Do you check your car's engine oil after servicing?

[Villages PL]

I was in the habit of checking it but didn't get around to it last October. So I drove around for 6 months with the oil overfilled. The oil on the dipstick was about a little over an inch above the fill line. When did I check it? I checked it the morning I was due to go to the dealership for another oil change.

When I got to Ocala, I was a little late so, in the rush, I forgot to mention that it had been overfilled the previous time. They changed my oil promptly and I paid my bill. Then I thought, "I better check the oil level before I leave." I checked it and it was overfilled by roughly the same amount as last time.

So I told the service advisor and she said she would have the "mechanic" come out to check it. He came out and agreed that it was overfilled. Both he and the service advisor blamed it on the equipment that fills the oil automatically. They said the equipment is not very accurate. She said they are due to get all new equipment at some future time.

If they know the equipment isn't accurate, shouldn't they check the oil before giving the car to the customer? Then drain out the excess if there's too much oil? But, logically, if every car is being overfilled, the mechanic wouldn't be able to keep up with all the appointments for oil changes. It took him an extra 10 to15 minutes to take my car back into the garage and drain out the excess oil. So, I assume, everyone is leaving the dealership with too much engine oil.

And the car's manual says, "WARNING: do not overfill oil, overfilling may cause engine damage."

I called the service line manager and he said he will check into it and call me back but hasn't done so yet.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Very good point.

[villagetinker]

The manual is correct about overfilling. The oil will tend to foam when over filled, and may lead to oil starvation if the foaming gets too bad and the foam is drawn into the oil pump.

[rubicon]

I was in the habit of checking it but didn't get around to it last October. So I drove around for 6 months with the oil overfilled. The oil on the dipstick was about a little over an inch above the fill line. When did I check it? I checked it the morning I was due to go to the dealership for another oil change.

When I got to Ocala, I was a little late so, in the rush, I forgot to mention that it had been overfilled the previous time. They changed my oil promptly and I paid my bill. Then I thought, "I better check the oil level before I leave." I checked it and it was overfilled by roughly the same amount as last time.

So I told the service advisor and she said she would have the "mechanic" come out to check it. He came out and agreed that it was overfilled. Both he and the service advisor blamed it on the equipment that fills the oil automatically. They said the equipment is not very accurate. She said they are due to get all new equipment at some future time.

If they know the equipment isn't accurate, shouldn't they check the oil before giving the car to the customer? Then drain out the excess if there's too much oil? But, logically, if every car is being overfilled, the mechanic wouldn't be able to keep up with all the appointments for oil changes. It took him an extra 10 to15 minutes to take my car back into the garage and drain out the excess oil. So, I assume, everyone is leaving the dealership with too much engine oil.

And the car's manual says, "WARNING: do not overfill oil, overfilling may cause engine damage."

I called the service line manager and he said he will check into it and call me back but hasn't done so yet.

Are you suggesting its a problem with all service centers or just the one that does your work? and what service center do you use?

[villagetinker]

BTW I forgot to ask where did this happen?

[Topspinmo]

Yes, I agree this is very important to check up on all servicing. I had car under warranty few years back. I could of done the servicing (in this case changing the transmission fluid) myself. But, wanted to go on trip and decided to let the dealer do it. Assuming also the dealers do no wrong! (Oxymoron) I didn't check fluid level. Got about mile down the road and smoke was pouring out the back like steam engine. Pulled over and transmission fluid was spudded every where in the engine bay. Pulled the dip stick out (with it running ) and it was way over serviced. Took it back and I was ****ed. After several choice words with highest ranking person there. It was determined the same thing! It was the servicing machine fault and the mechanic didn't check the level AFTER he was done! So same OLD story I see probably repeated thousand time when caught. IMO That dealership has POOR service if machanic don't check levels after service! I hope this wasn't the Honda dealership.

Amazing their still have the same old inaccurate bulk fluid equipment. My icendent was over 25 years ago.

