Free oil changes gimmick.
OK, so the place I bought my Ram from offers "free oil changes for life". Yes there's a catch. You get the free oil changes as long as all the services in the book are done by them at the proper int...
Forum Discussion
monkey44 wrote:
I'm still on free oil changes for the 2015 ... and will continue using dealers for the oil changes after. We never trust the 'fly x night' instant oil change companies - they have very little training.
How hard can it be, how much training? Some say.
A well trained "oil mechanic' at a dealer will notice other items that might need a peek. And, although we generally say "NO" to those (air filters etc), it does occasionally come to light that a problem might exist. We take those on one at a time when we find it.
Or...you may have my experience.
I was taking my new truck into the dealership at the correct intervals and paying for oil changes while the warranty was in effect (35K mi, IIRC). Around 30K miles the "Oil Mechanic" checked my air filter as was SOP. Unfortunately, when he reattached the cannister, it pinched the air filter gasket and a chunk broke free. The next day, as I motored down the road, the truck started to increase in speed and the throttle was unresponsive. Luckily, I knew the throttle was stuck, shifted into neutral, turned off engine, and was able to come to a stop out of danger. The broken air filter flange chunk was stuck in the throttle body and was keeping the throttle at WOT.
That was the last time a dealership touched that truck. A visit to the dealership got me a new air filter and the gasket material is substantially different. Ford would not admit fault of the part but did admit the mechanic's mistake. I only trust my own work.
I've also had a vehicle with the "Free-for-life" oil changes and the scheduled services were needed. That vehicle was in the Mfg's High-Duty zone so there were a host of closely spaced service items. I had them do the first oil change, bitched about $20 for inspecting brakes until they dropped the charge, and never returned.
Good luck with your new truck. I'd suggest if you don't DIY, acquire a local shop to do your service work. They will appreciate the business and not try to over sell the adequate service items. Your warranty will stay in effect if they sign off on the book or keep a digitized record of your service, in house.
