Oil Change, Is This Fair?

[Michael G.]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

[Bogie Shooter]

What was their response?

[snbrafford]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

There's a lot not fair at dealerships and garages in general. If they told you they are using bottles of oil instead of bulk and charging as such, ASK for the remaining bottle in case you need to top off you oil before the next oil change. Also, check your owner's manual to see how many quarts of oil it says is required as this seems odd. They may have overfilled you oil by 4oz and use this an extra money making scheme.

[retiredguy123]

I hope they didn't charge you for 7 individual bottles, because synthetic oil is a lot cheaper when purchased in 5-quart bottles. Check the prices on Amazon. But, your biggest mistake was getting an oil change at a dealership.

[Keefelane66]

I just paid $49.95 for my vehicle 4.4 quarts my 2013 Toyota doesn’t leak or burn oil never need to add oil change oil every 10,000 miles.
Flat charge billing if my vehicle was SUV/truck $59.95 for Synthetic.

[BrianL99]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

The next time you're making something in your kitchen and the recipe calls for 4 ozs of milk, go down to your local Publix and see if you can buy a quart of milk and only pay for 4 ozs.

That should work well.

[Arctic Fox]

The next time you're making something in your kitchen and the recipe calls for 4 ozs of milk, go down to your local Publix and see if you can buy a quart of milk and only pay for 4 ozs.

That should work well.

Milk goes off.

[Garywt]

You are getting to involved if you know to the ounce how much oil your car takes. Once a quart is open you pay for the whole thing. Did you ask for that open bottle? I have paid anywhere from $40 to 90 for an oil change with know idea as to how much oil to the ounce that they use.

[kkingston57]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

More importantly is what the bottom line cost. As an aside, never heard of any car taking regular oil and synthetic oil.

[MrFlorida]

I'm sure they just dumped 7 qtrs. in and sent you on your way....

[DAVES]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

REALITY-oil capacity for ANY car is posted on the internet. Warranty support. The manufacturer cannot force you to have oil changed at the dealership. If, your bill shows charge for 7 qts and installed 6 qt 4 oz you may decide to WRITE to the service manager copy to the CORPORATE sales manager. Often question WHAT IS THE GOAL?

[Pairadocs]

What was their response?

Yes, interested in what they "said"... probably thought no one would EVER ask such a question...LOL ! Also wonder what this dealer charged in total, labor, oil, and filter ?

[Pairadocs]

More importantly is what the bottom line cost. As an aside, never heard of any car taking regular oil and synthetic oil.

Never heard of that either (mixing oils), hope the poster will add additional information, perhaps that is what they are now doing with only the newest models of a particular brand ? Would be interesting to know what the total bill was, easier to make a judgment depending on the total !

[retiredguy123]

More importantly is what the bottom line cost. As an aside, never heard of any car taking regular oil and synthetic oil.
I thought you could get regular oil, synthetic oil, or a blend.

[DAVES]

I'm sure they just dumped 7 qtrs. in and sent you on your way....

Actually overfilling the REQUIRED amount of oil can cause problems-break seals and cause leaks. Were it me and I was changing my own oil I would choose to leave it 4 oz low. The dip stick that allows you to read the oil level is 1 qt from the low to the high mark. Oil level should actually go down as you drive. If it does not liquid is coming from somewhere-unburned fuel. Gasoline is a poor lubricant. Diesel is not good but better as a lubricant. Water, will show as white in the oil. Perhaps, a gas station where they are looking to sell you unneeded stuff.

The real issue is do you trust the people working on your car? You are trusting them with a fair amount of money, car replacement value and more important your life.

[Bill14564]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

Did this really happen or are you just trying to see what people will say?

Did the shop tell you they used only 6.125 qts or did you look that up somewhere? If you looked it up, what is the make and model of the vehicle?