[Topspinmo]

I can tell you another story about oil changes. Dealers sometimes just dump 5 quarts in even if the vehicle only hold 4 quarts. IMO they are in such rush or just don't know or don't take the time to find out. My example was 2003 dodge v6 pickup. The v6 only holds 4 quarts. After the dealership serviced it for my aunt , I checked it when visiting. It also was way over the full mark. I looked in the manual said it held 4 quarts. Drained over quart out. Again they used the bulk servicing inaccurate machine and over serviced it at the wrong Level. Over servicing can cause the engine to over heat and sluggish throttle response along with lots of other possible serious problems. Over pressurization and blowing gaskets on closed oiling system probably could be one of the more costly ones.

I bet there are thousands out there that have no clue what their oil level is let alone if the service they got was done right?

[Shimpy]

. Both he and the service advisor blamed it on the equipment that fills the oil automatically. They said the equipment is not very accurate. She said they are due to get all new equipment at some future time.

They don't pour 4 quarts of oil in from 4 separate quart containers but just pump it in from a hose which is suppose to regulate the correct amount. The problem is that the mechanic doesn't check his work and blaming on the equipment is wrong and it is up to the mechanic to pull the dip stick and check his work.

[GordyM]

This is why I do my own work (such as oil changes....) on both the car and golf cart in the garage at home. Easy and I know it is done right.

[billethkid]

I do not allow bulk oil in my vehicles.

[Jim 9922]

An overfilled oil pan could also be a sign of failing to change the oil filter. Most filters absorb at least 1/2 qt of oil, many up to a quart. No filter change, but dump in the specified amount of oil.

[Topspinmo]

I do not allow bulk oil in my vehicles.

If you had you oil changed at dealership you got oil from 55 gallon drum (bulk)
Pumped in by air operated pump with the inaccurate gauge that reads in quarts.

Either at dealership or joe blows fast oil change you need to check the level before you leave the business. I say to the desk jockey, let's see how good job your dealership done and check it with him watching before I pay.

I would also be Leary of the dealerships that offer FREE oil changed on New cars.
I would make sure the oil and filter was changed (course one would have to have clue) Some have been caught not changing the oil knowing that most people trade in 2 to 4 years.

[fred53]

I guess you check the lug nuts when you have your tires rotated or replaced...check that the oil filter is on properly and the oil pan plug is snug...No?!? They are all just as important as the oil level...strange....

[rjm1cc]

Did not realize this could be a problem.

Thanks

[kcrazorbackfan]

This is why I do my own work (such as oil changes....) on both the car and golf cart in the garage at home. Easy and I know it is done right.

Same here. I've always changed my own oil so I know it's done right.

[Topspinmo]

I guess you check the lug nuts when you have your tires rotated or replaced...check that the oil filter is on properly and the oil pan plug is snug...No?!? They are all just as important as the oil level...strange....

Yes, I check EVERYTHING! Being Aircraft mechanic for 40 years NO STONES unturned when you have to look the Flight Crew in the Face before and after the Flight. Yes especially the Lug nuts cause the usually use air impact gun and OVER torque them. I loosen them with my big breaker bar and torque them to 85-95 foot pounds. That way when I have Flat I can get the lug nuts broken loose with dinky tire tool.

[Bonnevie]

I had a major service (30,000) miles. Shortly after I had a tire blow out on the Howard Franklin bridge in Tampa. When I went to get new tire, I was told all the tires were way overinflated...I don't know if that's what the mechanics do...put a lot of air in then go back and let some out...and they didn't do the second step....but it was very scary.

[Topspinmo]

Guy probably was putting air in it and got text. :eclipsee_gold_cup:Lots of things could of happened with the tire, could of hit something weakening the liners, could of been defect that took that long to fail, could had way too much air pressure, got hot and failed. I'd guess and say 90 % of all tire blowout are due to under inflation! people just don't check air pressure in ther tires. I check tire pressure once month or it if looks low. winter temp changes will cause tires to lose small amount air pressure over time.

If the tires are hot the pressure will be higher. But, shouldn't be over say 3 or 4 pounds from room temps. so your tires was way over inflated,the got hot from driving which caused even more pressure and the tire failed. Again another reason to check work done by someone else.

