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Oil Change
- 06-18-2008
posted on June 18, 2008, 6:58 am
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Took car in yesterday for a service (Just to keep book stamped as its less
than 3 years old), and I really have a feeling that they haven't done it.
Car is a 2.4 diesel, and it was it's first (2 year!!!) oil change (Although
I did get a friend to do it last year as I like to change it at least
yearly).
As I have had a problem with this garage before, when I picked it up I
checked the oil and it was as black as black. I know oil in a diesel engine
goes black within a few miles (50+) , but they are insistent on it going
this colour within 5 miles (Car Speedo shows they did 4) of a 'road test'.
Spoke to shop Manager who insists the mechanic would not lie. I can't check
oil filter as it is one of these new paper jobbies and is hidden under
plastic which I cant access. I'm just not convinced as other jobs appear to
have been done hastily which I also pointed out.
Any views / opinions / ideas?. I don't fancy changing the oil again 'just in
case' as it requires an expensive oil (6 litres) and I feel I shouldn't have
to. (Would cost me £50) On the other hand it's a lovely engine and I don't
want to cause it any unnecessary damage.
Thanks for any input.
Re: Oil Change
Having it tested is likely to be more costly than the oil is worth. Ask the
garage to sign a small statement that they have changed the oil. Then if you
get a problem before the next change they might be able to be held liable.
Or, they might not be prepared to sign such a statement. Why not, you might
ask?
Or they might just change the oil again for you while you wait to get you
out of their hair.
Rob Graham
Re: Oil Change
IME the oil in a diesel goes black almost immediately. I haven't had to
do this for a while but in the past, if I've been suspicious of a
garage, I've put a discrete scratch mark on the oil filter. If they are
going to skimp on the oil then they won't change the filter either. To
be honest, despite my suspicions, I've never caught out a garage doing
this.
--
Paul Giverin
British Jet Engine Website:- www.britjet.co.uk
My photos:- www.pbase.com/vendee
Re: Oil Change
Whenever I change my oil & filter myself (every 6 mths), or it's changed as
part of a scheduled service, I write the date on the new filter body with a
black felt-tip. Not only does it serve as a reminder for me, I can also
see at a glance whether or not the filter has been changed at the next
dealer service. Thankfully no problems yet. In fact last time they must
have thought it such a good idea they wrote the date on the new filter body
themselves!
Appreciate this may not be possible with all filters. My car is a 1.6 Astra
Club, petrol.
Note to self: change oil & filter this weekend ;-)
--
Andy Clews
University of Sussex
*** Remove DENTURES if replying by email ***
Re: Oil Change
changing the oil is one of the easiest parts of a service, IME it is
unlikely they haven't. diesel engines do make the oil go black immediately
as there is a fair bit of old sooty oil left in the engine after draining
and that mixes with the fresh and makes it appear filthy straight away.
Don't worry about it or change it again, its up to you.
Re: Oil Change
I used to always do oil changes, but this car won't fit on my drive on
ramps, even if I incline them off the pavement or use an incline to get them
on. Also as a plastic under body protector drops down, this would interfere
with the ramps. Only;by way to do it is up on a proper garage ramps, which
we have at work. I would have done it, but need the stamp in the book for
the warranty.
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