[BrianL99]

Actually overfilling the REQUIRED amount of oil can cause problems-break seals and cause leaks. Were it me and I was changing my own oil I would choose to leave it 4 oz low. The dip stick that allows you to read the oil level is 1 qt from the low to the high mark. Oil level should actually go down as you drive. If it does not liquid is coming from somewhere-unburned fuel.


The real issue is do you trust the people working on your car? You are trusting them with a fair amount of money, car replacement value and more important your life.

I hope no one trusts that advice.

[Michael G.]

What was their response?

They said that's common practice for oil changes

[Michael G.]

The real issue is do you trust the people working on your car? You are trusting them with a fair amount of money, car replacement value and more important your life.

Trouble is, unless you have the tools and room to do your maintenance,
you get to a point where you have to trust someone.

Would you trust a certain doctor on the day you need surgery?

And yes, I did look in my manual on the oil capacity of my engine.

Also, I called the dealership back to make sure they didn't dump
7 qtrs. in my engine and they reassured me that didn't happen.

There ya, there we go again, who do you trust?

[Michael G.]

Did this really happen or are you just trying to see what people will say?



Ya, let's go with that.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Wow! Seriously, 4 ounces?

What kind of vehicle calls for that?

[Kenswing]

Did this really happen or are you just trying to see what people will say?

Did the shop tell you they used only 6.125 qts or did you look that up somewhere? If you looked it up, what is the make and model of the vehicle?

Based on all the other threads he starts one does have to wonder.

[Keefelane66]

Based on all the other threads he starts one does have to wonder.
Some people catch on fast.

[Michael G.]

Wow! Seriously, 4 ounces?

What kind of vehicle calls for that?

Not for 4 ounces,
6 quarts and 4 ounces.
Pay attention to the post

And that kind of vehicle sits in my garage

[Garywt]

More importantly is what the bottom line cost. As an aside, never heard of any car taking regular oil and synthetic oil.

Where does it say took regular oil? There are places that offer a blend though.

[Michael G.]

Where does it say took regular oil?


That would make two of us.

[Two Bills]

I use my local garage to service, change, or top up all oils, and keep my car running.
For all I know or care, they could be using cooking oil to top up the car.
I have no idea how much of the stuff the car needs or holds.
It runs from one service to the next, and apart from topping up screen wash, I never check anything.
There is a 'thingy' on the 'whotsit' that evidently will tell me if any lubricant are low.
My grandson keeps the car clean and spotless.
I am a happy motorist!

[togabill]

I just paid $49.95 for my vehicle 4.4 quarts my 2013 Toyota doesn’t leak or burn oil never need to add oil change oil every 10,000 miles.
Flat charge billing if my vehicle was SUV/truck $59.95 for Synthetic.
Where?

[Berwin]

My diesel MB Sprinter based RV takes 3.3 gallons (12.5 liters) of oil.

[thevillagernie]

There's a lot not fair at dealerships and garages in general. If they told you they are using bottles of oil instead of bulk and charging as such, ASK for the remaining bottle in case you need to top off you oil before the next oil change. Also, check your owner's manual to see how many quarts of oil it says is required as this seems odd. They may have overfilled you oil by 4oz and use this an extra money making scheme.

too much oil is worse then too little..

[RICH1]

10k oil changes ! Lol your bearings hate you and so does the next owner.. an oil change is a small price to pay.. I’ve torn down many of engines because of 10k mile oil changes…

[mkjelenbaas]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.
And your point is??

[Scbang]

I just paid $49.95 for my vehicle 4.4 quarts my 2013 Toyota doesn’t leak or burn oil never need to add oil change oil every 10,000 miles.
Flat charge billing if my vehicle was SUV/truck $59.95 for Synthetic.
Where did you get it done that cheap?

[bowlingal]

should have gone to Sumter Tire

[phousel]

I don't believe the OP said that regular & synthetic oil were used.

