traxtermax
UPSTATE NEW YORK
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Joined: 05/26/2004
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I needed an “emergency” oil change so I went to Jiffy Lube after they assured me that I could purchase factory sealed oil in quart containers. The rep told me they use Purolator filters and stopped using Fram years ago. He said that Jiffy Lube places bids for oil filters based on “warranty performance” of some kind.
Upon arrival, they pulled my vehicle into the bay and I looked at the sealed quart oil bottles on the rack. There was oil running down the side of one and they were slightly dirty. I questioned that and boss said they were “left-overs” from topping off other oil changes and they were separated from the rest of the oil. They moved a cart to expose other oil containers and though slightly dirty, they looked and “felt” perfectly sealed. I needed the oil change and since they changed it before, it seemed OK to use their services again. They:
• Told me I had a major oil leak but didn't know the source (I get 3,000+ miles on a quart of oil so that alarmed me).
• I observed that the guy changing my oil had a few drain plugs on the catch screen. After ten minutes or so; Angel, an obvious misnomer, took his place. Fifteen minutes after that I saw, literally, five or six drain plugs on the oil catch screen. When I asked about it, Angel mumbled something (he wasn't happy) and I’m starting to become concerned because things aren’t going right. I asked the foreman to define the problem.
• The foreman was amiable and told me the plug was stripped. I asked to see it and they retrieved it from the trash (I guess it was mine). It was stripped, question is, how did it get that way since they changed my oil the last time?
I ask the foreman why it was necessary to tap the female threads in the pan if the bolt was stripped. He said that the oil pan threads wear because the metal is harder/softer(?), and it’s not uncommon to wear out the threads on old cars—more mumbo jumbo. Now it’s a question of getting my vehicle out of their possession without an oil leak or other problems.
I suspect the Jiffy Jerks tried a bunch of plugs and thought they had the right one until they tried to snug it up OR, more likely, found a close fit and then tried to use the new drain plug as a tap.
• Angel tapped the oil drain pan (12 x 1.5) and threw the tap to his boss when I asked him what size it was. His attitude was bad and his boss said nothing.
• Angel put five quarts in the crank case but said it was a quarter-quart down immediately after turning off the engine. He started to add more oil when the boss and I stopped him. I felt I had to watch Angel because he was mad and may be inclined to do something he shouldn't (like overfill the crankcase, pull a wire—who knows).
Now I have to think that the CEO’s of Jiffy Lube hire somewhat mentally deficient 20 year olds to run the business and maximize profits by employing a good lawyer to “defend” relatively few customer “challenges” created by employee mistakes.
If our society is becoming a “service industry”, it appears that we’re loosing out on that end too. What’s left after that? How hard can it be to unscrew a plug and filter, re-screw same and pour oil?
Has anyone had similar experiences with quick lube outfits, particularly stripped drain plugs?
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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traxtermax wrote:Has anyone had similar experiences with quick lube outfits, particularly stripped drain plugs? NO, I don't use them and now you know why!! I do my own on everything I own, that way I KNOW that it's done right.
Deen - Vancouver, WA
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jolooote
Miami, FL
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Joined: 01/29/2002
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Wal-Mart was better for me...I saw a new Super store with brand new RV Bay door for oil changes. I stopped in and asked. The manager was honest and told me mine would be their FIRST RV oil change. I declined and he laughed.
Joe&Charlotte, Nat'l SurfSide DE34D Ford 362HP 5speed
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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After some DC battery issues well addressed by the Wal-Mart shop staff I struck up a conversation with one guy. He had been with Wal-Mart for 8 years (opening of Super Center with shop bays) and had been with another shop in town before that. Yes they had some staff with little or no experience but the two at the top were very knowledgeable. I would say go 8-5 if it is going to be something besides their run of the mill tasks done daily. You can go up the ladder locally if you have an issue at Wal-Mart. I ran into that when redeeming some battery core charge fees years later.
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SETenn
Benton TN
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Joined: 02/13/2006
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My local mechanic is the only one who I will use for oil changes. He is an independent businessman and has to do a good job to stay in business. Jiffy Lube, Wal-Mart, or any other quick oil change place with about a 200% turnover rate will never touch my vehicle. I may pay a little more but I know who is under the hood.
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morsecodeham
MA
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Joined: 02/20/2006
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I stopped using Jiffy Lube years ago after they forgot to replace the oil cap twice. Nothing like having oil slung all over the engine compartment. I do the oil changes myself now and as far as the stripped drain plug, I always install a crush washer with every oil change on my 3 vehicles. Do it yourself and it's done right.
2005 Jayco Jay Feather Sport 186
2005 Ford F-150 XLT Long bed 4.6 V8 3.55 axle
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K-9
Waterford, CT. U.S.A.
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I never, never use Jiffy Lube or any type of quick lube oil changing station. I concur with Deen. I do my own on my diesel truck and my Nissan Xterra. I let the Volkswagen dealer change the oil in my wifes Touareg and I watch them do it. The dealer knows that I am very peticular about my vehicles and that I want it done right. Otherwise my voice will be heard.
Steve and Lisa
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rushin roulette
Beautiful *cough* Bakersfield
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Joined: 02/16/2007
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Either I do it or the dealer does it.
Busted a U-joint at the crossroads of life.
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JDandBren
Calhan, CO
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Joined: 05/14/2008
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Having worked 2 months at a Jiffy Lube I am not at all surprised to hear of your predicament. And I'll tell you from the experience the store and district management is very poor. Most of the training is done on computer and not hands on. And there is no "effective leadership" with employees. Just a make me look good attitude.
1993 Pinnacle 320Q
US Army Retired
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2oldman
WA
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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I've used JL several times over the years and had none of these problems.
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