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Thanks for that link! So 'Top Tier' gas is available at most stations in my city. Does a particular chain count if its gas is sold at a 'Food Mart' or 'Gulp n Go' type establishment? Sometimes the Citgo where I go is filled by a non-Citgo logo tanker truck, sometimes it is. Doesn't seem to affect my mpg or performance.
There are a number of threads discussing the problems associated with the quick oil change shops. As for the overselling, a firm "No!" will be an effective response.
However, amateur mechanics (that high school kid employed there at minimum wage) can and will make mistakes that can cause huge problems for the customer. I am unwilling to take that risk.
For that reason, I've always done my own oil changes. I use the highest quality materials and take the time to do a perfect job each time. I think that is still the best solution if you are fortunate enough to have a garage and a complete set of tools. Furthermore, synthetic oil is now good enough to extend the oil change interval to one year for most applications. That is my solution.
The next best solution is to find an individual shop run by a "type A" mechanic. Your goal is to get the job done correctly. That means it will cost more than those quicky lube places. You pay for quality.
I have suffered from a stripped oil pan plug but it was at a Firestone store. I used to work for Bridgestone/Firestone so was entitled to 35% off new tires. One day I let my stupidity overcome me and had them change the oil while getting new tires. Next oil change the damage was noticed.
I have never used Jiffy lube or any other place like it.
I've made the mistake of going to Jiffy Lube, when I drove a Mazda 3. I later found out that my oil wasn't filled all the way, this was before I moved to New York. I've picked up some oil from Pep Boys, to keep my engine from burning out. That was it for me.
Any automotive service repair facility, should it be a dealership or a quick lube shop, can be honest and do things the right way, or can be dishonest and do things the wrong way.
As a customer, I read my owner's manual, follow the maintenance schedule, keep up with my service records, and take time at each service to discuss my vehicle's maintenance with the service team.
I always get my oil changed for my Kia at the dealer because i heard that changing your oil or having it done at another shop voids warranty
Completely and totally false. You can change the oil in your own garage if you want. Just keep receipts. I also log everything into a spreadsheet. When my Kia had a catastrophic engine failure due to a premature timing belt failure I wasn't even asked to provide proof that required maintenance had been done. They simply replaced the engine under the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. The car was six years old and had just under 55,000 miles at the time. But I did have my receipts and spreadsheet, just in case.
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