Oil-Change Shop Scammers - CBC Marketplace Investigation

[JamesDouglas]

An undercover CBC Marketplace investigation revealed that an oil-change shop called "Economy Lube" has been scamming customers by recommending services that don't need to be done, and by not performing services that were paid for.

http://news.ca.msn.com/top-stories/...-scamming-customers-marketplace-investigation

One of the cases involved recommending replacing fluid that was just changed since it smelled like it was burning, I had the same thing happen to me at Meineke when I went for a routine oil change. I also was informed that my brakes needed to be changed at Active Green and Ross during an oil change when the brakes were just changed a month earlier, and another time at the same location I was told I needed to replace my battery when it was just changed 6 days earlier.

If you go to any of these cheap oil-change shops you'll get scammed, most of the workers are not real mechanics or technicians, they have no experience and all recommendations are just coming from salespeople trying to make a sale, not from licensed mechanics who actually know what they're doing.

 

[shakenbake]

An undercover CBC Marketplace investigation revealed that an oil-change shop called "Economy Lube" has been scamming customers by recommending services that don't need to be done, and by not performing services that were paid for.

http://news.ca.msn.com/top-stories/...-scamming-customers-marketplace-investigation

One of the cases involved recommending replacing fluid that was just changed since it smelled like it was burning, I had the same thing happen to me at Meineke when I went for a routine oil change. I also was informed that my brakes needed to be changed at Active Green and Ross during an oil change when the brakes were just changed a month earlier, and another time at the same location I was told I needed to replace my battery when it was just changed 6 days earlier.

If you go to any of these cheap oil-change shops you'll get scammed, most of the workers are not real mechanics or technicians, they have no experience and all recommendations are just coming from salespeople trying to make a sale, not from licensed mechanics who actually know what they're doing.

Mr. Lube is another one of them, as I had experienced a while back.

 

[George The Curious]

Chrysler dealership is not so different. So is midas. There is no regulation in this province on mechanics. The only good mechanic I know is from my local walmart. he lets me watch him work.

 

[rafterman]

Yeah you have to keep your hand firmly on your wallet anytime you interact with the car mechanical service delivering sector. I've been going to the same Speedy Lube for several years and get a synthetic oil with a synthetic oil filter which runs a semi outrageous $140 or so usually twice a year in the spring and fall. I'm always in their computer as due for a fuel system service which is a $5 bottle of cleaner I can buy myself at Can Tire except they charge $100 to put in the gas tank. No thanks.

My most recent change they showed me the air filter which was dirty but they charge $40 for the identical Fram brand filter that I can pick up at Can Tire for $15. Again no thanks.

Ha ha they'll even top up your washer fluid reservoir for $5 which may only be 1/3 empty. Thanks I've already got a jug in my trunk ha ha that I bought at Can Tire, I'll get it myself.

 

[M4F]

- Change it yourself and take it to a dealer/shop for proper disposal.
- Get to know the owner of a small indy shop. This has saved me time and $$.:thumb:

 

[spraggamuffin]

Best to stay away from the corporate chains that prey on people's ignorance.

Ideally, people should know certain basics about cars but...

Walmart and Canadiantire get lots of knocks for the highschoolers who forget to replace oil plugs etc.

At least at Walmart you can see that they are actually working on your car from behind the glass.

You cannot see this at most stealerships as the hide your car out back.

They may or may not do all they claim plus if they finish early, they'll delay to charge you the max on labour.

I don't own a car but usually accompany buddies etc to garages.

I've found the small independents shine well above the corporations in both price and service.

Like in the hobbying business, the Asians are doing great business on both price and service.

Places like Tires23,Big Japanese, igarage and 360 Auto Service receive the rave reviews for a reason.

Either price,service or both.

 

[Twister]

There were studies done a few years ago that you really don't need to change your oil as often that they recommend. A study done on a fleet of taxis showed no difference on engines run with oil changed once a year and those changed every 3 months.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

The oil changes do not make them much money, it is the upsell of other services that make $$$. Especially when they upsell and then do not do it as shown on CBC Marketplace.

 

[basketcase]

Surprised this is news for anyone. Sort of like a special report about Santa not existing.

Any shop can be fine, just learn to say no to any extras.

 

[buttercup]

The thing about the Marketplace program wasn't that EconomyLube was selling services you didn't need - which is arguably a difference of opinion -- but that they were selling services that were then not performed - which is provable fraud.

