Originally posted by myrdale
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The program they gave me is actually quite generous. Up to 4 changes per year for as long as the vehicle runs, but it has to be under original ownership. And that was in writing, so I believe it. -
Keep in mind also, free oil changes for the "life of the vehicle" may have conditions. The life of a vehicle may only be 100,000 miles, or till the next model year, or maybe five years.Leave a comment:
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I'm with ua_guy on the free oil changes which doesn't get me excited. In 2018 when I bought new a Dodge Journey it came with 5 years of free oil changes which I used 2 free oil changes in that 5 years because the dealer was located 20 miles away when I have a Speedy Lube 1/4 miles from home. And at the dealer I have to wait around a few hours vs Speedy Lube often no other cars in the bay and 15 mins to go in and out. Granted that was for a $35 conventional oil change. A full synthetic $110 oil change would make me think harder about it.Leave a comment:
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Of course during paperwork signing they presented various extended warranty options and maintenance packages which I politely but firmly declined. It makes sense for some people but I'm comfortable with taking my chances. I'm equipped to do lots of routine and preventive maintenance including fluid flushes, and I have access to a lift, and plenty of friends with lots of additional automotive knowledge, so it's very easy.
Dealers tend to over-recommend services before they are due, and they charge exorbitantly for them. Becoming familiar with your vehicle's required maintenance schedule (usually listed in the back of the owner's manual) can help save people a lot of money and equip them with the knowledge to make informed decisions when a dealer comes at them.Leave a comment:
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I've changed my own oil in the past. It's easy and quick enough to do. That said, I see value in letting a mechanic look everything over during the normal 20 point inspections they do during oil changes.Originally posted by ua_guy View Post
When I purchased my current truck, I bought the 100,000 mile maintenance package, which basically paid for tire rotation every 5k and oil changes ever 10k. The salesman told me that the package covered that "dreaded 60k maintenance interval" which was belts, some flushes, maybe something else. When I actually reached 60k I found out that was complete nonsense, but after giving the maintenance department an ear full over being sold a false list, they took care of a few other things.
All in all, I think prepaying for the maintenance package was a bad deal. Basically I loaned them my money for four years. And doing the math I think I broke even at best.
Also you have to trust the mechanic who is doing the service. If you take it to a crook and they say you need $2000 work when you don't you would have been better off doing everything yourself, or at least inform and research what they are suggesting.Leave a comment:
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I just bought a pickup and it supposedly comes with free oil changes for life (through the selling dealer) up to 4 per year. The sales guy was surprised I didn't find much if any value in that perk since I don't let other people do routine maintenance on my vehicles. My loss, their gain.Leave a comment:
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Rec'd a mailer for $29 full synthetic oil change & filter at MMS automotive near me, regular price is $110. Used it today and gave the owner $20 to buy sodas for his workers of about 5 male technicians and 2 female office workers.Leave a comment:
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I remember that as a kid my grandma going to fill oil and they would check the oil measuring stick.
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And here is this:
From the above link:
"1-quart of oil consumption every 2000 miles is considered/documented as acceptable."
This seems a little crazy to me. It reminds me of the olden days when you were supposed to check your oil at each fill up.
Last edited by Like2Plan; 05-24-2025, 03:48 PM.Leave a comment:
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Or valve seals/seats leaking oil into the intake or exhaust or head gasket leaking oil into the coolant, etc.Leave a comment:
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And yes ua_guy I lumped in my mind leaking = burning as well such as a piston ring leaking oil which is burning inside the combustion chamber.Leave a comment:
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1) Nope, I didn't check right after the oil change nor did I check after the oil change until today (I figured new car so no need to check but I may road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for Memorial day so on a whim decided to check the oil and wow I was floored it was very low).
2) Yes new car 2024 Chevy trailblazer which I bought in Nov 2024 from Carson Chevrolet in Carson, CA.
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Did you check the dip stick right after the oil change? (Or any time between then and now?)
This is a brand new vehicle, is it not?
Yes, I would have gone back to the dealer. A lot of places will top it off between oil changes. But, I can't think of any good reason for the oil to be so low in such a short period of time.
A leak somewhere in the system is not good. Someone not filling the oil the proper amount is not good. Burning oil is not good. You could still go back. If the vehicle is still under warranty it would be good to get that documented.Leave a comment:
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In March 2025 took my car to the dealer for a free oil change. Today checked my oil level and it barely showed on my dip stick. Went to O'Reily's and bought 1 qt of Penzoil full synthetic 0-20 for $11.99 and dip stick now shows 3/4 full in the safe zone. It got me thinking either I have a leak somewhere or the technician didn't fill the oil adequately. Would you have advised me to take it back to the dealer with the receipt to have them reevaluate where something went wrong or do what I did and just paid $11.99 and topped off the oil.Leave a comment:
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