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ThankYouJackPosts: 4671Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2014 7:27 pm Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by ThankYouJack » Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:51 pm I have a few cars and my mechanic now charges ~$60 for an oil change and tire rotation. Meineke often offers oil changes for $20-$25. What do they typically charge for tire rotations and does anyone take their vehicles to them?  Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by William4u » Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:09 pm
If you have a good independent mechanic, stick with that. A chain might save a little money in the short run but their mechanics tend to be of uneven quality. It is penny wise pound foolish IMHO. You will save more in the long run by having a real professional do the work, even for an oil change. Places like Meineke come with other problems, like trying to pad the bill... A good, honest independent mechanic is the way to go. $60 is a reasonable price for a real professional to do it. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by prudent » Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:17 pm With chain outfits you have to vet each location separately. It is going to come down to how well each place is managed and the quality of that location's staff. Try yelp for your town and see if there are any reviews, and keep in mind the overwhelming majority % of the satisfied customers will not bother to leave a review. barnaclebobPosts: 4799Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 10:54 am Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by barnaclebob » Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:19 pm You will likely be ok with Meineke but check their work (check the dipstick, mark the filter before you take it in if its easy) and make sure your car isn't easy to confuse the transmission fluid drain plug with the oil drain plug. Be sure to specifically ask for the tire rotation as some of these places wills say its included but only do it if asked. I used Midas for several years before switching to DIY. They may not all be the same but my Midas was good about not pressuring for the upsell (unlike grease monkey) and would explain why anything needed to be changed. They also never tried to sell me anything i didn't need. I only had basic maintenance done there, nothing that required true diagnostic skill. Once they did have a car that was getting an engine swap so I assume they had some decent mechanics... If you have been neglectful on maintenance don't be surprised if they come back with some extras that they try to sell you because you may actually need them. But take the time to do your own research on your specific vehicle before agreeing. Last edited by barnaclebob on Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:24 pm, edited 3 times in total. sportPosts: 11319Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 3:26 pmLocation: Cleveland, OH Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by sport » Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:20 pm I do not know anything about Meineke in general or your particular Meineke. However, in my experience, some places offer enticing specials on routine service to get the opportunity to sell you additional products or services, whether you need them or not. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by N1CKV » Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:59 pm tl;dr - prudent hit the nail on the head. Name brand doesn't mean a whole lot in the industry. Vet each shop independently.
another thing is to mark your tires to make sure that they are actually rotated. To do this, just steal borrow one of the kids crayons and put a small mark on a tire's sidewall before dropping it off. Make sure that the tire in that location has actually moved to another.
or they have a really bad technician that trashed the motor so they are replacing it in house.
All points made are absolutely true. I worked briefly as a Service Manager in a brief post-college career at two different automotive repair shops, I do all of my own maintenance. While there are some guys that really know what they are doing in a shop, typically the guy doing oil changes is the lowest on the experience list. Most corporate staff exists only to motivate the in shop guys to upsell as much as possible. I followed a motto of advising when maintenance would be imminent, the severity/ need level of a maintenance item (your serpentine belt is showing signs of wear and really needs to be changed, but if you have to wait until next payday it's not going to stop the car from running vs. your serpentine belt is frayed and can leave you stranded at any moment so you need to do this now, etc.). Corporate hated me for it, the customers loved me. Several times in my few months there I had customers send wives/children/co-workers in to see me and only me. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Toons » Fri Feb 26, 2016 3:19 pm Meineke?? "One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee Swansea Posts: 1219Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2016 5:16 am Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Swansea » Fri Feb 26, 2016 3:38 pm Also, be clear about the type of oil you want. I was going to one independent shop, requesting synthetic. I would get the bill saying synthetic oil change done. One time I asked the mechanic to tell me what brand he used in case I needed to add some, and he told me he had been using blended (conventional mixed with synthetic). I was not happy. barnaclebob Posts: 4799Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 10:54 am Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by barnaclebob » Fri Feb 26, 2016 6:25 pm
