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Learned a valuable lesson today

TTA984

TTA984

Gold Member
I will do my own oil changes from now. Today had my oil changed by a large retailer. Had my own oil and filter and all they had to do was change it. Well they changed it and I got down the road and I hardly had any brakes. It would barely stop. I raised the hood and sure enough the large vaccum line runing to the mastercylinder was off. They must have knocked it off or removed it so they could get a funnel in to fill oil. I am glad I only had to drive the car for a mile or so.
 
The problem is most people are in a rush and don't have the attention to detail! Even took my highlander to get the oil changed and they knocked off some line from the air box and it threw a light weeks later. Took me forever to track that one down.

I could never take my GN's or TTA's somewhere. I thought about it but I'd rather do it my self and know it's done right.

The moral of this story is you learned you lesson and that's all that matters! :thumbup:
 
PhillyTurboSix said:
The problem is most people are in a rush and don't have the attention to detail! Even took my highlander to get the oil changed and they knocked off some line from the air box and it threw a light weeks later. Took me forever to track that one down.

I could never take my GN's or TTA's somewhere. I thought about it but I'd rather do it my self and know it's done right.

The moral of this story is you learned you lesson and that's all that matters! :thumbup:
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Has a lot to do with how people are paid in the auto industry. Most places the service advisors and technicians are on commission. They don't get paid for doing it right,they get paid for doing it quick.
 
That is very true as well! I think the kid at the oil change place I take my daily drivers said he was making $9.00 bucks an hour.

I have a small place about a half mile from me that I take my daily drivers too because they have a synthetic change for a reasonable price. I found the key is I take a bag of soft pretzels from the pretzel factory to them and those kids really go the extra mile to make sure the oil change is done right! I can buy 20 pretzels for $5 bucks so it's well worth it. Nothing like greasing someone with a little food! I mean come on, Philly soft pretzels fresh from the bakery can't be beat! :)
 
Ha, I do the same thing when I take my DD in for tire service. My OEM rims sprout the occasional slow leak and Discount Tire doesn't charge anything to fix them. Plus I purchased my tires there and get free rotation. But it's amazing the difference in attitude you get with a box of Krispy Kremes in hand.

Without Krispy Kremes: "Sir, you should really look at replacing all 4 rims for $XXX.XX."

With Krispy Kremes: "Mr. Kristin we got the leak all taken care of and they're pulling the car around for you right now. They're just cleaning the wheels and tires for you."

Plus, IMO, there's no good way to tip at a place like that. The person you deal with is usually not the one working on your car. By bringing something for everyone you're just covering the bases.

With all that said, there's no excuse for rushing a simple job and making mistakes. I've been told throughout my career that my employers LOVE my attention to detail but would like me to work faster. I simply won't sacrifice quality for quantity. Work smarter, more efficiently, and with less mistakes and the speed will come over time.

<End rant, steps down from soap box.>

PhillyTurboSix said:
I have a small place about a half mile from me that I take my daily drivers too because they have a synthetic change for a reasonable price. I found the key is I take a bag of soft pretzels from the pretzel factory to them and those kids really go the extra mile to make sure the oil change is done right! I can buy 20 pretzels for $5 bucks so it's well worth it. Nothing like greasing someone with a little food! I mean come on, Philly soft pretzels fresh from the bakery can't be beat! :)
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ChrisKober said:
Shits NEVER done right unless you do it Yourself!
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I agree 100%. I hate taking stuff places-you cant get good service. My hubby is great at fixing about 99% of everything (auto, home stuff). I get spoiled from that and when I need something done it never lives up to my expectations.
 
Yes, and besides not putting the hose back on, they made a chip in my paint at the front of the bumper.It wasn't there before. Must have done it with belt buckle or tools. The only donuts they need is turbo donuts in the parking lot.LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!:bash:
 
Crawl on your back and do it yourself....ya it sucks, but better than what happened as seen above.

Having a lift is nice, very nice, but it is not a necessity. And before anyone says I don't change my oil on the ground, the 76' has been on the lift since we bought it and I have changed the oil in all our cars once and twice in the GN............
 
PhillyTurboSix said:
I could never take my GN's or TTA's somewhere. I thought about it but I'd rather do it my self and know it's done right.

The moral of this story is you learned you lesson and that's all that matters! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

And when you have a carpet garage it makes it really nice. :poke::fuckkk::beach:
 
I just use ramps and drive up them to change the oil. Way easier and faster than jackin the car up. I wish I had a lift!!!! Sometimes my fat friend is over and helps me with the oil change, but he can't fit under the car when it is on the ramps, so I'd have to jack it up for him to really get under there. He's really good at pouring in the new oil. :)
 
Tell you all what,
You all show up here with your car, oil and filter, as well as either a box of Crispy Cremes, or a bag of Pretzels, and I'll change your oil.
Sound good?
I'll even let you all walk around the garage. ;)

George :beach:
 
av6ateu said:
Has a lot to do with how people are paid in the auto industry. Most places the service advisors and technicians are on commission. They don't get paid for doing it right,they get paid for doing it quick.
Click to expand...

Well a lot of dealers and or shops have quick lube racks & thats all they do is quick oil changes with hourly inexperienced people, just getting into the business. They over look stuff, may or may no top off fluids, set tire pressures right, change the drain plug gasket, etc, it happens. Not all the time but it does, even more so at walmart, jiffy lube, firestone or any other 10min oil change place (ask me how I know-I fix alot of their half assed F!@#-ups)

If you go to a dealer you can always request one of the master techs or a shop forman to only touch your car. I'm one of those meticulous certified flat rate techs who takes alot of pride in what I do, to make sure the jobs done right to my high standards regardless of what the job pays. Theirs alot of techs out there like me & the advisors know who they are, just ask..
 
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