Service at dealership woes - RAM CARE

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

greg544

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2019
Posts
2
Reaction score
1
Location
Houston
Ram Year
2019
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I went to the dealership where I purchased my 2019 1500 Classic. My odometer has just turned 10K and the oil change indicator turned on for the first time. When I arrived at the dealership, the cars are backed up in the service area, which is understandable for a Saturday morning. I tell the service guy that came to greet me that I am there for my first oil change and I bought the truck there last year. Blank stare... So I told him I was pretty sure that I was supposed to get a free oil change. He told me no, they did not do that. He gave the me the prices for synthetic oil change that I requested and I thought it was too high so I left.

I did get the oil changed and the tires rotated at an oil change place down the street. So when I put my receipt for the oil change in the glove-box, I see my paperwork from the purchase (stupid of me not to think about that earlier). I see a welcome to RAM CARE pamplet with my name printed in it and a RAM CARE ID Number. It says my benefits include Two Oil Changes and Tire Rotations Annually.

So at the dealership, they never checked the VIN. They did ask for my name, but said, no they could not find it. Since I am not buying today, they really didn't care if I was there to be a customer anymore was the vibe I got.

So then I call the RAM CARE number. I waited about 15 minutes to speak to a guy who listened to my story and complaint about the dealer not making an effort to see that I belong to RAM CARE for another 9 months. He says I have to call another number. Now why they give you one number and they are just paying for someone to tell you to call another number does not make sense to me, but whatever.... The second number answered and there was some automated voice calling out numbers and letters. Dead end.

So then I get on the RAM CARES website, which is really just the MOPAR website. I started a chat, which I include below.

The long and short of it is I feel like I am not being treated well as a customer. Bad show RAM and Dodge. I'm not naming the dealership, but maybe I should be. They treat you great when they want your money, and the service later is not what was promised. Yes it is my fault for not finding the RAM CARES ID number I was issued more than a year ago, but come on ... in this day of technology, all they have to do is scan your VIN and give you the service they promised you.