The manager said "well at least you don't have a $4k bill like the car out there getting its motor replaced" in reference to sympathizing with the cost of strut replacement along with some other routine maintenance so I assume it was at the customers dime. Like I said, probably not all Midas locations are good and the manager of a different Midas was a little cranky but I knew the condition of my cars and their courtesy checks always matched that condition so they hadn't lied to me about anything. Also the way I saw them dealing with other customers led me to believe they were honest. They brought in the air filter to show to one customer and it was very dirty but the customer declined to have it changed (same price as buying a filter yourself, no labor). Hopefully that customer doesn't think they were trying to up sell unnecessarily. Another woman was upset that she had her AC service recharged but a week later it wasn't working again. They were trying to explain that this indicated a leak and that they couldn't recharge it again because the refrigerant would leak into the atmosphere and they needed to find the leak first. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Bob B » Fri Feb 26, 2016 7:52 pm
If you have a newer car that uses synthetic oil, $60 is the normal cost for an oil change. But, it also lasts for 10,000 miles. Regards, | Bob | SmurfPosts: 188Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:48 amLocation: Midwest Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Smurf » Fri Feb 26, 2016 7:54 pm Please don't take your car to these places. There are numerous threads on this site alone about the horror stories of quick change places. Take a step back and look at these replies suggesting things like marking your filter and tires, checking the oil level immediately after, etc. If you really have to do all that for the most basic maintenance known to man then $30 is not a value, it's a liability. No way should they rotate tires either. Do you think they put the lug nuts on at the correct torque? Do they even know what the correct torque is for your car? No, they just spin them on there and give them a twist. Then they think did I tighten all 5 lug nuts?......I can't remember. Oh well, next! Topic Author ThankYouJackPosts: 4671Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2014 7:27 pmRe: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by ThankYouJack » Fri Feb 26, 2016 9:29 pm
My car is a 2015, schedule is every 6,000. I figure 3 oil changes per year + tire rotation = ~$200. Not that bad and I'm thinking if I wanted to save money, I could do it myself over taking it to Meineke. But at this point I'd rather pay to have it done than save a bit Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Traveller » Fri Feb 26, 2016 10:22 pm I've found my local dealerships to be a better deal. My Ford car goes to the ford dealership for "The Works" - inspection, oil change, rotation, fluids, etc. for under $40. They've never tried to upswell me and I know they are using factory trained techs. My Chrysler vehicle goes to the Chrysler dealership that has a "buy a 4 pack for $120" deal for the same treatment. I've never had an issue at the dealerships, but previously I've had a quick change places lose my dipstick, and strip the drainplug out of the pan and leak oil all over my garage. renterPosts: 429Joined: Sat Aug 23, 2008 2:14 pm Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by renter » Sat Feb 27, 2016 12:41 am The only times I've been to these places is to drop off my used oil for recycling. I can't imagine them giving a crap what oil they add to the vehicle or properly measuring the amount of oil or changing the filter, especially when they're charging so little. Only do it myself. inbox788Posts: 8372Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:24 pm Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by inbox788 » Sat Feb 27, 2016 4:19 am You get what you pay for. Even the independent mechanic isn't likely to be doing the oil changes. It's assigned to the new kid in training at most shops, hence the horror stories. At some places, the new kid changes every other week. Some independent mechanics might do oil changes themselves, but every independent mechanic shop I've been to has some assistant doing the oil changes. Even at dealerships, don't expect fully certified mechanics doing the routine oil changes. FreddyPosts: 244Joined: Sat May 30, 2015 10:41 pm Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Freddy » Mon Feb 29, 2016 9:04 pm At the dealership you at least have the advantage of the tech working on the same brand of car all day long. Less chance of a screwup. Still, never any guarantee of good service unless you do it yourself. testing321Posts: 259Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 6:46 pmLocation: kansas city Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by testing321 » Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:26 am I have been using various Valvoline outlets for many years with no problem. We regularly get $10 off coupons in the mail. You just sit in the car while they do the work. The oil change is a loss leader and thus a good deal. They usually recommend a new air filter, but I follow the maintenance schedule (30,000 miles) and do it myself. I also replace the cabin air filter myself (15,000 miles), which is real easy on some cars. Don't neglect this. Valvoline gives you a sticker to place on the window which recommends your next oil change in 3,000 miles. Ignore that and follow the maintenance schedule (7,500 miles for my car). stoptothinkPosts: 12248Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:53 am Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by stoptothink » Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:36 am I think I am done with these Jiffy Lube/Meineke type places. Went to take off my snow tires yesterday and put on the all-seasons and I couldn't get one of the lugs off. Took it to the place around the corner, come to find out that Jiffy Lube completely stripped the lug when they rotated my tires a few weeks ago (along with an oil change and annual inspection) - had to have the lug cut off and replaced. Of course they didn't mention it to me at the time. