetic. I just don't trust the dealer anymore.

[dknight211]

The whole thing just sounds fishy.

In summary:

- You specifically request Mobil 1 5W-20
- Service writer says your MM will be wrong (which is not true), in effect trying to tell you not to request synthetic since he's putting forth a claimed downside
- You request synthetic anyway, and the service writer just puts "customer requests synthetic"
- They charge you $65, ($70 without coupon), and there's no evidence whatsoever they actually used Mobil 1 or even synthetic.
- Then you try to get a key cut and they give you BS and claim it's $100.

I would never go back to this dealer :)

[newbie2honda]

The "st"ealer is no better than you average Jiffy Lube for oil changes. If you think about it the service manager is not using his experienced techs on oil changes.
Seriously, you can do a better job yourself

[Bowzer]

The "st"ealer is no better than you average Jiffy Lube for oil changes. If you think about it the service manager is not using his experienced techs on oil changes.
Seriously, you can do a better job yourself

Exactly the line of thought I've had regarding the dealer oil changes. They won't be using a master mechanic to do this work. Because of the typical turnover at these shops and general lack of training, unless it's warranty work I am hard pressed to feel there is better service coming out of the stealership...and even then I try to find background info on the repair from this talented forum and others.

This past weekend, our new Pilot got it's first oil change at a local shop I have used for several years. I know what oil they used and that the filer was changed. I'll do them myself eventually but had to get this one done before an upcoming road trip.

[cajun]

They won't be using a master mechanic to do this work.

Apparently not...I brought my previous vehicle (S10) to my local dealer for oil changes when they'd send a coupon. The last time they did it I found oil under the truck when I got home. I popped the hood and then easily rotated the oil filter by hand. Luckily it was a short drive home and I only lost about 0.5 qt. I tightened it up, drove back and beeyotched at the service mgr. He blamed the "new guy" and handed me a coupon for a free oil change. :furious:

[Bowzer]

Apparently not...I brought my previous vehicle (S10) to my local dealer for oil changes when they'd send a coupon. The last time they did it I found oil under the truck when I got home. I popped the hood and then easily rotated the oil filter by hand. Luckily it was a short drive home and I only lost about 0.5 qt. I tightened it up, drove back and beeyotched at the service mgr. He blamed the "new guy" and handed me a coupon for a free oil change. :furious:

Wow...that's an interesting response when you think of it: "We sure did screw up what you payed us for...Here, we'll do it next time for free." Which part? The screwing it up? I'm amazed they owned up to it. Sure glad you didn't find it out the harder way!

In my experience with the dealers, they're much more interested in the volume of the business. That's a short term kind of goal they fill with mass coupon mailings and existing sales traffic for the most part. Independent shops tend to be more focused on return business to survive long term. I trust the guy with his name closer to the bottom line of survival vs the dispensable Service Manager of the Day I guess. I know it's not like this across the board...but it's worked pretty well as a rule of thumb for me.

[parkaash]

I took my 08 coupe today to nearest honda dealer for an oil change. The mileage was 5,660 and MM was 30%. I didn't want to wait until 15% MM because it's the first oil change since I bought a car and already drove 8months.

uscratch, which honda dealer in chicago did you go to?

i've stopped going to the service department of the dealership i bought the accord from as i didn't feel happy about the service writers or their service. currrently, i am partial to the service section of honda city in south cicero.

[uscratch]

I went to Grand Honda in Elmhurst, I don't like them at all.
I bought my car from Honda Joliet, but I didn't want to drive 40miles to change the oil, so I went closest honda.
I'll probably use other shop next time tough.

[saersxlr8]

I work in parts at a toyota dealership... we only carry 3 types of oils. Factory conventional oil, castrol sythetic blend, and castrol fully sythetic...

I'm sure thats probably how they might have it there too (with mobil 1) so if you requested 'mobil 1' sythetic. He probably already knew thats all they carried and so no need for the extra specifications on it being 'mobil 1 only'

infact if i remember right, i bought some "honda" oil from honda awhile back and it was made by mobil 1... i forget...

i see how the lube guys do the oil changes here and honestly i'd have them do it for me... but for the cost i'd do it myself.. its not that hard. i actually talked to a service advisor on getting my accord in for an oil change today, (bringing my own oil/oil filter) it'd cost me 10.50 for the convience of having them do it for me. i guess thats not bad to pay someone to do a great job... (includes rotating tires, clean brakes, inspect tires, vacuum) :)

[J30A5Refined]

I took my 08 coupe today to nearest honda dealer for an oil change. The mileage was 5,660 and MM was 30%. I didn't want to wait until 15% MM because it's the first oil change since I bought a car and already drove 8months.

OK, when I took the car and checking in for an oil change, I requested that I want Mobil1 5W20 synthetic. A guy checked me in looked at me said if you want synthetic, MM won't give you a correct % for your next oil change. I said I don't care, I will change the oil every 7k or whatever I feel the car needs.

He typed in the paper work, so I looked at it. He just typed in 'customer requests synthetic oil.' I said I want Mobil1 5W20 synthetic. He said I know you already told me.

How does a technician know what kind of oil I want if they don't specify in the paper work. I was starting to get irritated this service rep guy.