S******* (7/25/2020, 1:34:44 PM): Hi, my name is S******* with FCA Customer Care, How may I help you?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:34:56 PM): What is Ram Care?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:34:02 PM): Hello James how are you today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:34:15 PM): Good, How are you doing today?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:34:34 PM): It is a maintenance plan that provides oil changes and tire rotations as well as rental if your vehicle is required to stay at the Dealer.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:35:07 PM): So I have a Ram Care number - KS5**********
Me (7/25/2020, 1:35:15 PM): does that mean I have Ram Care?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:35:30 PM): I would be happy to look into this here for you. Do you happen to have the VIN?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:36:04 PM): 1C************335
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:37:27 PM): Yes I am showing you do have Ram Care.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:38:19 PM): Well, OK today I went to the RAM dealership where I purchased the Truck. I needed the first 10,000 oil change and tire rotation.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:38:53 PM): But they said it was going to cost like $80 for the oil change and the tire rotation was extra.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:39:22 PM): I thought I was supposed to get some oil changes free, but they just shrug their shoulders.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:39:38 PM): I am showing that the plan was cancelled due to an error and reinstated.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:39:51 PM): Then I go to another place to get the oil changed. But now I find this RAM Care in the glove box.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:40:05 PM): But too late I already paid somewhere else.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:40:30 PM): I mean the dealership that sold me the truck should know all these trucks came with RAM care, right?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:41:00 PM): It is not on all Ram Trucks only eligible purchases.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:41:00 PM): They tell you one thing when they want to sell you a truck, but they forget about it later.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:41:24 PM): Well if you guys can't keep it straight how am I supposed to?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:41:29 PM): However you are correct the Dealer would be ablle to see those details.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:42:06 PM): The service guy at the dealership did not care, I guess he was kind of busy
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:42:38 PM): You can also reach Ram Care directly at 866-932-3878. I am very sorry for your experience with the Dealership I will ensure this issue is documented here today.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:43:00 PM): Well I can tell you another story about 866-932-3878
Me (7/25/2020, 1:43:43 PM): That guy listened to my story and told me to call 800-521-9922 (option 4).
Me (7/25/2020, 1:44:02 PM): This was after waiting about 15 minutes to get through
Me (7/25/2020, 1:44:36 PM): So that other number must be a mistake because if you call it, you just hear someone calling off a bunch of numbers.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:45:07 PM): So the dealership was not a good experince and the RAM Care phone support was not a good experience.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:45:40 PM): And I paid $84.00 out of pocket today for an oil change
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:46:28 PM): That number you were provided is for Mopar Vehicle Protection. The number I provided you is the information contact number for Ram Care.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:47:37 PM): That contact number is also listed within the Ram Care details on the Ram website at https://ramcare.ramtrucks.com/owner/en-us/termsandconditions
Me (7/25/2020, 1:48:04 PM): so I guess I am just out of luck?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:48:56 PM): You can also contact our General Line at 1-800-992-1997 and you can be transferred to the correct department. You do still have the plan and would be able to utilize that plan in the future. We do have Ram Care chat representatives available Monday to Friday 8 am to 9 pm EST.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:49:31 PM): ok well I will be posting this chat transript to the dodge truck forums.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:49:50 PM): No Problem. Your reference for our chat today is 7680****. Is there anything else I can assist with today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:50:17 PM): anything else, did you help me today?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:50:38 PM): My apologies what type of additional assistance can I provide today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:51:13 PM): I would like to be reinbused for the oil change I paid for, which I was entitled to.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:51:48 PM): I can have that reviewed here for you. I can send you an email to attach the repair order and proof of payment and reply back and a member of Ram Care will review and be back in contact with you.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:52:10 PM): Ok, thank you, I would appreciate that.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:53:30 PM): I have sent that to you. Can you confirm the best contact number to reach you at?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:54:02 PM): ******@****.com or ***-***-016*
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:54:30 PM): Thank you. Is there anything else I can assist with today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:54:38 PM): no
Me (7/25/2020, 1:54:48 PM): have a good rest of your day
 

pacofortacos

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2017
Posts
3,564
Reaction score
4,341
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7
The good news is, if you plan on keeping the truck for more than 3-4 years you really should get the oil changed more often than 1 yr/10000 miles. So you can with your free oil change now get it done every 6 months/5000 miles if they don't reimburse you for the oil change you paid for.
 

gofish101

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2012
Posts
189
Reaction score
219
Ram Year
2018 Outdoorsman CC
Engine
5.7 hemi
You show up to get an oil change without booking an appointment first, during a pandemic I might add, in Houston one of the hottest hotspots in the world without your Ram Care Card/number and you're complaining about the service you get.

I live in a non covid hotspot and I have 10 free oil changes with my truck. I call 7 to 10 days prior to setup an appointment and get great service every time. You may want to try it that way sometime. Just sayin.
 

PoMansRam

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2018
Posts
2,089
Reaction score
2,549
Location
East Aurora NY
Ram Year
2019
Engine
Hemi
You show up to get an oil change without booking an appointment first, during a pandemic I might add, in Houston one of the hottest hotspots in the world without your Ram Care Card/number and you're complaining about the service you get.

That's my thought too. I guess my expectations are way too low for dealer experiences as well.

I commend ya for going 10k miles on the factory oil. I could never bring myself to go even half of that.

I also haven't had anyone change my oil for me in like 30yrs, mainly because of stories like these.
 

dhay13

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2015
Posts
3,212
Reaction score
2,792
Ram Year
2018
Engine
2500 6.4L Hemi 4.10's 'Off-Road'
Some dealerships have an express center for oil changes where appointments are not needed. I know the local Chevy dealer does, as well as my local Ram dealer. The other Ram dealer I do make an appointment just because it is further away and due to costly damage and issues I will no longer go to the one closest to me. In fact when you do go there most of the bays are empty. They hired one of my wifes 16 year old students there as a mechanic while he was in 10th grade. No lie. She teaches at a technical center and the kid was an auto tech student.

