Have you ever heard of this?
I usually take up for Wal-Mart on Rant threads about them. Usually because the rants are full of mis-info about how bad W-M treats it's help. That I know to be un-true as my daughter and several friends are W-M employee's.
But this takes the cake. I just back from TRYING to get my oil changed at W-M. I've got an "88 F-150 w/nearly 300K miles on it that I've owned for 10 years.
I change the oil every 5K. Doing every other change at home, and have every other done @ W-M to get it greased.
So they pull it in and shortly later the service MGR calls me to tell me he won't allow service on my truck. Reason being that someone besides W-M has changed the oil since the last time it was in.
I told him A. It's none of your business who I have service my truck if W-M didn't. And B. for your info it was ME that did it at home. USING oil and Fram filter bought @ W-M.
Then he said he won't touch because my OIL PLUG was "non-standard". I said "What the HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? That the SAME PLUG that's been in that truck since I bought it! And that you have removed and replaced for countless oil changes.
My daughter works at that store and after Christmas I'm going to find who the store manager is and what this MORONS problem is. [}:)]
But this takes the cake. I just back from TRYING to get my oil changed at W-M. I've got an "88 F-150 w/nearly 300K miles on it that I've owned for 10 years.
I change the oil every 5K. Doing every other change at home, and have every other done @ W-M to get it greased.
So they pull it in and shortly later the service MGR calls me to tell me he won't allow service on my truck. Reason being that someone besides W-M has changed the oil since the last time it was in.
I told him A. It's none of your business who I have service my truck if W-M didn't. And B. for your info it was ME that did it at home. USING oil and Fram filter bought @ W-M.
Then he said he won't touch because my OIL PLUG was "non-standard". I said "What the HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? That the SAME PLUG that's been in that truck since I bought it! And that you have removed and replaced for countless oil changes.
My daughter works at that store and after Christmas I'm going to find who the store manager is and what this MORONS problem is. [}:)]
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I never signed an agreement to have Wal-Mart service my vehicle exclusively. That particular manager must have a hard on for you. Probably a Chevy man. 0 -
time to have visit with store manager, though i think that it would not be a good idea to have someone with this level of skill & mechanical knowledge touch my vehicle in any way, especially after confrontation 0 -
I had a fast oil place refuse to change mine in a beater cause they said the rear main was leaking, and the fresh oil might make it worse, I told him I know, and I didn't care, as it could not be any worse, he still refused, I'm willing to bet he was not there long, as this was in a low rent area, not a lot of cars with no leaks..... 0 -
Fatstrat, Talk with the manager, then go somewhere else with your money. Make sure he knows WHY you are doing it. 0 -
I took my truck to one of those 10 minute oil change outfits several years back. The kid asked me which engine I had in it, I told himm a 455 Rocket, apparently he didn't believe me. After waiting almost an hour the guy comes out and says it's done and that they had trouble getting the filter on. I looked under the truck and seen about 2 quarts on the floor. I asked the clown what was up. Come to find out 18 year old high school dropout didn't believe me about the 455 Olds in a Chevy truck and somehow forced a 454 filter on it. After a brief discussion with the Mngr. I received my two oil changes that day for free. Never went back. 0 -
Well it is Walmart after all. The easy fix is to buy a grease gun and not take it back to them. A big plus to this would be knowing it was done RIGHT and not by some lame ass that could not find a job anywhere besides Walmart tire&lube.
For the most part the people at all of the Walmart's I have ever been to are all nice and polite people and they will go out of there way to help you.
I took our 97 MonteCarlo to WM to have the oil changed and they tried to charge me for a lube also the only problem is there are no grease fitting on the front of these cars and when I mentioned that to the manager he said I was wrong I asked him to show them to me he could not so he took it off of my bill and that was the last of my money they got at tire and lube
To each is own but I only do business with Wallyworld in very rare instances0 -
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This is what happens when an immature, poorly trained individual is placed into a position of responsibility.
Poor management personnel who spend more time with their nose up some higher management person's butt than they do ensuring their areas of responsibility are properly handled usually promote these gung-ho, brats with the propensity to show off their "authority" into supervisory or management positions. These zeros do stuff exactly as you described.