I also brought acura TSX switch blade key for them to cut and programmed it. He flat out said it's not going to work. I told him about this forum and other people who done it, but he said it's going to take a lot of time and send the key to acrua to verify and all BS stuff. I give up this guy and will let another dealer to do it. BTW he would charge me $100 to cut and programmed it.

Anyway, the oil change was done and paper work said mobil1 5w20.
I just don't feel 100% sure what they do in there. Is there any way that I can find out what kind of oil they put it in my car? I don't think I will come back to that dealer again.



Do you trust dealer oil change service?

Is this a question that even needs to be validated since it happens day in day out just about everywhere. Most of the kids doing these oil changes will make tons of mistakes like overfilling, not putting new crush washer, not using your provided oil, your provided filter etc etc. now this can and has happened with older techs but basically I don't trust anyone to do something unless I can stand there and watch as well as get the old stuff as evidence.

[parkaash]

I went to Grand Honda in Elmhurst, I don't like them at all.
I bought my car from Honda Joliet, but I didn't want to drive 40miles to change the oil, so I went closest honda.
I'll probably use other shop next time tough.

if it's not too far for you to drive, you might want to try honda city (4950 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632, (773) 582-5000). [not s cicero as i previously wrote; my bad]...

i've had good experiences with them thus far -- from TPMS relearning, AC check, and Code B1 maintenance.

[J30A5Refined]

if it's not too far for you to drive, you might want to try honda city (4950 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632, (773) 582-5000). [not s cicero as i previously wrote; my bad]...

i've had good experiences with them thus far -- from TPMS relearning, AC check, and Code B1 maintenance.

With the V6s, all you have to do is turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and you can reach the oil filter by just reaching in with your hands. This is an open invitation to do your own oil changes and it's so easy that it's a no brainer now. Heck, the ATF is even easier. That's 2 bullets you have for the stealer to chew on. :naughty:

[shogun]

I do not trust dealers @ all. I used to take my vehicles in but not anymore. On several occasions I've found tools & rags left in the engine bay & parts that weren't entirely put back on. I've also had dings & scratches that wasn't there before I brought the vehicle in.

[rexflexall]

I've been going to my mechanic that focuses on Honda and Acura, for around 4-5 years now. The guy is great, good thing I found him and he's a cool cat. He only charges me $28 for an oil change with filter and synthetic oil, he supplies everything.

I say you find someone you can trust outside of a Honda dealership.

[Cleankill]

On the last oil change, i saw "5W-30/5W-20 Genuine Oil" on the receipt... I heard that many Honda dealers, as well as acura dealers, only carry 5W-30 for oil change. Unfortunately, there is not many oil choice on 5W-20 in Canada. But the Oil caps says 5W-20. FYI, 5W-30 provide a better protection in hot, but sacrifices a bit on FE. So, what the point of going to dealer and pay $40 if they use 5W-30? I could have put synthetic 5W-30 and Honda filter for less.

[Left-Laner]

On the last oil change, i saw "5W-30/5W-20 Genuine Oil" on the receipt... I heard that many Honda dealers, as well as acura dealers, only carry 5W-30 for oil change. Unfortunately, there is not many oil choice on 5W-20 in Canada. But the Oil caps says 5W-20. FYI, 5W-30 provide a better protection in hot, but sacrifices a bit on FE. So, what the point of going to dealer and pay $40 if they use 5W-30? I could have put synthetic 5W-30 and Honda filter for less.

As more manufacturers engines require 5W-20, you will seen more choice in the coming months. Right now, you can find most major oil brands come out with 5W-20 (Castol, QS, Petro-Can, Pennzoil,SuperTech, Sonic, etc.).

As for synthetic, if you live close enough to the US border and/or travel there, I would suggest you stop into a Wal-Mart in the US and buy a jug of synthetic. The last time I drove to the US, I stocked up on synthetic and filters. M1 is $24 US, Castrol Syntec is $22 US. You can take a jug of synthetic to your dealer to change the oil. The overall cost would work out to the same as if you had the dealer do a complete dino oil change!

[sjlee]

I trust the dealer that I take our Hondas to, but I do our own oil changes most of the time. The only time I let them do it is when major maintenance is due. I would do it myself, but they don't really discount the service very much when I tell them to omit the oil and filter change... something like $6. In addition, I use conventional oil.

If I really wanted to use synthetic and still have them do it, I would bring the oil in.

If you have any sort of mechanical know-how, I'd recommend just doing it yourself. Then you know exactly what oil is being used.

[Inspector1]

Just make sure you have a oil filter wrench or a big pair of pliers.. I had to use a pipe wrench to get the OE filter of at my 1st change...... they even have knuckle heads at the factory not just the dealers :thumbsdow.

I1:)

[vietalogy]

Just got my first oil change at 5k at my local honda dealer. I brought my own mobil1 5w20 which i got 6gt for $37. Dealer charge me 6.57 after tax. 1.90 for labor and 4.41 for filter which isnt bad at all i think.

[SatinSilver]

Just make sure you have a oil filter wrench or a big pair of pliers.. I had to use a pipe wrench to get the OE filter of at my 1st change...... they even have knuckle heads at the factory not just the dealers :thumbsdow.

I1:)

Inspector,

What oil and filter did you go with? Is that the same combination you went with on the 6th gen sedan? Thanks, SS