On the other hand, no way would I be waiting 10,000 miles for an oil change, especially the first one. Not sure on the 2019 but I know my 2013 said to never go past 8000 miles no matter what the oil change indicator showed. I get mine done every 5000 no matter what my indicator says
 

JohnnyMac

There are no stupid questions, just stupid people.
Military
Joined
Mar 31, 2018
Posts
2,558
Reaction score
2,920
Location
SouthWest Washington
Ram Year
2018 1500 Laramie
Engine
3.0 EcoBurner
Welcome to the forum. As others have stated, the dealerships are pretty busy. There is no way in the world I could just drive into my local dealership and expect them to get my oil changed that day, thats for sure. It does seem pretty screwy they wouldn't have figured it out while you were there, but in my experience, you have to do a lot of the job for them. If you make it easy for them, you get much better service. Not saying that's good business, just the fact of the matter. Please let us know if you get reimbursed, as it looks like they are at least trying to work with you.
 

Joshua Collins

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Feb 28, 2019
Posts
244
Reaction score
216
Location
Texas
Ram Year
2019
Engine
6.7
Any where here in the Houston area any of the decent dealers have express lanes for oil changes and they have been operating business as usual. Depending on day and time takes roughly about an hour to get in and out and thats without any appointment. To the OP go to a different dealer to many to choose from not to.
 

Sherman Bird

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Posts
1,504
Reaction score
2,223
Location
Houston, Texas
Ram Year
1998
Engine
5.2
I went to the dealership where I purchased my 2019 1500 Classic. My odometer has just turned 10K and the oil change indicator turned on for the first time. When I arrived at the dealership, the cars are backed up in the service area, which is understandable for a Saturday morning. I tell the service guy that came to greet me that I am there for my first oil change and I bought the truck there last year. Blank stare... So I told him I was pretty sure that I was supposed to get a free oil change. He told me no, they did not do that. He gave the me the prices for synthetic oil change that I requested and I thought it was too high so I left.

I did get the oil changed and the tires rotated at an oil change place down the street. So when I put my receipt for the oil change in the glove-box, I see my paperwork from the purchase (stupid of me not to think about that earlier). I see a welcome to RAM CARE pamplet with my name printed in it and a RAM CARE ID Number. It says my benefits include Two Oil Changes and Tire Rotations Annually.

So at the dealership, they never checked the VIN. They did ask for my name, but said, no they could not find it. Since I am not buying today, they really didn't care if I was there to be a customer anymore was the vibe I got.

So then I call the RAM CARE number. I waited about 15 minutes to speak to a guy who listened to my story and complaint about the dealer not making an effort to see that I belong to RAM CARE for another 9 months. He says I have to call another number. Now why they give you one number and they are just paying for someone to tell you to call another number does not make sense to me, but whatever.... The second number answered and there was some automated voice calling out numbers and letters. Dead end.

So then I get on the RAM CARES website, which is really just the MOPAR website. I started a chat, which I include below.

The long and short of it is I feel like I am not being treated well as a customer. Bad show RAM and Dodge. I'm not naming the dealership, but maybe I should be. They treat you great when they want your money, and the service later is not what was promised. Yes it is my fault for not finding the RAM CARES ID number I was issued more than a year ago, but come on ... in this day of technology, all they have to do is scan your VIN and give you the service they promised you.

