In my neck of the woods…the service manager manages the service writers and assigns jobs to the mechanics. They might have a little more experience then a writer because they’ve been working in the field longer. But few if any have any mechanical experience.
In the following link from Indeed…I only saw one where some technical knowledge was required.
https://www.indeed.com/q-Automotive-Service-Manager-jobs.html?vjk=5f4852ceb0e82166
The biggest issue I have experienced in the few times I have gone to a dealership for service was that the service writer was unable to translate (or even properly copy) the information I was providing regarding the symptoms. To be clear, I wasn’t going off the deep end in my statements, just very concise, pointed observations that should help a professional understand and locate the problem faster. If the writers are not technical, they cannot understand what informed customers are relating to them and to make matters worse, are too lazy to type in the symptoms verbatim. One repair order might as well have said “Customer states no worky”.
That is why I took to leaving a concise summary on a separate sheet of paper, left in plain view for the mechanic. I got several thank you’s for doing that from mechanics who were able to more effectively understand and hone in on the problem.
That has been my experience as well. I write up the problem in plain English and make sure the service writer clips it to the work order.
One experience at a Chevy dealership nearby was about a leaking heater core (fogged up windshield, strong smell) in a rear drive Chevy. I outlined the symptoms and told them what it likely was and even gave them a price since a friend of my wife had just had a similar experience with a Pontiac. The TWO guys behind the counter were completely puzzled and seem to think I was an actor.
The service manager finally put them straight and the final cost came with $5 of what I told them.
I went to Monro for a 3k oil change on my 2018 Outback 3.6R and the guy didn’t believe me that it used conventional oil. He actually said “I don’t trust owners manuals”. I was like" I don’t even know what to say to that".
Anyway, he called Subaru, and they confirmed it took 5W-30 conventional.
Now, where I don’t know if I trust owners manuals either is that in 2018 they switched to every 6k oil changes with conventional oil. What’s weird to me is it’s the same 3.6 motor that they had in 2012 and 2015 for my previous 2 subarus, though those were Legacy… Each of those said first oil change 3K, second 6K and then every 6k. So one extra oil change on “break in” oil seemed like cheap insurance to me. But maybe I’m wrong IDK. I can’t really see why that would have changed
Thanks to all who offered comments; you have overwhelmingly confirmed to me that the Boise, Idaho Subaru dealer has a staff of dishonest sales, finance, and service personnel (I have experienced this dishonesty from the car sale date to now.)
FYI-I have always serviced and repaired my cars and motorcycles, used both conventional synthetics but thought maybe I’m overlooking something (the Service Guys were so sure of themselves.) I looked one in the face and said "You know what you are saying goes against conventional wisdom!"
I suspected I was dealing with a dept. that screwed up by putting in conventional when they were supposed to put in synthetic and figured BS would convince me they were correct.
In the meantime and from Subaru March 2018
Thank you for taking the time to contact Subaru of America, Inc.
Regardless if you use conventional or synthetic engine oil for your 2017 Outback 3.6R Limited, we recommend oil changes every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Our maintenance schedule is found in the 2017 “Warranty and Maintenance” booklet. A copy of this booklet should be in your glove compartment. If not, please let me know and I will send you one.
Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Retailer Services Department
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Again, thanks to all.
Direct from Subaru:
Thank you for taking the time to contact Subaru of America, Inc.
Regardless if you use conventional or synthetic engine oil for your 2017 Outback 3.6R Limited, we recommend oil changes every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Our maintenance schedule is found in the 2017 “Warranty and Maintenance” booklet. A copy of this booklet should be in your glove compartment. If not, please let me know and I will send you one.
Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Retailer Services Department
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Service Request Number: 1-30946205872
-----Original Message-----
Sent: 3/2/2018 08:20:26 PM
To: CustDlrServices@subaru.com
Subject: (SR #:1-30946205872) Vehicle Problem
Re. 2017 Subaru Outback Limited; 3.6R engine I would like to run synthetic motor oil 5W-30 in my 3.6R. How often does Subaru recommend changing the oil if I use synthetic oil? Mileage and Months?
Watch your step, the BS is pretty deep here.
That dealership is either incompetent, dishonest, or both. If anything synthetic oil will tolerate heat better than a conventional oil. It’s almost like they want to you come in more often…
I don’t think it’s a particularly good idea to actually name the particular dealership you’re having problems with
After all, we don’t use our real names, either
it would be sufficient to say you’re having problems with A Subaru dealership. We don’t need to know which particular one
And please don’t mention the real names of any mechanics, service advisors, etc. from the dealership, either
What? db4690 isn’t your real name?