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 intervals. So another words here in a few months I'll be due for my first change, the six months hit before the 7500 miles. So here's the list if things needed on the first trip to get the "free oil change"Check DEF fluidRotate tiresLube front drive shaftLube tie rodsI figure they'll hit me for around 30-40 bucks for that, maybe. Of course at every six month interval it'll get more expensive. Pro's: I'll be getting the truck serviced 100% by the book at the dealer, could help come resale time.Cons: I've always done all my own service work over the years. I think I'll pay more in the long run for everything.Thoughts?

Don't know how Ram does it, but I got 2 year or 24,000 miles free oil changes on my Chevy. Included with that oil change, included everything you mentioned as part of the warranty. I haven't had to pay anything on my Chevy (yet). They take care of everything.I imagine, if those items are a requirement for the free oil change, they'll do it automatically. At my oil changes, they also top off all my fluids, including the DEF. No charge (yet).Your's is probably the same, except its for life! Take advantage of it. The truck should be serviced regularly anyway to keep it healthy!

I think the dealer is pretty picky about the plan. For example, a buddy that bought a new Jeep from them installed a K&N air filer shortly after buying it. When it came due for a filter change (in the book) he had to buy one or it kicked him out of the free oil change program.

Check the websites of the local dealers for "specials" coupons. I just had my oil changed, fluids topped off and nitrogen serviced (tires) for a $27 coupon. Not free, but done at my mileage and time schedule. It didn't include tire rotation, but I do that myself.

I'd guess two things in play here. Keeping a truck serviced cost bucks, and some owners cut service a lot of slack and skip much of it due to accelerating fees. Dealers want trade trucks in good condition, so they can resell high when an owner buys a new truck after XXX many years. So, the manufacturers offer the 'free' service (which we pay for at purchase anyway) and that helps keep the truck in better condition - they hope, and it's probably true.And, if you have a well serviced truck - with records - the dealer can offer you a little more at trade-in, which motivates an owner to trade earlier than necessary.I think it's a win-win, an unusual occurrence when buying a new truck. Maybe?

I guess my thing is, are they going to rip me a new one on all the little stuff and will it offset the cost of the oil change. Keeping in mind the oil changes will be every six months, regardless of miles. If this was a gas engine I doubt I'd even be thinking about it.

Free oil changes gimmick. | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 07, 2016
FishOnOne wrote:
Changed the oil on my Power Stroke this morning. Purchased the Oil filter and Oil from Wal Mart (Motorcraft filter/Delo 10w30). It took me ~20 minutes to change the oil and that included pouring the old oil back into the containers.

No big deal and no drama.... :W

That's wonderful. Personally I have always let my engines drain overnight and if that was not possible at least several hours.

I don't consider changing oil a timed event. ;)

Curious is that filter Motorcraft's "BEST" ? The reason I ask is a lot of filter makers have two different grades. FleetGuard has a Cellulose along with a Stratapore synthetic filter media.

Personally will never use Delo again after I saw what my 12V looked like behind the timing cover with 56K using it when I did the dowel pin. Black streaks all over everything.

In comparison at 120K I helped my Dad do his dowel pin the engine was spotless.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Feb 07, 2016
Changed the oil on my Power Stroke this morning. Purchased the Oil filter and Oil from Wal Mart (Motorcraft filter/Delo 10w30). It took me ~20 minutes to change the oil and that included pouring the old oil back into the containers.

No big deal and no drama.... :W
Elbert
Explorer
Feb 07, 2016
free oil change is a marketing tool, like most everything else to come out of a car dealer. At the very least it gets you in the shop for opportunities to "up-sale" you on something....ie parts or services that you may or may not need.

Of course some people agree with whatever the car-lot folks say....others may have a more measured approach.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Feb 04, 2016
IdaD wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
IdaD wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
NC Hauler wrote:
DutchmenSport wrote:
Don't know how Ram does it, but I got 2 year or 24,000 miles free oil changes on my Chevy. Included with that oil change, included everything you mentioned as part of the warranty. I haven't had to pay anything on my Chevy (yet). They take care of everything.

I imagine, if those items are a requirement for the free oil change, they'll do it automatically. At my oil changes, they also top off all my fluids, including the DEF. No charge (yet).

Your's is probably the same, except its for life! Take advantage of it. The truck should be serviced regularly anyway to keep it healthy!

I had about the same thing, 4 free oil changes in a 2 yr period and all warranty checks done.. Next oil change will be on me..but everything to this point has been free

Read my thread on the TDR "EASY! Cummins 6.7 2013 and up oil change". It's in the 4th gen forum.

Sure it is... Wink... Wink... :W

Sure glad I don't have to deal with this BS!

6.7 Ram Oil Change

I guess when I have time I will duplicate the above and SHOW how EASY it is to change. I will agree it's not as easy as my 2011 or my 98's but it sure is not a big deal if done as I show on the TDR. I don't spill a drop by doing my method.

Yes please do a video of the three ring circus.... I'm so glad I don't have to remove parts to perform a simple maintenance item.

You're being ridiculous although with your track record I guess that's no surprise. I've only changed my oil once so far but it didn't take any longer than it's taken me on any other vehicle, aside from the fact that it takes a little more time to drain and fill 3 gallons vs five quarts. Attach a filter wrench to a ratchet and it spins right off, drop it into a plastic bag and pull it through the hole in the fender. I didn't spill a drop on my first attempt and you don't have to remove a thing to get to it.

What a silly thing to pick at.

Your royalty attitude on this site is getting a tad bit old (mine is always better than yours)along with your 1 oil change experience with your truck tells a compelling story.

