Dealer oil change from hell

[Gros Ventre]

In another vein, to get to the filter on a 3.5L PB, no cover needs to be removed. It is awkward to reach up and back to get to the filter. Also there is a plastic drain pan that will direct the oil from the filter to a specific point (given the filter's horizontal orientation some oils going to go somewhere). If you have an undercarriage cover (my OEM one was fabric!), it does need to come off to drain the engine oil or there will be a mess. Takes an 8mm socket.

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[FaaWrenchBndr]

That's where the greed part comes in. The dealership is not willing to pay for the proper training or pay a trained mechanic's wage or even a decent apprentice wage to make sure oil changes are done right and they are not holding the employees accountable. If they were being paid properly and held accountable, they would do better. Instead, grab anyone with a pulse who can hold a 10mm socket and turn them loose.

Sure, for a lot of dealers the "oil change special" is a loss leader to get the vehicle in to upsell other services. The part management is not grasping is if they can't make a simple, routine maintenance task like an oil change a great experience, or even a good experience, people won't come back for the work that generates profit. Call it greed, or bottom line blindness, and/or blame the bean counters - the result ia the same.

OK….. I hear what you’re saying, I just don’t agree with it. In my opinion, you’re looking at this completely wrong. You see this as greed. I see this as an entry-level position, and that’s exactly what most service managers will tell you. The oil change guys in the car wash guys are in entry-level positions at a dealership.

So, in your opinion, a entry-level position needs to come with $100,000 salary and benefits and a training scholarship?

I suppose you think we need to pay McDonald workers, in non management positions $25 an hour as well?

 

[DcnPat]

OK….. I hear what you’re saying, I just don’t agree with it. In my opinion, you’re looking at this completely wrong. You see this as greed. I see this as an entry-level position, and that’s exactly what most service managers will tell you. The oil change guys in the car wash guys are in entry-level positions at a dealership.

So, in your opinion, a entry-level position needs to come with $100,000 salary and benefits and a training scholarship?

I suppose you think we need to pay McDonald workers, in non management positions $25 an hour as well?

I never said an enty level position should come with a $100,000 salary. The position should be paid enough that the person has incentive to do a good job and take supervision from someone who can give appropriate guidance.

 

[Old Hat]

I don't think it's fair to fully blame dealers or other companies with greed for holding their costs down by using entry level labor for oil changes. Some of the blame fairly belongs on consumers because they are the ones who force the use of low paid techs to be competitive.

Few consumers are going to pay more when the Try-n-Lube down the street will do it for less. Any shop using higher paid techs with more competence simply won't remain in business. Consumer choices drive every market. This makes a great case for DIY if you are able and willing.

 

[PB2021]

An oil change is a relatively simple matter and I would agree with the characterization of it as an entry level position. That doesn’t excuse the dealer for failing to train their staff on proper technique or for making it clear what their expectations are for that staff member. They have a range of trained Ford mechanics on staff who can walk the entry level member through what to do and not do. A checklist even that the oil change person follows and must take a second at the end to sign off on would not hurt. While a relatively simple task the impacts of not doing it right could lead to thousands in damage, a lost customer, and reputational damage for a dealership. I also think it’s fine for a dealer to expect a certain level of competency from an employee even at entry level without paying a salary that approaches a much higher skilled staff member. My 2 cents

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

I never said an enty level position should come with a $100,000 salary. The position should be paid enough that the person has incentive to do a good job and take supervision from someone who can give appropriate guidance.

Around here they do get paid a damn good wage. The kid at the local Ford dealership a year and a half out of high school is getting paid $18.50.

That’s more money than the local Valvoline lube guy is getting and he’s like 45 with a family

 

[Davexxxx]

So long as it is under warranty, it goes to the dealer and I get, The Works. 2 reasons.

1) It is a dealer screening opportunity. If they can't do a good job on an oil change, I sure as hell am not bringing it to them for anything more complicated.

2) The Works has multiple inspections. Paper record on their letterhead, that they checked stuff and I'm assuming, at least that part, is done by more than just an oil changer. Any problems from it, less hassle getting it recognized and fixed.

I do "hang out" and watch them as much as is possible. Some places are easier for that than others.

I agree an oil changer, or washer guy, are entry level positions but oil changing is an essential service and either, could do tens of thousands of dollars of damage to $100K vehicles. They need training and supervision. If not for their own development, for advancement in the dealership, to reduce risk to the dealership and potential loss of customers.

In a former life, I was Director of Training and Development at a Geotechnical Engineering firm.

Everyone, all new hires, from Field Techs to full Engineers, spent 6 months under my tutelage.

Our involvement in nuisance type lawsuits, was cut in half in the first yr. and none were successful.

It improved legal costs, company work flow, job bidding, customer satisfaction and employee retention. Most people want to do a good job and take pride in their work but you have to train them and give them the chance to do so.

 

[roadPilot]

I never said an enty level position should come with a $100,000 salary. The position should be paid enough that the person has incentive to do a good job and take supervision from someone who can give appropriate guidance.

Over the years, I've paid plenty of people $100K/yr salaries (adjusted for inflation). Many of them still didn't have the incentive to do a good job. Point being, money isn't the only incentive.

 

[MTMan]

Dealer told my dad truck needed new air filter at 5k miles. It had never been off pavement at this point. He had it done. I just changed it at 30k to discover it had been sprayed down with something like WD40 and left a sludgy mess.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Over the years, I've paid plenty of people $100K/yr salaries (adjusted for inflation). Many of them still didn't have the incentive to do a good job. Point being, money isn't the only incentive.

I agree salary is not commensurate with talent.

Sadly, many, who are extremely talented are not compensated fairly

 

[Old Hat]

Over the years, I've paid plenty of people $100K/yr salaries (adjusted for inflation). Many of them still didn't have the incentive to do a good job. Point being, money isn't the only incentive.

Did you interview them too? I agree money is no guarantee of performance.

I've interviewed and hired dozens over the years, and they all made much less than $100k. Few disappointed me.

One time a new manager above me hired a mechanic for my department. The applicant had some experience but he didn't work out. Then I interviewed and hired a young guy out of school with no experience to replace him who did meet the expectations. My manager noted this (along with his failure) in my next review.

 

[tmark]

I just discovered the Ford Mobile Tech service. I had 3 recalls requiring FDRS updates. The mobile tech did that then changed the oil, changed the filters, did the other inspections and rotated the tires. He said they can do most of the regular service from their truck. No more visits to the dealer for me. He did it all in my garage and I could "supervise" the whole job.

At what cost?

 

[5thranger]

Very true!


30 minutes of my time and $40 (ish) for Pennzoil Ultra Plat with a Microgard Select is a great deal compared to $100 plus for an oil change performed by an unsupervised 18 year old. Choosing the exact oil and filter that I want is another huge advantage.

I also get the opportunity to check for leaks and issues to turn in for warranty work.

Exactly the oil and filter I use hard to beat.

 

[roadPilot]

Did you interview them too? I agree money is no guarantee of performance.

I've interviewed and hired dozens over the years, and they all made much less than $100k. Few disappointed me.

One time a new manager above me hired a mechanic for my department. The applicant had some experience but he didn't work out. Then I interviewed and hired a young guy out of school with no experience to replace him who did meet the expectations. My manager noted this (along with his failure) in my next review.

I wasn't referring to their talent or expertise. I was referring to their lack of motivation. That is something you can rarely determine until they have (or rather, have not) been working for you.

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