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Toons » Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:42 am
Good Idea,,I gave up on them many years
ago. "One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee Gary GussPosts: 114Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:44 am Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Gary Guss » Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:58 am Jiffy Lube about half the time forgets to put the valve covers back on, I hate that! I've been going to the dealer who has been offering specials on the oil changes and have been very satisfied, takes a little longer but seems like they do a better job. Probably depends on the guys doing the work. Used to go to an independent place that was populated by guys that loved cars, great place but I moved away. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Ged » Tue Mar 01, 2016 12:15 pm My car specifies oil change intervals of at least 7500 mi. Since I only drive about 4K per year as a retired person I take the car into the dealer once per year. They run a bunch of diagnostics etc as part of the oil change that are no doubt an effort to drum up more business but are also a service that I think has some value to me. I decline efforts to upsell wiper blades etc as part of the service. Alternating years I let them rotate the tires as at 4K miles per year every year is a bit much. The car user manual specifies a 20W synthetic which is a bit unusual so I am also suspicious that an oil change place may not use the correct oil. LeeraarPosts: 4109Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2013 8:41 pmLocation: Nowhere Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Leeraar » Tue Mar 01, 2016 12:55 pm Check out what the dealer charges. For GM cars that require Dexos oil (or whatever they call it) the dealer is by far the cheapest price: $35 for oil change and tire rotation. I don't go near quick-change places. My wife got caught at one of them when they changed a fuel filter for $80 that is not a service part, it is nowhere in the maintenance schedule. I got sick and tired of them rooting through the car to show me that filters and even spark plugs were "dirty". Find a place you believe you can trust and stick with them. Unless there are unusual circumstances, stay with the recommended maintenance schedule. Remember, most of the (used) fluids in your car are hazardous or outright poisonous. It's not "green" to change them more often than needed. L. You can get what you want, or you can just get old. (Billy Joel, "Vienna") NHRATA01Posts: 624Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2011 1:57 pmLocation: New York City area Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by NHRATA01 » Tue Mar 01, 2016 3:38 pm
It really depends on the place - like mentioned vet it out. Generally if you're talking about a small shop with an owner and 2 or 3 mechanics, they probably don't do a lot of volume in oil changes thanks to the quick change places, so he/she may not retain a low cost oil jockey and you'll get a fairly competent fellow probably happy to take a break from some something more labor intensive. One benefit of the dealerships though, assuming your under warranty, if they screw up and you end up with a blown engine, at least they have the documentation of the maintenance being done and have to replace it on the manufacturer's dime. Instead of having to fight with Jiffy Lube to prove they screwed up while the manufacturer says tough nuts, not our fault. My opinion, for oil changes find a trustworthy - may take some effort - independent first (who will keep an eye out for other stuff during the process but not upsell you), and a dealership second. Avoid the quick change places whenever possible. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by avenger » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:15 am I go to the dealership. But my car is still under warranty. cheers ... -Mark | "Our life is frittered away with detail. Simplify. Simplify." -Henry David Thoreau | [VTI, VXUS, VWITX, SV fund] neilpilotPosts: 4356Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2015 1:46 pmLocation: Memphis area Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by neilpilot » Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:44 am
Of course you can go to another shop, or even DYI an oil change, and so long as you have records and/or receipts your warranty is protected. LeeraarPosts: 4109Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2013 8:41 pmLocation: Nowhere Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Leeraar » Sun Mar 06, 2016 12:22 pm