[capecoralbill]

Me too. Have had new tires overinflated from the tire shop. I remember in the old days we had to install new tires with soapy water then strap them, then overinflate them to set the bead. When done we were supposed to recheck the air pressure to the correct PSI. Bill

[Villages PL]

I called The Tire Choice on Wedgewood Lane in The Villages and they said they always check the oil before the car leaves their shop. Their price is only about $2 more and I wouldn't have to drive all the way to Ocala.

But he said the price was for a certain type of oil and I'm not sure if that's what I need. I didn't write it down. I might have to go there in person to make sure.

Is The Tire Choice a good place to go for an oil change?

What place would you recommend?

Another issue is coupons: I had a dealer coupon for a $19.95 oil change. But by the time they added the disposal fee and taxes etc. it came to $26.41. Previously, when I used a $19.95 coupon it would only come to a total of about $20. So I learned that you have to read them carefully because they're not all the same.

The complaint issue: When you complain about service, is it a good or bad idea to ever go back to the same place again?

[F16 1UB]

Did I miss something? What "dealer in Ocala" over serviced your vehicle?

[Shimpy]

This is why I do my own work (such as oil changes....) on both the car and golf cart in the garage at home. Easy and I know it is done right.
Me too including motorcycle.

I do not allow bulk oil in my vehicles.

I agree. I want to see that oil can's label. If I want full synthetic which I always do, then I only know that's what I got if I put it in myself.

[Topspinmo]

This is why I do my own work (such as oil changes....) on both the car and golf cart in the garage at home. Easy and I know it is done right.

Is your vehicle under warranty? Especially if Asian? If so I hope you are saving the recipes with the date on them for your oil and filter, record in the maintenance logs, and keep exact historical records of what you did? If not most likely if you have oil related failure they might not honor the warranty. If out of warranty don't matter.

Basically the dealer manufacturer wants to do and control all maintenance while during the warranty period and of course after. Even though I can do most servicing. I don't while the vehicle under warranty in case there major problem.
First thing they going to scream unaurthized maintenance done which void the warranty.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Is your vehicle under warranty? Especially if Asian? If so I hope you are saving the recipes with the date on them for your oil and filter, record in the maintenance logs, and keep exact historical records of what you did? If not most likely if you have oil related failure they might not honor the warranty. If out of warranty don't matter.

Basically the dealer manufacturer wants to do and control all maintenance while during the warranty period and of course after. Even though I can do most servicing. I don't while the vehicle under warranty in case there major problem.
First thing they going to scream unaurthized maintenance done which void the warranty.

I keep meticulous records of mileage, dates and receipts for oil and filters installed. I've been doing the same thing for 46 years with no dealer problem........yet. Knock on wood.

[KeepingItReal]

Did I miss something? What "dealer in Ocala" over serviced your vehicle?

I don't think we are ever going to know so it would be risky to even believe it happened..

Really sounds unusual it happened 2 oil changes in a row... especially since apparently no one else had a problem in all that time at a dealership????

VPL what kind of car do you drive and we can take it from there? :jester:

[Topspinmo]

I don't think we are ever going to know so it would be risky to even believe it happened..

Really sounds unusual it happened 2 oil changes in a row... especially since apparently no one else had a problem in all that time at a dealership????

VPL what kind of car do you drive and we can take it from there? :jester:




Ask this question? how many actually follow up and check the level period, let alone before they drive off from the business? You maybe surprised. It's not just that dealership, seen this several times from different businesses. Rush and laziness is the only excuse I have for them.

[tuccillo]

Me three. It is actually very easy to do routine maintenance. The Miata has to go up on jack stands for an oil change but that only takes a few minutes. I mail order OEM filters and Wal-mart has very good prices on oil.

Me too including motorcycle.



I agree. I want to see that oil can's label. If I want full synthetic which I always do, then I only know that's what I got if I put it in myself.

[tuccillo]

I have never had a warranty issue that could bring into question any maintenance work that I had done but a maintenance log (in my case, a piece of paper with dates and mileage) and receipts would be sufficient proof. There is no concept of "unauthorized maintenance". Either you have records to show the work was done (by whoever you choose, including yourself) or you don't. In the case of a dispute, the burden lies with the dealer to show that the issue is not caused by a defect. Google the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Is your vehicle under warranty? Especially if Asian? If so I hope you are saving the recipes with the date on them for your oil and filter, record in the maintenance logs, and keep exact historical records of what you did? If not most likely if you have oil related failure they might not honor the warranty. If out of warranty don't matter.

