[jimbomaybe]

The maintenance minder on my Honda CRV AWD tells me to change the differential fluid, a $220. Job at the dealer. Thinking to save a few bucks I bought two QTs of Honda Dual pump fluid ll, considerably more expensive than the generic. I called the Valvoline drive through oil change at 17500 US441, Mount Dora FL 32757,confirmed that they did not sell the Honda product, that would bring my own gear oil . The differential holds 1.32 US quarts I asked for my empty and the second bottle with remaining oil and bottle returned to me no problem.
Unless you confirm that the bottle of fluid is a sealed manufactures product before the tech get it and the bottle and fluid never leaves you sight before it goes into your car you cannot be sure what went into your car. If you bring your own fluid put an identifying mark somewhere on the bottle and get it back. In my case the differential case holds about 1 ½ of q US QT of fluid, by getting the half full bottle back I could use it for the next fluid change.
When I arrived, 3/4/25 I explained both techs I talked to that I wanted the empty and the half empty bottles back, no problem.
After the work is “completed” I ask for the empty and the half-filled bottles. I get some nonsense about being in the drain rack,. Where is the half-filled bottle?” I used that to flush the case”, HUH? This was something new to me, why would you flush the case? How could you do that with ½ a Qt with 1 ½ case just poring it one hole and out another without moving the VEH? I drove around the block and returned, the tech was on his break, I waited until he returned going over this again to be sure of what was said, at the end of this the Tech gives me “Honda Dual pump ll Fluid” bottle that he told me was new but wasn’t one of mine with, you guessed it had a damaged / broken seal containing who knows what.
Now I don’t know what was put in my car, in fact I cannot be sure anything was done so what to do?, take it to the dealer for the $200. Diff oil change, I recently moved and do not have the where with all to do it myself as of yet. Another nice touch is the “guest information has my name right but nothing else, invoice: 82672, I guess if Valvoline checks up on the service it will go to a friendly source.