[rsmurano]

I’ve never heard of this ratio. If you are putting in synthetic oil, all oil, not so many ounces are synthetic.
I’m guessing they added some additive to the oil and that additive comes in a small bottle

[Bill14564]

10k oil changes ! Lol your bearings hate you and so does the next owner.. an oil change is a small price to pay.. I’ve torn down many of engines because of 10k mile oil changes…

And yet... for newer vehicles 10K or 365 days is the recommendation. I followed that recommendation for my previous vehicles which I traded in at 160K-200K miles. (16-20 oil changes).

[srswans]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

The cars I’ve had recently were spec’d with fractional quarts for oil changes - I always get billed for full quarts (e.g., 7.4 and pay for 8). No big deal.

I know ppl who change their own oil and avoid this issue.

The fraction may have to do with liters and quarts being a little different.

[Nevinator]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.
You didn’t mention the make, model and engine size of your vehicle. The reason I ask is because depending on the oil filter location on the engine, the fluid capacity of the oil filter needs to be added to the crankcase capacity.

Overall, as another person suggested, unless you requested a very specific type or viscosity motor oil, most dealerships use bulk oil (55 gal. Drum or Bulk Tank) hence their cost of good is significantly less than selling by the bottle. I suspect that this dealership (stealership) is overcharging customers by claiming they used bottled oil when in fact they used a (same quality) but lower cost product.

If you have concerns, I’d suggest going back and having a face to face conversation with the Service Manager.

I’d also suggest checking your oil to ensure that your crankcase is not overfilled. With newer engines, overfilling can result in the crankshaft coming in direct contact with the oil which can cause frothing and create engine issues.

[tuccillo]

Oil capacities are typically labelled in the owner's manuals as "with filter change", or some similar language.

You didn’t mention the make, model and engine size of your vehicle. The reason I ask is because depending on the oil filter location on the engine, the fluid capacity of the oil filter needs to be added to the crankcase capacity.

Overall, as another person suggested, unless you requested a very specific type or viscosity motor oil, most dealerships use bulk oil (55 gal. Drum or Bulk Tank) hence their cost of good is significantly less than selling by the bottle. I suspect that this dealership (stealership) is overcharging customers by claiming they used bottled oil when in fact they used a (same quality) but lower cost product.

If you have concerns, I’d suggest going back and having a face to face conversation with the Service Manager.

I’d also suggest checking your oil to ensure that your crankcase is not overfilled. With newer engines, overfilling can result in the crankshaft coming in direct contact with the oil which can cause frothing and create engine issues.

[MrFlorida]

The trouble with letting others change your oil is that you really don't know what they are putting in your car, they may not even change your oil filter, how would most people know ?

[JRcorvette]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

Next time ask for the partial qt bottle back since you paid for it (at an inflated price)
I would just got to a quick change oil place and not to the dealership if it was just for an oil change. Save a lot of money.

[jimkerr]

You are getting to involved if you know to the ounce how much oil your car takes. Once a quart is open you pay for the whole thing. Did you ask for that open bottle? I have paid anywhere from $40 to 90 for an oil change with know idea as to how much oil to the ounce that they use.

They don’t use bottles. Have you never seen how they change and refill your oil?

[retiredguy123]

The trouble with letting others change your oil is that you really don't know what they are putting in your car, they may not even change your oil filter, how would most people know ?
Sometimes, I will pull out the dipstick to see if the oil looks new and that the level is correct.

[Heytubes]

Just be glad you don’t have to pay big bucks for a Mercedes oil change.

[Captainpd]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

All time cheapest person I have ever read. I can't believe that you would put this thought on a post. Oil isn't sold by the ounce ANYWHERE. JMHO

[airstreamingypsy]

Just be glad you don’t have to pay big bucks for a Mercedes oil change.

My Mercedes is a diesel. It takes 9 quarts of oil. Oil changes are $150.00. It's worth it.....

[kkingston57]

Where does it say took regular oil? There are places that offer a blend though.

Poster said that they charged for 6 qrtrs and 4 ounces of synthetic oil. Not clear.