S******* (7/25/2020, 1:34:44 PM): Hi, my name is S******* with FCA Customer Care, How may I help you?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:34:56 PM): What is Ram Care?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:34:02 PM): Hello James how are you today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:34:15 PM): Good, How are you doing today?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:34:34 PM): It is a maintenance plan that provides oil changes and tire rotations as well as rental if your vehicle is required to stay at the Dealer.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:35:07 PM): So I have a Ram Care number - KS5**********
Me (7/25/2020, 1:35:15 PM): does that mean I have Ram Care?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:35:30 PM): I would be happy to look into this here for you. Do you happen to have the VIN?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:36:04 PM): 1C************335
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:37:27 PM): Yes I am showing you do have Ram Care.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:38:19 PM): Well, OK today I went to the RAM dealership where I purchased the Truck. I needed the first 10,000 oil change and tire rotation.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:38:53 PM): But they said it was going to cost like $80 for the oil change and the tire rotation was extra.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:39:22 PM): I thought I was supposed to get some oil changes free, but they just shrug their shoulders.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:39:38 PM): I am showing that the plan was cancelled due to an error and reinstated.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:39:51 PM): Then I go to another place to get the oil changed. But now I find this RAM Care in the glove box.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:40:05 PM): But too late I already paid somewhere else.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:40:30 PM): I mean the dealership that sold me the truck should know all these trucks came with RAM care, right?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:41:00 PM): It is not on all Ram Trucks only eligible purchases.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:41:00 PM): They tell you one thing when they want to sell you a truck, but they forget about it later.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:41:24 PM): Well if you guys can't keep it straight how am I supposed to?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:41:29 PM): However you are correct the Dealer would be ablle to see those details.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:42:06 PM): The service guy at the dealership did not care, I guess he was kind of busy
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:42:38 PM): You can also reach Ram Care directly at 866-932-3878. I am very sorry for your experience with the Dealership I will ensure this issue is documented here today.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:43:00 PM): Well I can tell you another story about 866-932-3878
Me (7/25/2020, 1:43:43 PM): That guy listened to my story and told me to call 800-521-9922 (option 4).
Me (7/25/2020, 1:44:02 PM): This was after waiting about 15 minutes to get through
Me (7/25/2020, 1:44:36 PM): So that other number must be a mistake because if you call it, you just hear someone calling off a bunch of numbers.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:45:07 PM): So the dealership was not a good experince and the RAM Care phone support was not a good experience.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:45:40 PM): And I paid $84.00 out of pocket today for an oil change
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:46:28 PM): That number you were provided is for Mopar Vehicle Protection. The number I provided you is the information contact number for Ram Care.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:47:37 PM): That contact number is also listed within the Ram Care details on the Ram website at https://ramcare.ramtrucks.com/owner/en-us/termsandconditions
Me (7/25/2020, 1:48:04 PM): so I guess I am just out of luck?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:48:56 PM): You can also contact our General Line at 1-800-992-1997 and you can be transferred to the correct department. You do still have the plan and would be able to utilize that plan in the future. We do have Ram Care chat representatives available Monday to Friday 8 am to 9 pm EST.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:49:31 PM): ok well I will be posting this chat transript to the dodge truck forums.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:49:50 PM): No Problem. Your reference for our chat today is 7680****. Is there anything else I can assist with today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:50:17 PM): anything else, did you help me today?
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:50:38 PM): My apologies what type of additional assistance can I provide today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:51:13 PM): I would like to be reinbused for the oil change I paid for, which I was entitled to.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:51:48 PM): I can have that reviewed here for you. I can send you an email to attach the repair order and proof of payment and reply back and a member of Ram Care will review and be back in contact with you.
Me (7/25/2020, 1:52:10 PM): Ok, thank you, I would appreciate that.
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:53:30 PM): I have sent that to you. Can you confirm the best contact number to reach you at?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:54:02 PM): ******@****.com or ***-***-016*
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:54:30 PM): Thank you. Is there anything else I can assist with today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:54:38 PM): no
Me (7/25/2020, 1:54:48 PM): have a good rest of your day

Do you have a shop or a mechanic for your needs? I mean, you do have warranty, but what about those other things?

If not..... find one now, before you need one. I'm not too chuffed about employing a dealer for my oil change..... or for anything other than recalls and warranty work. I do know that the folks at Tomball Dodge have worked on my daughter's 2007 Liberty and she's had great experiences, even for a recall which they performed with heel-clicking service. If they are the guys whom you had trouble with, well, mud in my face!

