2017 Tradesman --First oil change--Dealer??

[RDuncan]

Its time for the first oil change on my new truck . In the paperwork from the dealer is a note saying bring it to us for your first oil change so we can make sure everything is working as it should. I called dealer to make an appointment indicating that its the first oil change for the truck. I asked the service manager what they check out? He said "why am I having problems"? I told him no. He said " Oh we just change the oil!" Id rather do it myself like I always have in my driveway without having to drive across town. I thought there was some kind of new vehicle inspection but I guess not.

 

[jgillott]

Many dealerships will include the 1st oil change for free as a way of introducing you to their service department. If it isn't free, I wouldn't bother.

 

[gsbrockman]

Many dealerships will include the 1st oil change for free as a way of introducing you to their service department. If it isn't free, I wouldn't bother.

If it was FREE....I would not bother.... :-laf

The frustration of overfilled oil, dri[FONT=&quot]p[/FONT][FONT=&quot]ping oil from the frame, and messy hand [/FONT][FONT=&quot]prints kinda take all of the FREE out of the equation...[/FONT]

 

[Jared Herzog]

TINSTAAFO
There is no such thing as a free oil change

 

[Bob4x4]

Most dealers of all brands include a free inspection on every visit.The service manager missed an opportunity to introduce himself and his service dept.If he is not proud of it and his people I wouldn't have a lot of faith either

 

[jgillott]

If it was FREE....I would not bother.... :-laf

The frustration of overfilled oil, dri[FONT="]p[/FONT][/COLOR][COLOR=#333333][FONT="]ping oil from the frame, and messy hand [/FONT][FONT="]prints kinda take all of the FREE out of the equation...[/FONT]

Reasons why people like us do it ourself.

 

[Newsa]

Most dealers of all brands include a free inspection on every visit.The service manager missed an opportunity to introduce himself and his service dept.If he is not proud of it and his people I wouldn't have a lot of faith either

At my dealership, they "do the inspection", but not really.... I think.

But they always give me a paper saying they did the inspection. And I keep the paper just in case something fails right after. There have been many opportunities to take it in and get a "free inspection" with all the recalls I have had.

But I agree with Bob4x4. That service manager did not do a good job of relaying confidence in his service dept. And if he doesn't have confidence, take it elsewhere. Sounds like the service manager is contradicting the company policy?

 

[sag2]

However it might be worth it just to get that OEM filter loose!

 

[RDuncan]

thank you all for your replies!!

 

[Jared Herzog]

I was in a hurry on my first oil change. I kept reading that they were tight. So i got the wrench in there and pulled for a half a turn before it stopped. Well, i realized i had gotten it tighter by half a turn. Still came off pretty easy.

 

[Newsa]

However it might be worth it just to get that OEM filter loose!

I didn't think the oil filter was too tight. But that engine mounted Fuel Filter cap is another story!

 

[PTsideshow]

I like Newsa get the inspection paper both times I have had it in for minor problems. Whether or how much is done I have no idea. I did mine and am a lot happier knowing what was really done by me. I have the filter cap from Geno's and it was worth the money to keep the oil in the can. the service guy said to keep the reciepts for the oil, and filters in case there are problems to prove it was done.

 

[Jared Herzog]

I want to believe that some dealers do the inspections. But, i do not. For years before i started doing all my own service i would walk around outside and watch work being done in the bays. I became friends with the diesel tech and actually got invited back to help with my truck and hang out almost every time. I never left there without offering the tech cash or lunch. They never accepted but i always offered just to make sure i had not cost them due to my being there.
What i usually saw there was the lowest paid guy, the high school kids, and guys i had not seen before and did not see the next time i was there do the oil change and free inspections. I never understood why they were so low on the rung. They could tell a car was perfect or falling apart needing thousands in work without ever even once looking at more than the oil plug. Getting a new filter with your oil was a crap shoot. I guess they could tell how well it still functioned by the look, smell, and taste of the oil. They must have relied heavily on internal bypass valves. These guys were good. Completely in tune with someones vehicle and able to fill out reports from four bays over in a matter of seconds. They could also tell when a vehicle was overloaded. They would rebalance the weight by removing change from the console to buy sodas and a candy bar or four.

 

[m35a2]

I was in a hurry on my first oil change. I kept reading that they were tight. So i got the wrench in there and pulled for a half a turn before it stopped. Well, i realized i had gotten it tighter by half a turn. Still came off pretty easy.

Righty tighty, lefty loosie

Unless it's one of them backwards thread nuts.

 

[Jared Herzog]

Righty tighty, lefty loosie

Unless it's one of them backwards thread nuts.

Very true. It was an embarrassing moment. But, if it helps someone else it was worth it.