[Ecuadog]

I just paid $49.95 for my vehicle 4.4 quarts my 2013 Toyota doesn’t leak or burn oil never need to add oil change oil every 10,000 miles.
Flat charge billing if my vehicle was SUV/truck $59.95 for Synthetic.
Where did you get it done that cheap?

DeLuca April specials... click here (https://www.delucatoyota.com/service-parts-specials.html)

[jarodrig]

DeLuca April specials... click here (https://www.delucatoyota.com/service-parts-specials.html)

States “for Toyota vehicle only”

[Bertram00]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.
You're willing to pay dealership price for an oil change but are worried about how many quarts you pay for ❓😵*💫😵*💫😵*💫

[OhioBuckeye]

Yep, any kind of car you get they’re going to get you somewhere. My car takes 5 qt. 8 oz. the only thing is I always change my oil & Oil Filter myself for about $25. Yes dealerships make hugh profits to pay employees, & the dealership. I worked at an auto plant for 38 yrs. & changed probably as much oil as any single employee does in a day & maybe more. It’s only going to get worse even if you own a combustion car or a EV. You know Russia & Arabia are going to cut the U. S. by another million barrels of oil. They predict gas prices will go to $5. a gal. by summer. Sorry, but economy is going thru the roof!

[tuccillo]

Yep. Also, many cars have "maintenance minders" for oil changes. These are essentially multiple regressions of various engine parameters against oil analyses (done by the manufacturer) to determine when the oil needs to be changed. One can also send an actual oil sample off to a lab for an oil analysis to try to better define when the oil needs to be changed plus information on the general health of the engine. Blackstone Labs is a popular choice. Basically the big things to look at are TBN (ability of the oil to neutralize the byproducts of combustion) and viscosity. Typically, I change the oil myself when it gets to about 30% of oil life remaining on the maintenance minder.

And yet... for newer vehicles 10K or 365 days is the recommendation. I followed that recommendation for my previous vehicles which I traded in at 160K-200K miles. (16-20 oil changes).

[Robbb]

All time cheapest person I have ever read. I can't believe that you would put this thought on a post. Oil isn't sold by the ounce ANYWHERE. JMHO

This is not a criticism of anyone, but what a blessed life we live. Much of the world is in armed conflict, the rest is starving, and we are worried about 28 oz of missing oil. This has to be the definition of a first world problem.

[Michael G.]

They don’t use bottles. Have you never seen how they change and refill your oil?
This dealership claimed they use bottles, which I also find hard to believe.

Sometimes, I will pull out the dipstick to see if the oil looks new and that the level is correct.

First thing I did when I got home.


I would just got to a quick change oil place and not to the dealership if it was just for an oil change. Save a lot of money.

Yes your right.
I got a coupon in the mail so I thought I'd use a dealership.


The trouble with letting others change your oil is that you really don't know what they are putting in your car, they may not even change your oil filter, how would most people know ?

Your also right and it goes for a lot of other things we have to put our trust into.

[mark100]

They should have given you remaining amount. Our dealer does. I bring the oil they are to use. And I specify the 4 oz.

[olgeezer]

Sounds like Jenkins dealership to me

[Michael G.]

They should have given you remaining amount. Our dealer does. I bring the oil they are to use. And I specify the 4 oz.

Now when I change my own oil, I don't worry about the 4 ounces, I just pour in 6 quarts.

[BrianL99]

They should have given you remaining amount. Our dealer does. I bring the oil they are to use. And I specify the 4 oz.

When you got out for Breakfast, do you bring your own eggs?

[Ecuadog]

States “for Toyota vehicle only”

That's correct. Keefelane66 referred to his 2013 Toyota.

[jswirs]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.
I just change it myself. No questions, no overcharge, .

[Vermilion Villager]

I went to a dealership that sells/services my SUV.
Had the oil/filter changed and my engine takes 6 qtrs. and 4oz. of synthetic oil.

Dealership change me for 7 quarts, not in bulk, by the qt. bottles.
That means they kept 28oz. and charged me, 32oz. (1qt.)
32oz. - 4oz. = 28oz.