You likely would get positive results by going up front to the general manager's office. They abhor these negative dynamics. It's possible the service advisor who is on commission was just being greedy or not at the top of his game! Anyhoo, that's my take on it!
 
Last edited:

buddy guy

Senior Member
Joined
May 22, 2019
Posts
2,559
Reaction score
2,116
Location
alberta
Ram Year
2018
Engine
5.7 hemi
Did your Ram come with synthetic? If not, I don't believe they would have given you that oil change for free anyway unless you are running conventional oil.. They mark the price of a synth oil change up signifigantly.

Sent from my SM-N960W using Tapatalk
 

Davidloveshishemi

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2019
Posts
235
Reaction score
301
Location
Tn
Ram Year
2019 Ram 1500 Classic
Engine
5.7 L Hemi
Do yourself a monster favor and change your own oil. The dealership I went to wanted almost $80 for full synthetic. Pennzoil Platinum and a mopar filter ran about $38. Change my oil in the driveway, took 30 minutes. No appointment, no wondering if it was done right, no wondering if they actually put the oil in that I paid for.

Highly recommend doing as much as you possibly can of your own preventative maintenance on your Ram because I do not trust the dealerships.

Hope that helps!
 

PandaRam2500

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2019
Posts
13
Reaction score
10
Location
Lexington Sc
Ram Year
2019 Bighorn 4x4 CrewCab 8' Bed
Engine
6.7 Cummins
S******* (7/25/2020, 1:49:50 PM): No Problem. Your reference for our chat today is 7680****. Is there anything else I can assist with today?
Me (7/25/2020, 1:50:17 PM): anything else, did you help me today? <-----WTF, SERIOUSLY?

So much for getting your request sent along up the chain, If that was me sitting in a cubicle trying to talk you off the ledge because of half dealership / half your goof-up and you kicked me in the boy-parts with that comment....DELETE DELETE DELETE tap tap tap. Geesh!
 

Sherman Bird

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Posts
1,504
Reaction score
2,223
Location
Houston, Texas
Ram Year
1998
Engine
5.2
Do yourself a monster favor and change your own oil. The dealership I went to wanted almost $80 for full synthetic. Pennzoil Platinum and a mopar filter ran about $38. Change my oil in the driveway, took 30 minutes. No appointment, no wondering if it was done right, no wondering if they actually put the oil in that I paid for.

Highly recommend doing as much as you possibly can of your own preventative maintenance on your Ram because I do not trust the dealerships.

Hope that helps!

I'm curious.... what did you do to dispose of the drained out oil? Many of my customers stopped changing their own oil because of that hassle, and they are getting older and the bones creak when they get up and down under the car, not to mention the fun of jacking the car up and safely supporting it. Just wondering. And don't forget the neighbor's dog that MUST lick your face just when you are under the car, draining the oil, the plug is in one hand and you need to get that rag to wipe the oil before it becomes underarm deodorant! ;)
 

chrisbh17

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2017
Posts
6,691
Reaction score
7,473
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I'm curious.... what did you do to dispose of the drained out oil? Many of my customers stopped changing their own oil because of that hassle, and they are getting older and the bones creak when they get up and down under the car, not to mention the fun of jacking the car up and safely supporting it. Just wondering. And don't forget the neighbor's dog that MUST lick your face just when you are under the car, draining the oil, the plug is in one hand and you need to get that rag to wipe the oil before it becomes underarm deodorant! ;)
Your local transfer station and most auto parts stores (at least here in CT) recycle used oil for free. That's where the leftovers from my oil changes go.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
 