Looking forward to that oil change video boy's.... :B Also when can the RV.net committee review a preliminary video so the proper edits can be made? :W

Blocked. This is more a annoying than a tick on my...nevermind.

LMAO....:B
Fordlover
Explorer
Feb 04, 2016
mkirsch wrote:
There's a HUGE difference between GM's 2-year/24,000 mile service program, and "free" oil changes FOR LIFE.

The stipulations for "life" oil changes are CRYSTAL CLEAR. If you bring the truck in for everything else, the oil change is no additional cost to you. Whether you feel you're being screwed or not is your prerogative.

With the GM program, you get up to four oil changes, then it's on you to figure out what to do from there. As far as I can see, there is no pressure.

The GM program on my 2015 has convinced me that I want to continue taking my truck to this particular dealer for service. They are competitive with the instant oil change places. The people are factory-trained and career-minded; they've been there for years as compared to days/weeks for the instant places.

I used to change my own oil but I got sick of having to spend an hour jacking the car up so I could get underneath (my head won't squeeze between the frame and the ground, let alone the rest of me), then shimmying in and out on my back multiple times (creepers don't work on dirt), never having the right tools when I get under there (who remembers whether it's a 13mm, 14mm, 15mm or 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, or what size strap wrench it takes?), burning my arms and hands with the hot oil and hot exhaust pipes (words not fit for this website go here)... I took ALL the wrenches with me once and STILL didn't have the right one!!!

low profile ramps, my clear garage floor, and my wrenches get marked by a sharpie for which vehicle drain plug they fit. I only get under the vehicle twice per change, once to do it, and once to check for leaks after it's done.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Feb 04, 2016
ROBERTSUNRUS wrote:
One example of their professional work was when he gave me a free battery check with the oil change. Checked one battery and it was good, went to the other side and that one was good too. Can anyone guess what the problem was here?

:) Hi, if you have a diesel with a two battery system, battery cables need to be disconnected during the test or both batteries will read the same.

Bingo!

You only have to pull one cable from one battery to test, but the dummy said: "I don't know how they are wired."
ROBERTSUNRUS
Explorer
Feb 04, 2016
One example of their professional work was when he gave me a free battery check with the oil change. Checked one battery and it was good, went to the other side and that one was good too. Can anyone guess what the problem was here?

:) Hi, if you have a diesel with a two battery system, battery cables need to be disconnected during the test or both batteries will read the same.
NC_Roamer
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
Our Toyota dealer has the free lifetime oil changes and also charge for some of the other service items. But they also have a lifetime engine and drive train warranty. I figure if I get the maintenance done in their shop, then there will not be a question about proper service intervals in 10-15 years if the truck needs major mechanical work.
cummins2014
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
Cummins12V98 wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
NC Hauler wrote:
DutchmenSport wrote:
Don't know how Ram does it, but I got 2 year or 24,000 miles free oil changes on my Chevy. Included with that oil change, included everything you mentioned as part of the warranty. I haven't had to pay anything on my Chevy (yet). They take care of everything.

I imagine, if those items are a requirement for the free oil change, they'll do it automatically. At my oil changes, they also top off all my fluids, including the DEF. No charge (yet).

Your's is probably the same, except its for life! Take advantage of it. The truck should be serviced regularly anyway to keep it healthy!

I had about the same thing, 4 free oil changes in a 2 yr period and all warranty checks done.. Next oil change will be on me..but everything to this point has been free

Read my thread on the TDR "EASY! Cummins 6.7 2013 and up oil change". It's in the 4th gen forum.

Sure it is... Wink... Wink... :W

Sure glad I don't have to deal with this BS!

6.7 Ram Oil Change

I guess when I have time I will duplicate the above and SHOW how EASY it is to change. I will agree it's not as easy as my 2011 or my 98's but it sure is not a big deal if done as I show on the TDR. I don't spill a drop by doing my method.

I see no reason to argue the fact about the filter change on the new Cummins, regardless whether the way you do it or removing the intake, its pita compared to the ford. Granted there are two or three ways to change the filter on the Cummins, and I am not very crazy about any of them.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Feb 03, 2016
Cummins12V98 wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
FishOnOne wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
NC Hauler wrote:
DutchmenSport wrote:
Don't know how Ram does it, but I got 2 year or 24,000 miles free oil changes on my Chevy. Included with that oil change, included everything you mentioned as part of the warranty. I haven't had to pay anything on my Chevy (yet). They take care of everything.

I imagine, if those items are a requirement for the free oil change, they'll do it automatically. At my oil changes, they also top off all my fluids, including the DEF. No charge (yet).

Your's is probably the same, except its for life! Take advantage of it. The truck should be serviced regularly anyway to keep it healthy!

I had about the same thing, 4 free oil changes in a 2 yr period and all warranty checks done.. Next oil change will be on me..but everything to this point has been free

Read my thread on the TDR "EASY! Cummins 6.7 2013 and up oil change". It's in the 4th gen forum.

Sure it is... Wink... Wink... :W

Sure glad I don't have to deal with this BS!

6.7 Ram Oil Change

I guess when I have time I will duplicate the above and SHOW how EASY it is to change. I will agree it's not as easy as my 2011 or my 98's but it sure is not a big deal if done as I show on the TDR. I don't spill a drop by doing my method.

Yes please do a video of the three ring circus.... I'm so glad I don't have to remove parts to perform a simple maintenance item.

OK, let's see now your engine is easier to change the oil filter and you have better tow mirrors.

Whatever u say chief

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