Alberto points out how technology...
Alberto points out how technology allows his technicians to determine what specific products are recommended for each vehicle in his shop.
On the other part of town, a local electrical contractor changed his own oil and fluids at home on our behalf. Our impromptu test was created to see who came out on top financially and otherwise. The contractor was adamant about using Shell's new Rotella Triple T synthetic oil, which wasn't available at his local quick-lube shop. The entire job took him about 4 hours, including the disposal of the waste. If we factor in minimum wage for the labor that work would have cost him $32 ($8 per hour). He also needed an oil pan ($3), a wrench for drain plug ($3), a filter wrench ($3), a funnel ($2) and jacks or ramps ($40). So without factoring in the oil or filter, our contractor spent $83 and half a day of his time. Sure, he'll never have to buy the equipment again, and he got the Shell oil he wanted, but he's going to take time away from his business doing the work. And that's just the basics. If he goes for a complete fluid change it would involve more tools, and more labor time.
In a nutshell, we concluded that companies like Jiffy Lube definitely help prevent future mechanical issues by testing the vehicles onsite, something that most of us can't or won't do at home. Our contractor across town meanwhile, didn't have the necessary equipment to handle the transmission, gear axle and rear end fluid change on his Ford F250 diesel and had to take it to another shop for that kind of service.
There's a lot of redundancy...
There's a lot of redundancy built into the Jiffy Lube system, which should offer some confidence to the consumer.
The contractor said he was happy to change his own oil and did so because he was confident that the work was being done correctly. That seemed to be the biggest concern with the consumers we spoke with about the story. We heard several stories where quick-lube shops inadvertently made a mistake, which ended up costing the consumer more time and trouble getting the problem resolved. That lack of consumer trust seemed to be the detriment of lube shops, although we experienced nothing but professionalism during our visit with Jiffy Lube. So the contractor's concern about workmanship was probably more of a generalization than actual fact when you consider how many different shops there are in the country.
But for peace of mind, we think you should get to know your local quick lube shop and find out the kind of services or special offers they have before they do the work. If they seem like good guys and respect your concerns, then you've off to a good start. The other advantage to quick-lube shops is that many of them can handle full size trucks and even larger RVs. And you'll never have to worry about hazardous fluids being stored in your garage ever again.
Many quick-lube shops will...
Many quick-lube shops will pour any brand of oil or fluid you request. Here, Jiffy Lube uses Amsoil Severe Gear on a customer's truck.
Many quick-lubes are also...
Many quick-lubes are also dump stations for used motor oil and other fluids, which are then recycled for other products.
Alberto tops off the Dodge...
Alberto tops off the Dodge Ram transmission with Amsoil ATF.
We understand that saving money is a concern in these economic times, and so for us, it makes sense to go to a quick-lube shop. But if you like doing the work yourself, then by all means have at it, and know that there's always an alternative if you find yourself in a squeeze for time.
No matter which way you go, it always pays to service your engine regularly.