Basically the dealer manufacturer wants to do and control all maintenance while during the warranty period and of course after. Even though I can do most servicing. I don't while the vehicle under warranty in case there major problem.
First thing they going to scream unaurthized maintenance done which void the warranty.

[Villages PL]

I keep good records too. I keep all the receipts and enter everything into a journal for easy review of what was done and when it was done. My car is now a little over 3 years old and only has about 7,000 miles. Despite the overfilling, there's no sign of engine damage, as far as I can tell.

The engine light never went on, it never overheated and it's not burning oil.

[dbussone]

I keep good records too. I keep all the receipts and enter everything into a journal for easy review of what was done and when it was done. My car is now a little over 3 years old and only has about 7,000 miles. Despite the overfilling, there's no sign of engine damage, as far as I can tell.

The engine light never went on, it never overheated and it's not burning oil.

VPL - just FYI, if you are having the car serviced where you purchased it, or at a dealer, the dealer's computer system likely has all the information you are maintaining by hand. And they should provide it to you should you ever need it

From prior discussions I suspect you don't have a smart phone, but I can use my phone to access the maintenance records of our cars. This can be pretty handy at times

I'm glad your car had no damage.

[Villages PL]

VPL - just FYI, if you are having the car serviced where you purchased it, or at a dealer, the dealer's computer system likely has all the information you are maintaining by hand. And they should provide it to you should you ever need it

From prior discussions I suspect you don't have a smart phone, but I can use my phone to access the maintenance records of our cars. This can be pretty handy at times

I'm glad your car had no damage.

Thanks, I'm glad to hear that but I don't mind keeping my own records. It's no trouble at all and I don't have to rely on the dealer.

[tcxr750]

I think its best to check the oil level after each oil change. In 30 years of car ownership there have been more than a few oil change overfills.

[Shimpy]

I think its best to check the oil level after each oil change. In 30 years of car ownership there have been more than a few oil change overfills.

Once in the rare times I didn't do it myself I had my oil changed by a highly rated place called "Golden Hands" which had a weekly radio show telling everyone how great they were. Several days later I noticed oil drips In my garage. I checked the drain plug and found it was only barely hand tightened and leaking oil. You can't trust anyone.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I called The Tire Choice on Wedgewood Lane in The Villages and they said they always check the oil before the car leaves their shop. Their price is only about $2 more and I wouldn't have to drive all the way to Ocala.

But he said the price was for a certain type of oil and I'm not sure if that's what I need. I didn't write it down. I might have to go there in person to make sure.

Is The Tire Choice a good place to go for an oil change?

What place would you recommend?

Another issue is coupons: I had a dealer coupon for a $19.95 oil change. But by the time they added the disposal fee and taxes etc. it came to $26.41. Previously, when I used a $19.95 coupon it would only come to a total of about $20. So I learned that you have to read them carefully because they're not all the same.

The complaint issue: When you complain about service, is it a good or bad idea to ever go back to the same place again?

Many people on this site, including myself, have had bad experiences at Tire Choice. I would strongly recommend that people stay away.

As far as oil changes go, I just check to make sure that they have used 100% vegetable oil. Anything else your pipes could get all clogged up.

[Mikeod]

Many people on this site, including myself, have had bad experiences at Tire Choice. I would strongly recommend that people stay away.

As far as oil changes go, I just check to make sure that they have used 100% vegetable oil. Anything else your pipes could get all clogged up.
I hope the good Dr. is kidding with that oil type recommendation.

[dbussone]

I hope the good Dr. is kidding with that oil type recommendation.

He is. VPL is a vegan and is always giving everyone a hard time about our diet and the bad effect it has on us.

Quite honestly I think doc just knocked one out of the park.

[dbussone]

Many people on this site, including myself, have had bad experiences at Tire Choice. I would strongly recommend that people stay away.

As far as oil changes go, I just check to make sure that they have used 100% vegetable oil. Anything else your pipes could get all clogged up.

Goooooooooaaaaaaaaaallllllllllll!