I had a similar situation, albeit with tires, at COSTCO last year. I wound up with a free set of tires and the zero was booted. The should have fired his manager instead.0 -
Do us all a favor and have your services done somewhere else. I was a service manager for a very large dealership and have seen quite a bit of F*cked up stuff that WalMart has done.
Oil filters finger tight, have come loose and poured oil everywhere on the road.
Drain plugs severely stripped and loc-tite applied to hold it there.
We had a usual customer that had an 88 5cyl Volvo with 700k+ Miles on it. She had to oil changed at Walmart, once. They cracked the oil pan by torquing the plug too much. $1370 for a replacement, plus about $100 to ship it overseas. It was worth more than the car itself. She ended up junking the car and buying a new one.
DO NOT have service done at Walmart. You may save $4-5 every service over the dealership. I get all work done at the dealership, the employees know me on a first name basis and I get the car washed, vaccumed, and waxed for free. Even with an oil change.0 -
All I have to say is that I love those quick lube places. I can't tell you how many oil pan and engine swaps I have done and had them pay for because they screwed up. Latest one was from best buy. One of their highly trained techs decided to cutup a mercedes console make a bracket out of sheetmetal and screw the radio they were installing right to the climate control circut board ruining the console, climate control and a $200 piece of wood trim.(standard aftermarket radio fits without a problem) Total bill came to be around $2000 which best buy paid for.[:D][:D] 0 -
Well, Fatstrat, that isn't the strangest thing I've ever heard, but it has to be right up there in the top ten. You don't get to be the biggest store in the country turning away business.
I always thought an oil plug either fit or it didn't. I didn't know you could use a "non-standard" one. Guess I better not get a job changing oil.0 -
Obviously, you don't know much about dealerships, at least around here. Around here, the rank newbies (with no training) do the oil changes and lubes, and then they gouge you for $75.00 for it. [}:)]
My dad has had the same experience in MO with the dealerships there.
Merc
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
Do us all a favor and have your services done somewhere else. I was a service manager for a very large dealership and have seen quite a bit of F*cked up stuff that WalMart has done.
Oil filters finger tight, have come loose and poured oil everywhere on the road.
Drain plugs severely stripped and loc-tite applied to hold it there.
We had a usual customer that had an 88 5cyl Volvo with 700k+ Miles on it. She had to oil changed at Walmart, once. They cracked the oil pan by torquing the plug too much. $1370 for a replacement, plus about $100 to ship it overseas. It was worth more than the car itself. She ended up junking the car and buying a new one.
DO NOT have service done at Walmart. You may save $4-5 every service over the dealership. I get all work done at the dealership, the employees know me on a first name basis and I get the car washed, vaccumed, and waxed for free. Even with an oil change.0 -
quote:Originally posted by guntech59
Fatstrat, Talk with the manager, then go somewhere else with your money. Make sure he knows WHY you are doing it.
Exactly. I also intended to buy 2 tires today that they didn't have in stock. They won't get that business either.0 -
Last time I had an oil change by someone besides myself was in 1972 at a GMC dealership on a 6 month old GMC. Had bought the pickup from that dealership. "Mechanic" changing the oil had striped the drain plug and threads in the oil pan then put a bolt with 4or 5 washers on it in for a plug. He had also taken the distruibutor out of a 250 6 cylinder engine to change the oil filter. Then he didn't get it timed properly and I had to take the pickup back to get it timed correctly. At least he told me when I picked up the pickup to check the oil drain plug after awhile to see if it was leaking. I took one look at it at the shop before even starting the engine then went in to talk to the service manager. They ended up putting a new oil pan on. That mechanic was a recently hired guy and didn't last very long. Now he drives a delivery truck for a local company. Ever since that I've changed my own oil and filter. 0 -
when i started for my current employer it was as the quick lube manager.
couldnt tell you how many leakers made it from w.m. 2 miles away to us with a quart or less left in them!
the second biggest problem shop we ended up fixing things from was the chrysler dealer in the next town over!
quick lubes can be great...as long as you give your people decent training and WATCH WHAT THEY ARE DOING as they train, so they learn the proper way to deal with the many minor problems you come up against when a vehicle was serviced by who knows how many places.
we also either refused service or had the driver sign a waiver for serious leaks etc., because often people know there is something seriously wrong with a motor and go to the nearest shop to use as a mark to get a new car or motor because "it was fine till they workd on it"0 -
quote:Originally posted by Mercury
Obviously, you don't know much about dealerships, at least around here. Around here, the rank newbies (with no training) do the oil changes and lubes, and then they gouge you for $75.00 for it. [}:)]
My dad has had the same experience in MO with the dealerships there.
