Lube service recommended?

[DAME]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 5:00pm

So I took my car for a basic oil change. This time I went to Jiffy Lube with a coupon. I know they try to find things to charge you for.. but I figured I would just say no to everything. They said everything was fine but that my transmission needed flushing and servicing. They even pulled out a dip stick and "showed" me it was low. I rejected the service. I had thought I read somewhere that this is a rip off. Now it is in the back of my mind and I am all paranoid. My car is a 2006. Anyone know anything about this? I figured someone here that knows might speak a car language I understand.

Updated On: 7/10/12 at 05:00 PM

[Playbilly]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 5:13pm

STay away from Jiffy Lube!! They have not chnaged their ways from the scnadal a few years ago. Get a second opinion. Or third on transmission service because it can be expensive and the items a mechanic "fixes" may not be what is actually wrong.

[DAME]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 5:29pm

I kind of knew. I figured it would be ok with just a oil change which is all I let them do. Stood there and watched them do it. The information on the internet regarding transmission fluid changes and flushes is all contradictory. And I don't feel the dealers are any more honest. It seems every time I go in for something simple it ends up costing me more. They told me two years ago that I needed new tires. To my eyes my tires seemed fine. been driving my car everywhere since and have never had a problem with my tires. But now it is always in the back of my mind.

Updated On: 7/10/12 at 05:29 PM

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 5:34pm

First off, most transmissions require that the trans fluid level be checked when the car/transmission is warmed up and running with the car in park.

Most cars should have a transmission fluid change once in a great while - the owner's manual should give time or mileage guidelines for all routine maintenance - but the "vampire" machines most quick oil change places have isn't the way to go. All they do is stick a line in and suck out whatever fluid they can reach, they don't get it all and it doesn't do anything as far as cleaning the transmission fluid filter. If you want to have it done correctly go to a garage and have them do it by taking off the trans pan, drain the fluid, and replace the trans fluid filter (which is only accessible by removing the pan).

[DAME]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 5:56pm

Thanks Yawper. I think that is what I will do. I think I am ok for now. They just made it seem like my car is going to drop dead if I don't do it at once. When I first rejected the service they said... but you should consider that today we have a one day special of $30.00 off! " My manual does say it is almost time. So I will probably look into it real soon.

Updated On: 7/10/12 at 05:56 PM

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 6:42pm

I've been getting my oil changed at Jiffy Lube for years. They've never tried to rip me off. The most else I'll let them do is replace my air filters. I have a regular mechanic who I know and trust. If JL tried to suggest I needed servicing beyond my oil, I'd thank them for the information, but decline their services.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 7:21pm

"They just made it seem like my car is going to drop dead if I don't do it at once."

Of course they did.

TMG has it right (as always), say thank you and take it to your trusted mechanic.

Updated On: 7/11/12 at 07:21 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 7:57pm

Well.. my trusted mechanic has been the dealership. I was just trying to save some money. Just had my neighbors hot son take a look since he is always working on his car. He said he is no expert and not to take his word for it. But that everything looked fine and he didn't think the car needed anything.

Updated On: 7/10/12 at 07:57 PM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 7/10/12 at 10:55pm

I prefer swiss navy, but it does leave stains on the sheets. They do wash out though so it's not a huge deal.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 7/11/12 at 7:22am

Almost every Jiffy Lube I've ever been to has tried to "up sell" their services. I now always go to my car dealership for oil changes. In the 40 years I've owned cars, I've never once had a transmission flush. Some of my cars have hit the 150,000 - 200,000 mile mark.

Updated On: 7/11/12 at 07:22 AM

[ArtMan]

Posted: 7/11/12 at 8:47am

Your car is a 2006. Did you buy it new and from the dealer? As far as your tires go...if this is the same set of tires since 2006 and you have mileage over 60,000, you may need new tires. Have you been doing regular tire rotations? Also tires can go bad with nonuse of the car and from age. They can dry rot. Take it to Sears and have them check. Sears is really one of the better places to buy tires. I also would never take a car to Jiffy lube, especially since its only six years old. And you are correct that the dealer can be a rip off like anyone else. But if there is any type of warranty, you maybe voiding your warranty by going elsewhere.



Updated On: 7/11/12 at 08:47 AM

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 7/11/12 at 9:42am

Jiffy Lube trains its employees to sell snake oil!

[DAME]

Posted: 7/11/12 at 7:23pm

Bought it new and yes I have had them rotated. Unfortunately I am now out of warranty. About every 3 weeks I opt for full service in the gas station and have them check everything including my tires. I just don't trust myself when it comes to those things.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 7/11/12 at 7:29pm

You need new tires. Forty thousand miles is usually a stretch with yearly rotation.

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/11/12 at 7:45pm

Yearly rotation? For optimum wear tires should be rotated based on mileage. The easiest way to remember is every other oil change (i.e. 6k-10k miles). Beyond that look for decreased tread depth, uneven tread wear, and sidewall cracking. Mileage life depends upon the tire in use. Some tire manufacturers' warranties run up to 85,000 miles. Most recommend tire replacement at 6-10 years of tire age, depending upon the tire's condition.

The tires on a brand new car usually won't last as long as aftermarket replacement tires.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 7/11/12 at 7:54pm

The average driver drives 13,000 per year. His car has 60,000 miles on it and is 6 years old. Once a year rotation is sufficient based on 10,000 miles a year.