Sherman Bird

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Posts
1,504
Reaction score
2,223
Location
Houston, Texas
Ram Year
1998
Engine
5.2
Your local transfer station and most auto parts stores (at least here in CT) recycle used oil for free. That's where the leftovers from my oil changes go.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Right! And my average Joe customer (not an enthusiast) grumbles that they must dig up an empty milk jug, which no longer employ screw on lids, trying to haul it to the auto parts store without spillage.... the cleanup on the driveway post repair, the wife bellyaching about the entire thing.... I get this directly from them.... My oil change with API SN+ synthetic blend with BG 115 MOA oil additive runs an average of 50-ish dollars all in to the customer. As per them, the 12 or so dollar savings ain't worth the aggravation. The nice thing is that they CAN do it! When I had my shoulder reconstructed last August (Complete rotator tear), I was unable to work at all for 6 weeks, thus had to turn away all business. My customers who needed oil changes either waited, took the car elsewhere ( a dozen or so) or did the oil change themselves!
 

co-pilot

Senior Member
Joined
May 21, 2018
Posts
957
Reaction score
846
Location
houston,tx
Ram Year
2018
Engine
5.7
I agree with others.......if you don't do your own oil change....then find yourself a reputable shop and have them change the oil every 5000mi

I would not let the dealership change my oil even if it was free for life!
 

Sherman Bird

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Posts
1,504
Reaction score
2,223
Location
Houston, Texas
Ram Year
1998
Engine
5.2
I agree with others.......if you don't do your own oil change....then find yourself a reputable shop and have them change the oil every 5000mi

I would not let the dealership change my oil even if it was free for life!

I don't want some snot nosed troll in earth shoes and a high degree of inexperience touching my cars. You have no idea how often I get vehicles in for oil change and need a pipe wrench and 6 foot breaker to get the filter off.... and the drain plug threads are buttressed due to over tightening. The service industry as a whole can't get skilled people. I sat on the NATEF board of our local school district.... the picture is glib.
 

PandaRam2500

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2019
Posts
13
Reaction score
10
Location
Lexington Sc
Ram Year
2019 Bighorn 4x4 CrewCab 8' Bed
Engine
6.7 Cummins
Here ya go Sherman Bird and others who might want an easier way to tackle this.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/city/houston-tx

https://www.yourmechanic.com/?mktg_...jmfgKDUyMeYAKuzlUL-wd_5OTCluTvXhoCEuMQAvD_BwE

...and please don't use the HELP suggested as a rebuttal. Dang...We know your complete medical history, ailments, unable to figure out that oil change pans are also sold as self-contained with a large screw-on cap and a funneled neck (capped) for just those transporting purposes, making changing oil in YOUR driveway sound more of a chore than a complete engine change,etc. Have your wife keep an eye out for the neighbors dog, shoo it away while you use industrial strength tools to do something that you could educate instead of criticize someone to do.

Here's an idea, find an ambitious student from that local school district who has a desire to learn the automotive repair/maintenance/service business and teach him/her YOUR way of changing the oil and filter on YOUR vehicle(s) and you'll have no creaks,leaks,dog snot,oil stains or opened milk jugs to complain about. A couple of bucks, some lunch and old stories should be payment enough. They screw up...then you screwed up!
 

dhay13

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2015
Posts
3,212
Reaction score
2,792
Ram Year
2018
Engine
2500 6.4L Hemi 4.10's 'Off-Road'
I used to build my own race cars and engines. I still do my own brakes but quit doing oil changes a long time ago. Not worth the hassle. By the time I get all of my tools out, my drain pan, jack, jackstands, then clean everything up when I'm done then go wash the oil out of my armpit, oh and now I have to take that old oil back to the store to get rid of it. Just not worth it.

My local Ram dealer has a deal buy 1 get 3 free and I still won't go to them. 4 different vehicles they have left the filter loose and I had to crawl under to tighten them then add oil. They NEVER reset the oil change indicator. They drip oil down my fender and don't even clean it up, not to mention the broken bumper from a lift mishap, scuffed up black wheel from a stripped out locking lug tool, missing inner fender flapper door, etc. So I drive further away to a different dealer.