Merc
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
Do us all a favor and have your services done somewhere else. I was a service manager for a very large dealership and have seen quite a bit of F*cked up stuff that WalMart has done.
Oil filters finger tight, have come loose and poured oil everywhere on the road.
Drain plugs severely stripped and loc-tite applied to hold it there.
We had a usual customer that had an 88 5cyl Volvo with 700k+ Miles on it. She had to oil changed at Walmart, once. They cracked the oil pan by torquing the plug too much. $1370 for a replacement, plus about $100 to ship it overseas. It was worth more than the car itself. She ended up junking the car and buying a new one.
DO NOT have service done at Walmart. You may save $4-5 every service over the dealership. I get all work done at the dealership, the employees know me on a first name basis and I get the car washed, vaccumed, and waxed for free. Even with an oil change.
Apparently you missed the statement, "I was a service manager for a very large dealership." This is one of the biggest dealerships in the Midwest.
I would doubt very much that they can charge $75 for a straight oil change and expect people to pay that.0 -
Both mine and my wifes Silverados only go to the Chevy dealer for oil changes.
We routinely paid ~ $23 for it until recently. Oil and everything else has gone up...now I pay $28 for full oil change, lube, tire rotation and the mechanics have known us for over 10 years. Trust them and they always treat her and I right.
Nothing against WM or the quick lubes, but the customer is just a number. The dealer knows you bought from them and will eventually be looking to buy again...reputation and satisfaction is important.0 -
Took my blazer to a 10 minute oil change place 10+ years ago. Told them I just wanted an oil change. It was the middle of winter and I usually do it myself but since it was so cold and a foot of snow and ice all over I took it there.
Anyway after a short time waiting the "tech" came and told me I need a new PCV valve. I looked under the hood and he had the air filter off and hoses disconnected. I told him shake that PCV valve, it rattled, then told him it's ok put it back together all I want is an oil change. He then said well sir it's(the PCV valve)dirty. I said it's supposed to be it's pulling crank case fumes through it all the time.
A few days later I noticed I was getting horrible gas mileage. Looked under the hood and didn't see anything unusual. After about $40 more in gas burnt up cause of the horrible mileage I kept checking under the hood and finally found a vacuum hose disconnected from the back of the carburetor.
Now I change my oil in the middle of winter reguardless and have never been to an oil change place since.0 -
why doe's anybody have someone else change there oil for them anyway it isn't brain surgery to change the dang oil.i have NEVER had anyone else change my oil.[?] 0 -
For $24 I get, the oil/lube job.
Car/truck washed/waxed/vacuumed. All within 45min and without getting dirty.
Plus the dealer will check for any reflashes or programming updates or service bulletins.
I have always changed my own oil/brake jobs/everything. Hell I rebuilt the 351 CCJ in the Mustang dad and I built.
Since I have two new vehicles, I'll let the dealer do it.0 -
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
For $24 I get, the oil/lube job.
Car/truck washed/waxed/vacuumed. All within 45min and without getting dirty. I pay $45 at the local Lexus dealer for my wife's GX-470...but I get free coffee and doughnuts![:D]
I change the oil on my F-150 and F-250.0 -
I don't trust ANY OF THEM, dealers, fast-change places, or wally world to change the oil and service my vehicles. Nothing like getting your hands dirty on your vehicle. Cubs, you might have been the svc. mgr. of a great shop, but in my experience, MOST of them are no better than anyone else at changing oil. Last time I dealt with a Ford dealer for an oil change was back in 1984. Guy who was VP of my dads construction company bought a 83 Crown Vic. Took it for its scheduled oil change. On the way home the drain plug came out. Spilled the oil and seized the motor. I had just bought a new Ranger. Decided I could do as well as they did. And ya know something? I haven't forgotten to tighten the drain plug once! [:D] 0 -
Once I took my Tahoe Nope, I've always changed the oil myself.
