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From: Zen Cycle <funkmaster@hotmail.com>
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech
Subject: Re: car service question
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2025 15:20:43 -0400
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On 6/2/2025 2:22 PM, Mark J cleary wrote:
> Ok it is not a bike but this is a good group. My 2019 Ford Escape needs 
> new battery it is the original. No trouble but going to replace due to 
> age voltage on meter says 12.4 a but under but ok.
> 
> I also need an oil change. I generally use the quick lube place down the 
> street but one stop seems to be the easiest.
> 
> I made an appointment at the Walmart I go to for groceries. I am a bit 
> dubious of Walmart for auto stuff but frankly they could be just as good 
> was anything else. There batteries are way cheaper than AutoZOne and 
> Orielly.
> 
> So did I make as mistake should I have gone to a regular car service 
> center. My Escape runs fine only 30K miles on it.

You'll know if you made a mistake soon enough.

Sorry if that sounds sarcastic, but in chain stores the turnover rate is 
quite high, and those mechanics with noticeable talent don't last very 
long before finding better positions in better garages. Your walmart may 
very well be able to retain good talent with competitive wages. It's 
tough to say. Try looking at some on-line reviews of their auto service.

I've never been to a walmart for auto maintenance since I normally do 
all my own general maintenance work, but on occasion when time and 
weather were not cooperating I've gone to the local fast oil change places.

Horror stories about chain store oil changes abound, but those are far 
more the exception than the rule. As long as you don't ask them to do 
anything special and resist the upsell, it should be fine.

True Story: A few years ago time and weather conspired against me to the 
point that I though it best to go to a local quick change place.  For 
some reason that I can't remember, I was across town and found myself at 
a Jiffy Lube. The technician tried to upsell me to synthetic oil with a 
bullshit line: He tried to tell me that synthetic was recommended for my 
car.

It isn't.  I've never used synthetic in the car (2009 honda element) 
which at the time it had maybe 150K miles on it. Synthetic is mentioned 
in the owners manual as an alternative, but the manual states 
"premium-grade 5W-20 detergent oil", which I showed to him.

He tried to dodge it by saying, "yes, premium detergent is synthetic", 
when I still told him 'no' he said "I'll need you to sign a waiver since 
you're not using the recommended oil". I decided instead to leave and go 
to the Valvoline center across town (closer to my house anyway). They 
tried the upsell too, but when I said no they simply went ahead with the 
cheap stuff as I asked with no questions.

Caveat Emptor


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