In the program, they pre-did all the services that EL offers on three cars, then they sent all three cars to EL outlets. At each one, the "mechanic" said the brake fluid and the coolant needed replacing. It seemed to be a rehearsed speech. The three drivers agreed, and were charged for the extra services. Back at the inspection place, they checked and none of the services had been performed. That's not up-selling -- that's actual criminal fraud.

 

[peter4025]

Chrysler dealership is not so different. So is midas. There is no regulation in this province on mechanics. The only good mechanic I know is from my local walmart. he lets me watch him work.

I agree with you. Last week I had to do a regular oil changeable tire rotation on my truck at Chrysler. They told me I have to clean my breaks pads and drums I asked how much ($180) and if they are sure of it. It's funny because I have disc brakes and the truck has only 12000 km.

 

[nottyboi]

I agree with you. Last week I had to do a regular oil changeable tire rotation on my truck at Chrysler. They told me I have to clean my breaks pads and drums I asked how much ($180) and if they are sure of it. It's funny because I have disc brakes and the truck has only 12000 km.

brake systems do require occsaional maint. the pad sliders need to be lubed or clean or they will seize up...every 2 years or so should be good.

 

[buttercup]

Is it just me, or are you troubled by MarketPlace's tactics?

They wire their people up with hidden microphones and cameras. They sneak around trying to trick people. Yet they portray themselves, not as weasels, but as upstanding and righteous, and the protectors of the public. (Not that I condone the bad things they uncover.)

And if anyone does agree to an interview with them, they show a clearly biased-edited version of the interview, which appears to be aimed mainly at showing the program in a good light.

In fact, it seems to be all about The Program, and showing what a force for good it is. To the detriment -- not of truth (I don't accuse them of falsification) but -- of impartiality and balance.

 

[blackrock13]

Is it just me, or are you troubled by MarketPlace's tactics?

They wire their people up with hidden microphones and cameras. They sneak around trying to trick people. Yet they portray themselves, not as weasels, but as upstanding and righteous, and the protectors of the public. (Not that I condone the bad things they uncover.)

And if anyone does agree to an interview with them, they show a clearly biased-edited version of the interview, which appears to be aimed mainly at showing the program in a good light.

In fact, it seems to be all about The Program, and showing what a force for good it is. To the detriment -- not of truth (I don't accuse them of falsification) but -- of impartiality and balance.

So they go into a auto service company or record them, or plumbers, orpool service people, or garage door servicemen lying, doing unnecessary work, or breaking things to fix and they are the ones at fault?

 

[George The Curious]

brake systems do require occsaional maint. the pad sliders need to be lubed or clean or they will seize up...every 2 years or so should be good.

mopar brake parts are garbage. I had the same problem with jeep. Took to an indy mechanic and bought my own aftermakrket parts for $50 and $50 labour. Got brand new brakes for $100 and will last at least twice as long as oem brakes.

 

[gcostanza]

Is it just me, or are you troubled by MarketPlace's tactics?

They wire their people up with hidden microphones and cameras. They sneak around trying to trick people. Yet they portray themselves, not as weasels, but as upstanding and righteous, and the protectors of the public. (Not that I condone the bad things they uncover.)

And if anyone does agree to an interview with them, they show a clearly biased-edited version of the interview, which appears to be aimed mainly at showing the program in a good light.

In fact, it seems to be all about The Program, and showing what a force for good it is. To the detriment -- not of truth (I don't accuse them of falsification) but -- of impartiality and balance.

Just you.

 

[Smash]

Is it just me, or are you troubled by MarketPlace's tactics?

Just you buddy

 

[danmand]

Yep, you are the only one.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Best to stay away from the corporate chains that prey on people's ignorance.

Ideally, people should know certain basics about cars but...

EXACTLY!!!

It amazing the number of peeps who know very little about automotive basics....:Eek:

 

[james t kirk]

mopar brake parts are garbage. I had the same problem with jeep. Took to an indy mechanic and bought my own aftermakrket parts for $50 and $50 labour. Got brand new brakes for $100 and will last at least twice as long as oem brakes.

So, you judge quality of the brake pad on how long they last?

Did you ever consider, even for a nano second, that the softer pads stop your car a hell of a lot faster and suffer far less brake pedal fade? (And thus are a superior braking pad).

I doubt it.