Just got back from an oil change and the shop recommended, but I declined, an Oil System Flush. He showed me some of my oil on a little sample thingy with some fluids on it (sorry, that’s the best description I can think of) and my oil was dirty. I have pretty much kept up with the intervals of oil changes perscribed, every three months, give a few weeks a couple of times. This shop has done all of my oil changes with the exception of the first one, which I had done at the dealer. This is an '09 Hyundai Accent with just over 15k on it. And, of course, I forgot to check my owners manual when I drove off, which I will do. I really think he was just trying to get more $ from me. What do you all say?
It sounds to me like you’re changing your oil more than necessary, which is not a bad thing for your vehicle, but it is making that shop some money. An oil system flush on a 2009 vehicle is really just a not so cleverly disguised wallet flush.
Is this one of those ‘Oil Changers’ or ‘Jiffy Lube’ shops?
Sounds like one.
Oil is supposed to look dirty after a month or so. Oil in a Ford used to always be cleaner looking than GM oil. Anyway, most oil will look dirty and it doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with the engine.
It’s a nice way to make money but you still don’t know if you saw the actual color of your oil.
most flushes do only one thing; flush the wallet of the person agreeing to have it done.
My daughter is away at college with our 2009 Cobalt. It was due for it’s first oil change, and I told her to get 'er done. She asked if she could go to JL and I said sure, as long as you do a few things:
- Check for puddles under the car before driving off.
- Check the oil level to make sure it was filled correctly.
- Say no to everything else they try to sell you.
- Make sure the oil cap is secured.
She texted me about an hour ago and said they tried to sell her everything under the sun, and she said NO.
I’m a proud Pop right now… My girl, the motorhead. OK, it’s a start, but a good one!
That’s what I thought. It was a Meineke/Econo Lube place. They didn’t try to sell me the one thing I actually needed: some new wipers.
Thanks to all.
If they did a good job on the oil change, it’s OK to go back, as long as you remain in charge. I use Jiffy Lube for my oil changes, and I always check the air filters and fluid levels before I go in. I’ve gone to this place for so long, that they know not to ask too many questions. You just have to train them. I’m not sure about Meineke/Econo Lube, but many JLs are franchises, like the one I go to. The do good work, despite a high turnover rate. Just like any other business, the person running it is more important than the name on the store front.
Check out O’Reilly auto parts. I see they have a rebate on selected wiper blades. May be a good time to change out.
Thanks for the tip Jayhawk. That is one thing that I can actually do by myself. Well, of course I do know how to check the belts, hoses and oil and a/t fluid as well. Just haven’t ventured under the hood yet. Gotta get on that.