My Grand Prick
The Envoy I had before that
The Jimmy I had before that
The Jimmy I had before that
When I was in college and didn't have a garage to change my oil in, I went to a jiffy lube with my Taurus. (The Ford one, not the piece of crap gun.) They tried to change my wiper blades for like 30 bucks. I never went back.0 -
Screw Wal-Mart. 0 -
Welcome the world without Wal-Mart. After a short while you will find it quite pleasureable. Find ya a good Mom and Pop store to give your business to.
[rant] [xx(][}:)]That is if Wal-Mart hasn't already ran them out of town by doing the job cheaper than what it actually costs until the competition went out of business and then raised their price up to where it should be.[xx(][}:)] [/rant]0 -
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
Do us all a favor and have your services done somewhere else. I was a service manager for a very large dealership and have seen quite a bit of F*cked up stuff that WalMart has done.
Oil filters finger tight.
Huh?
Ok how many here actually torque their oil filters?
In fact I think the instructions (been a long time since I read the instructions that come with a oil filter) say to lightly oil the seal and tighten by hand.
Ooops I think you are making a difference between finger tight and hand tight. sorry!0 -
quote:Originally posted by minitruck83
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
Do us all a favor and have your services done somewhere else. I was a service manager for a very large dealership and have seen quite a bit of F*cked up stuff that WalMart has done.
Oil filters finger tight.
Huh?
Ok how many here actually torque their oil filters?
In fact I think the instructions (been a long time since I read the instructions that come with a oil filter) say to lightly oil the seal and tighten by hand.
Ooops I think you are making a difference between finger tight and hand tight. sorry!
Yes. Everyone (except the Walfart service people apparently) know to just oil the ring and snug them.0 -
quote:Originally posted by minitruck83
Huh?
Ok how many here actually torque their oil filters?
In fact I think the instructions (been a long time since I read the instructions that come with a oil filter) say to lightly oil the seal and tighten by hand.
Ooops I think you are making a difference between finger tight and hand tight. sorry!
I generally go just a smidge past finger tight, but finger tight would be right.
A fellow at Quick-Lube put one in my '87 Chevy without a seal one time. It was OK though, cause he's the one who got the oil bath.0 -
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
quote:Originally posted by minitruck83
quote:Originally posted by cubslover
Do us all a favor and have your services done somewhere else. I was a service manager for a very large dealership and have seen quite a bit of F*cked up stuff that WalMart has done.
Oil filters finger tight.
Huh?
Ok how many here actually torque their oil filters?
In fact I think the instructions (been a long time since I read the instructions that come with a oil filter) say to lightly oil the seal and tighten by hand.
Ooops I think you are making a difference between finger tight and hand tight. sorry!
Yes. Everyone (except the Walfart service people apparently) know to just oil the ring and snug them.
Yeah I had an option to delete it or add to it.
The more I think about it I'll bet there actually is a torque spec for oil filters somewhere. Given the anal retentive mindset of most automotive techs. I've got a collection of those filter wrenches that fit over the end of the filter with a 1/2" square drive hole in the center of them that I found on sale at 4/$1 that would work if you figgured out the difference on the length of the extension bar required for whatever particular model vehicle you were changing oil on.
But I'm a ol sledgehammer mechanic and I'll keep on doin it my way. I don't need different color adaptors to tighten lug nuts securely either. [:D] Which is how they strip the drain plug in a lot of cases by using a impact wrench to tighten them. If they don't forget to put it back in. The local wally world automotive mgr has got smart and keeps a selection of those rubber expanding replacement plugs for when his idjits mess up. (I don't quess it ever crossed his mind to just fire em)
Allen0 -
Peter Principle
NOUN: The theory that employees within an organization will advance to their highest level of competence and then be promoted to and remain at a level at which they are incompetent.
ETYMOLOGY: After Laurence Johnston Peter (1919-1990).
..When you talk to the mang.,don't be surprised if he/she also helps to validate the "Peter Principle".
..Don't mention your daughter,either,she might catch some fallout.0 -
I change my own oil whenever I can. Mostly because the quickie places charge an "exotic" fee to change the oil in my 1996 Mercedes E320! Costs $58 just because it takes 2 more quarts of oil than most cars!!! What a ripoff! 0
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