My son goes to Jiffy Lube and has been happy. He doesn't have much choice in his situation a Sunday is about the only day he can get it done and he is on the road all the time. He said they mount a camera under the vehicle so you can watch them.
 

Sherman Bird

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Posts
1,504
Reaction score
2,223
Location
Houston, Texas
Ram Year
1998
Engine
5.2
Here ya go Sherman Bird and others who might want an easier way to tackle this.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/city/houston-tx

https://www.yourmechanic.com/?mktg_...jmfgKDUyMeYAKuzlUL-wd_5OTCluTvXhoCEuMQAvD_BwE

...and please don't use the HELP suggested as a rebuttal. Dang...We know your complete medical history, ailments, unable to figure out that oil change pans are also sold as self-contained with a large screw-on cap and a funneled neck (capped) for just those transporting purposes, making changing oil in YOUR driveway sound more of a chore than a complete engine change,etc. Have your wife keep an eye out for the neighbors dog, shoo it away while you use industrial strength tools to do something that you could educate instead of criticize someone to do.

Here's an idea, find an ambitious student from that local school district who has a desire to learn the automotive repair/maintenance/service business and teach him/her YOUR way of changing the oil and filter on YOUR vehicle(s) and you'll have no creaks,leaks,dog snot,oil stains or opened milk jugs to complain about. A couple of bucks, some lunch and old stories should be payment enough. They screw up...then you screwed up!

Good reading comprehension skills clearly show my post in 3rd person/ Customer perspective, enhanced with innuendo of their twists on doing it. I still do them, remember???? Wakey Wakey! ;)

And I have employed many students from the local schools over the years.... several went into the trade and made good livings.
 
Last edited:

chrisbh17

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2017
Posts
6,691
Reaction score
7,473
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I used to build my own race cars and engines. I still do my own brakes but quit doing oil changes a long time ago. Not worth the hassle. By the time I get all of my tools out, my drain pan, jack, jackstands, then clean everything up when I'm done then go wash the oil out of my armpit, oh and now I have to take that old oil back to the store to get rid of it. Just not worth it.

My local Ram dealer has a deal buy 1 get 3 free and I still won't go to them. 4 different vehicles they have left the filter loose and I had to crawl under to tighten them then add oil. They NEVER reset the oil change indicator. They drip oil down my fender and don't even clean it up, not to mention the broken bumper from a lift mishap, scuffed up black wheel from a stripped out locking lug tool, missing inner fender flapper door, etc. So I drive further away to a different dealer.

My son goes to Jiffy Lube and has been happy. He doesn't have much choice in his situation a Sunday is about the only day he can get it done and he is on the road all the time. He said they mount a camera under the vehicle so you can watch them.

I went to Jiffy Lube ONCE and regretted it the next time I went to change my own oil. They had overtightened the drain plug so much there was no way I could budge it without risking bigger issues (low to the ground car, only had a jack and jackstands, no lift).

Brought it back to them....they laughed and said its not that tight. Pulled into the service bay (they have a pit under the vehicle). Sat in my car as they proceeded to loosen the "not tight" plug. All the while I could see my car shaking back and forth while they wailed away on getting the damn thing loose. So, yeah, Jiffy lube can bite me.

Dealers? I dont trust my RAM dealer to service my truck, oil changes included. My Infiniti dealer used to be good, then turned into a "where can we make the most $$$ off you" shop. Lexus serviced my wifes car for 4 years (length of factory warranty). Didnt have much to complain about from them, other than the overpriced synthetic oil changes...her car requires 0W-20 so its always full synth, to the tune of $130 from the dealer.

I have yet to find a small shop that I trust enough with my vehicles, so I still do my own oil changes. I dont even charge myself an extra $90.00 to use full synth ;) A set of ramps and one of those storage basin things (mostly sealed, just open a cap and let the oil drain in). A few shop rags and its pretty much done....the worst is the RAM but even that isnt unbearable. Ive taken to throwing down a big piece of cardboard to catch any mess before it hits my driveway or garage floor.
 
Top