Or, you have a car where scheduled maintenance at the dealer is "free". (Better to say, prepaid?) My son bought a used Cadillac, and gets free oil changes because it is still under warranty. L. You can get what you want, or you can just get old. (Billy Joel, "Vienna") TheOscarGuyPosts: 1238Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 1:10 pm Location: Where I wanna be. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by TheOscarGuy » Mon Mar 07, 2016 2:49 pm
I simply do not trust any chains, and would rather go to dealership if its between Meineke and dealership or any other place for oil change. So far I have done: 1. Cabin Air Filter All combined, I have saved quite a few hundred dollars. Plus I get to learn on working on my cars. And this from someone who had no prior experience and not the least bit mechanically inclined. snowmanPosts: 1416Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:59 pm Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by snowman » Mon Mar 07, 2016 2:59 pm As a DIY, I prefer to do it myself, however, I do understand not everyone is like me. If you don't want to get your hands dirty, I would recommend solid local mechanic, or a dealer. In my area, most dealers offer oil change prices in line with quick lube places, even less with a coupon. I would absolutely stay clear of chains, just not worth the risk. NOLAPosts: 353Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 1:23 pm Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by NOLA » Mon Mar 07, 2016 3:09 pm
I'm glad you are learning it and I think a lot of people can. However, I'm more likely to mess it up even more so I will take it to someone that's a little more talented than me. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by fire5soon » Mon Mar 07, 2016 4:25 pm I've always been a DIY guy with pretty much everything, especially my vehicles. The ONLY time I ever took my car in for an oil change was a period of time where I was working 90 hours a week and was simply exhausted and felt I didn't have time. That one time I ever took my car to a chain for a simple oil change they stripped the drain plug and didn't tell me about it. I was able to fix this myself during the next oil change, but it taught me a valuable lesson... I'm never too busy to just do it myself. At least that way I have no one to blame but myself if something goes wrong A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do. - Bob Dylan Leeraar Posts: 4109Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2013 8:41 pmLocation: Nowhere Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by Leeraar » Mon Mar 07, 2016 6:22 pm Where I live, GM dealers will change the oil with Dexos semi-synthetic, oil filter and tire rotation for $35. It is not possible to "save" $100 by doing it yourself. L. You can get what you want, or you can just get old. (Billy Joel, "Vienna") Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by bottlecap » Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:04 pm I'd steer clear. Too many bad stories about Jiffy Lube type places. I'm not sold on spending an hour doing it myself, but I suppose it's a pain to bring your car in, too. JT kazperPosts: 628Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2014 7:45 pm Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by kazper » Tue Mar 08, 2016 10:14 am
Agree with this statement 100%. I took my car in for an oil change at a local place that is independently owned and operated- ie not a chain. I like supporting local businesses, but I could tell something was fishy. Nearly everyone who walked out had added services on their bill. They tried pushing a new serpentine belt on me, roughly $700. I took it to another place with high marks and they said everything looked completely fine. That was over 3 years ago, still no issue with the belt... Typically when I have an oil change done, I ask the mechanic to do a complete inspection of the car. With a Meinike, Midas, etc. I'd be cautious about the results. With some place I trust, I'd be willing to listen and talk to them about their opinions and next steps. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by midareff » Tue Mar 08, 2016 10:23 am
Very true for the branded aftermarket centers in my experience right down to loading up computer screens with stuff they recommend that the manufacturer does not. Re: Meineke ok for oil changes?Post by JaneyLH » Wed Mar 09, 2016 12:37 pm We buy our own synthetic oil at Costco and take our cars to a good independent mechanic for oil changes. You can save a lot by supplying your own oil. How much should an oil change cost?Typically, an oil and filter change using conventional oil will cost between $35 and $75, depending on your area. If your car requires synthetic oil, you should expect to pay more (anywhere from $65 to $125) but you make up some of the cost, since synthetic oil lasts longer and has to be changed less frequently.
How much is an oil change full synthetic?A survey of AAA's Approved Auto Repair facilities reveals that the average cost of a conventional oil change is $38, while a synthetic oil change is $70.
What is included in a oil change?Put simply an oil change is when you take out the motor oil from your engine and put back in new motor oil. During an oil change you also have to change the oil filter and put on a new one. The oil and oil filter do so much for your engine that getting regular oil changes is the best way to keep your vehicle healthy.
How much labor should I charge for an oil change?The average cost for oil change is between $137 and $151. Labor costs are estimated between $41 and $52 while parts are priced between $96 and $99. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
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How much does meineke charge for oil change
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