[tcxr750]

Just make sure the oil you use isn't hydrogenated. Those transfats will kill you and your engine!!

[Villages PL]

Many people on this site, including myself, have had bad experiences at Tire Choice. I would strongly recommend that people stay away.

As far as oil changes go, I just check to make sure that they have used 100% vegetable oil. Anything else your pipes could get all clogged up.

Thanks for the tip, I was thinking "olive oil".

[Villages PL]

After one week of not getting a call back from the service manager, I called the dealership and was connected to him by mistake. I told him I called to speak to his boss but got connected to him instead. So we talked and he listened better than he did the last time.

The bottom line is this: Point #1 - He said the "technician" who changed my oil should not have made the excuse that the equipment wasn't accurate. He said there's no excuse for him not checking the oil. And the manager himself apologized for the poor service. He also mentioned that they will have all new equipment installed by June or July.

Point #2: He said he highly doubts there would be any damage to the engine by being filled one quart over the fill mark. And even if there is damage, he said the warranty will cover the engine for up to 10 years or 90,000 (or something like that) miles. He even went so far as to say you could put 6 or 7 quarts of oil in and still not damage the engine.

Point #3 He said he will mail me some coupons to try to make up for the poor service. Perhaps one of them will be for a free oil change.

Also, I'm sure you will be glad to hear that I didn't eat any of their free donuts when I was there last week for my oil change. Ha! Ha! Ha! I paid .50 cents for a small package of peanut butter crackers.
Sorry to inform you that the crackers were not whole grain! Ha! :-)

[Topspinmo]

Problem I see (or my theory) at most dealerships IMO they (some of the mechanic's) don't know how much oil to put in. thinking every thing holes 5 quarts. so if your 4 cylinder holes 4 1/2 quarts you get over fill by 1/2 quart. Really no excuss. if you change oil every day you should 1. know how much oil to put in. 2. Check the oil level when through. 3. DOUBLE CHECK oil level and look for leaks after shut down after the oil change. Which I bet 2 and 3. aren't done either and that's why NO 1 gets overlooked. Then the desk jockey has to put up with the aftermath when caught! Which is probably rare cause nobody follows up on service preformed'

Maybe IMO 1/2 quart won't hurt, but I wouldn't want Full quart over. Even though it won't blow the engine up it still would probably overheat and put undo pressure on the seals. SO IMO at 90K more or less oil leaks maybe worse than normal??? my opinion of course.

I bet management or service supervisor had little Talk to the mechanic's after this incident. Hopefully it won't happen again there. Others should thank you for bringing this up again. Last time was 2012.

[Barefoot]

Also, I'm sure you will be glad to hear that I didn't eat any of their free donuts when I was there last week for my oil change. Ha! Ha! Ha! I paid .50 cents for a small package of peanut butter crackers.
Sorry to inform you that the crackers were not whole grain! Ha!

Why do you think anyone would care if you ate a free donut?
I'm impressed, you almost made it through a thread without mentioning food.

[Villages PL]

Why do you think anyone would care if you ate a free donut?
I'm impressed, you almost made it through a thread without mentioning food.

Originally Posted by dbussone; ....... VPL is a vegan and is always giving everyone a hard time about our diet and the bad effect it has on us.

Barefoot, if you had read all the previous posts you would have known I wasn't the one who brought up the subject of food. dbussone wasn't the one who brought up the subject but helped to prolong the distraction.

If you had read all the previous posts, you would have understood the context.

[dbussone]

Barefoot, if you had read all the previous posts you would have known I wasn't the one who brought up the subject of food. dbussone wasn't the one who brought up the subject but help to prolong the distraction.

If you had read all the previous posts, you would have understood the context.

Oh oh. Am I going to the principal's office again?

[CFrance]

Oh oh. Am I going to the principal's office again?
No, actually I think you have been suspended. Go straight home.:cryin2:

[dbussone]

By the way, I don't check the oil very often after servicing.

[Barefoot]

dbussone, teacher's pet, that could get you in trouble in the school yard. :boom:

[DougB]

Oh oh. Am I going to the principal's office again?

You'll be happy to know that we don't paddle anymore.

[dbussone]

You'll be happy to know that we don't paddle anymore.


I was petrified of that possibility.