Dealership - Damage Prevention

[HealthyCivic]

So since my car is so new, I haven't had to take it to the dealership service center yet. I'd like to perform my own oil changes honestly but I know that won't be able to happen for a while because I'd have to buy my own ramps and equipment and I don't have the extra time and money to do that right now. So I'm probably gonna have to risk letting the dealer change my oil at least once. I'm just very reluctant because I've taken very very good care of my new car and I really don't want one of the guys at the dealership to put oily hands on the surfaces, scratch the paint, etc... Especially in an inconspicuous area that I won't realize for maybe a few days until I wash the car.

Is there any advice you guys have for this? Should I talk to the service manager and explain that I keep up the car well and that I also don't want them to give me a "courtesy car wash" (DISO)?

[BlueZero]

Re: Dealership - Damage Prevention

I used to use a quick lube place. The ones your drive over the pit and wait 15 mins for the oil change. Probably not the best help at places like that but I figure if I'm in and out that fast they don't have time to damage my paint.

I do my own now. $30 for a set of ramps and a piece of cardboard to lay on. That's all I use. Oh don't forget a wheel chock.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Dealership - Damage Prevention

Somewhere there's a couple of threads on this topic, just not sure what to use for a search term?




One thing for sure, most people agree that if you take a clean, well detailed car to a shop or dealership chances are the people working around it will give it more respect than a neglected car.

[Erik Mejia]

Re: Dealership - Damage Prevention

Somewhere there's a couple of threads on this topic, just not sure what to use for a search term?




One thing for sure, most people agree that if you take a clean, well detailed car to a shop or dealership chances are the people working around it will give it more respect than a neglected car.

Our family mechanic told me the same thing. I guess it's kinda like seeing a really expensive exotic car on the road, you don't want to be the guy that rear ends it so you STAY AWAY.

[Murr1525]

Re: Dealership - Damage Prevention

And be sure to not let them wash it after.....

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Dealership - Damage Prevention

Find out what the dealer charges for an oil change, then look into the cost of a set of ramps, oil and filter plus a filter wrench and oil catch container. I'll bet the cost of paying a dealer will cover the cost of the few things you'd need to buy, and you only need to buy them ONCE.

My PT Cruiser is going to be 5 years old in two weeks - hasn't been back to the dealer yet.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Dealership - Damage Prevention

Find out what the dealer charges for an oil change, then look into the cost of a set of ramps,

Or a quality Floor Jack and a couple of Jack Stands.

The only vehicle we take to the Dealership is our Honda Pilot, I change the oil in all the rest of our cars. Hard to believe the oil drain plug can be installed wrong or loose but that happened to our Pilot one time. We noticed a large pool of clean oil under the Pilot after bring it home from the dealership and just in-case the threads were stripped we had the Dealership come out and get the car and take it back and fix the problem.

Changing the oil is easy, AutoZone will take your old oil and recycle it and you have the peace of knowing the job was done right. (Assuming you do it right).