Normal practice. Every place I've been you pay for the quart of oil.

[Larchap49]

I just paid $49.95 for my vehicle 4.4 quarts my 2013 Toyota doesn’t leak or burn oil never need to add oil change oil every 10,000 miles.
Flat charge billing if my vehicle was SUV/truck $59.95 for Synthetic.

This comment is coming from an old mechanic then service advisor then service manager. Oil change every 10000 miles . It's a total wonder that car still runs, I can only imagine the sludge build up in the engine. I feel sorry for anyone that ends up owning a car after you've owned it.

[retiredguy123]

This comment is coming from an old mechanic then service advisor then service manager. Oil change every 10000 miles . It's a total wonder that car still runs, I can only imagine the sludge build up in the engine. I feel sorry for anyone that ends up owning a car after you've owned it.
If sludge is the problem, why use synthetic oil?

[PHILLY RICHARD]

The next time you're making something in your kitchen and the recipe calls for 4 ozs of milk, go down to your local Publix and see if you can buy a quart of milk and only pay for 4 ozs.

That should work well.
Next time you go to a bar for a beer. Tell them you'll pay for the whole keg. Don't forget to leave a tip too.

[Bill14564]

This comment is coming from an old mechanic then service advisor then service manager. Oil change every 10000 miles . It's a total wonder that car still runs, I can only imagine the sludge build up in the engine. I feel sorry for anyone that ends up owning a car after you've owned it.

I guess those engineers at Saab (several years ago), Toyota, Ford, and Audi (and probably others) aren't as knowledgeable as they think they are.

[retiredguy123]

I don't keep a car for more than about 80K miles. I change the oil, replace the tires and brakes, and that is about it. I don't pay much attention to what the manual says.

[Keefelane66]

I’ve owned/leased GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and oil change deals always specify up to 5, 6, 7qts depending on vehicle engine size. The OP’s post I don’t believe since he is not providing make/model or dealer.

[Michael G.]

The OP’s post I don’t believe since he is not providing make/model or dealer.

It's a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLT 6 cylinder.
The dealers name doesn't make any difference.

Now google the oil capacity w/filter for this vehicle and begin to believe. :shrug:

[Bill14564]

It's a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLT 6 cylinder.
The dealers name doesn't make any difference.

Now google the oil capacity w/filter for this vehicle and begin to believe. :shrug:

You see, that helps.

The oil capacity is 6.4 quarts which is 6 quarts and 13 ounces.

If the dealer put in "6 qtrs. and 4oz." then they didn't put in enough.

[BrianL99]

You see, that helps.

The oil capacity is 6.4 quarts which is 6 quarts and 13 ounces.

If the dealer put in "6 qtrs. and 4oz." then they didn't put in enough.

So the OP doesn't understand decimal points and he really only got screwed for 19 ounces? That should make him feel a whole lot better 😂

[MrFlorida]

The car's owners manual is for a brand new dry engine. You will never get all of the old oil out. So, read your dipstick for a true level of oil that is in your engine.

[Bill14564]

So the OP doesn't understand decimal points and he really only got screwed for 19 ounces? That should make him feel a whole lot better 😂

I would say he didn't get screwed at all though yes, his lack of understanding leads him to feel that he did. IF IT EVEN HAPPENED.

[Robbb]

This comment is coming from an old mechanic then service advisor then service manager. Oil change every 10000 miles . It's a total wonder that car still runs, I can only imagine the sludge build up in the engine. I feel sorry for anyone that ends up owning a car after you've owned it.

Respectfully disagree, it's amazing how effective synthetic oils are. Recently tore down several Suburbs all with more than 175K on them. It was amazing to see how little sludge there was. In fact there was virtually nothing in the valve train and oil pan. Also tore into a Harley with 110K on it, absolutely no sludge or even varnish anywhere. This is in an engine that routinely runs at 325 degrees.