Oil Change - was I fleeced? (vehicle, 2014, windshield, engine)

[Florida2014]

Went to a Jiffy Lube for an oil change as it was Sunday and nothing else in the area was open. The tech told me my car (2013 Nissan Altima) had a "synthetic oil requirement" and I could not use conventional oil, even though I'd had my oil changed there once previously (20K miles ago) and conventional oil was used. Total bill was $96.....no extras were done other than topping off my windshield wiper fluid. I was shocked but the work was done and I had no room to argue at that point. Curious for folks who know better than I, was I fleeced here?

[sj08054]

Originally Posted by Florida2014

Went to a Jiffy Lube for an oil change as it was Sunday and nothing else in the area was open. The tech told me my car (2013 Nissan Altima) had a "synthetic oil requirement" and I could not use conventional oil, even though I'd had my oil changed there once previously (20K miles ago) and conventional oil was used. Total bill was $96.....no extras were done other than topping off my windshield wiper fluid. I was shocked but the work was done and I had no room to argue at that point. Curious for folks who know better than I, was I fleeced here?

Yes.. you paid way too much for the oil change (regardless whether it required synthetic)

[HappyRider]

Well, at least you now know. BTW, for the 2013 Altima, Nissan recommends synthetic oil only for QR25DE engine models. Check yours.

[Florida2014]

Originally Posted by HappyRider

Well, at least you now know. BTW, for the 2013 Altima, Nissan recommends synthetic oil only for QR25DE engine models. Check yours.

How do I check my what engine model # I have?

[LeagleEagleDFW]

And my old Mazda (that did require synthetic) was only a $60 oil change at quick oil change places.

[Ralph_Kirk]

Originally Posted by sj08054

Yes.. you paid way too much for the oil change (regardless whether it required synthetic)

This for sure. Maybe you have the model engine that requires synthetic, maybe the service attendant only had half the information to give you the right advice.


But for sure, that was at least $40 too much for even a synthetic oil change.

[adriver]

Originally Posted by Florida2014

How do I check my what engine model # I have?

It will be a digit in your vin number. quick search for a vin decoder for your year/model

Nissan Vehicle Identification Number VIN Decoder | Nissanhelp.com

A VG30D, VK45DE, VQ35DE, VK56DE, VQ40DE, QR25DE
B KA24DE, SR20DE, VQ35HR, MR18DE, QR25DE
C SR20DE, VG30DETT, QG18DE
D KA24DE, QG18DE, VQ35DE,
E VE30DE, GA16DE, VG33E
F KA24E
H VG30E
M KA24DE, VG33ER
N VH45DE
R VG30DE
S KA24E
T VG33E


Read more: Nissan Vehicle Identification Number VIN Decoder | Nissanhelp.com
Engine is 4th alphanumeric character

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by Florida2014

How do I check my what engine model # I have?

Under the hood on Nissan's is a identification tag with such things as VIN. I believe they list the engine model as well there.

[unit731]

Maybe it is time to learn more about your automobile.
Maybe it is time to ask questions before any work is done on automobile.

Speak with the service manager mechanic before any work is done on your automobile.

[Florida2014]

Originally Posted by unit731

Maybe it is time to learn more about your automobile.
Maybe it is time to ask questions before any work is done on automobile.

Speak with the service manager mechanic before any work is done on your automobile.

Thanks, great advice!