Providing Own Oil for Mechanic to Use for Oil Change Service

pinchies on 10/08/2022 - 14:51
Last edited 10/08/2022 - 15:11

Tldr; mechanic doesn't want me to provide my own oil for an oil change

I always try to buy oil at a discount when I see it. My current mechanic charges $100 for 5L of oil, and I often buy the same amount for well under $50 when it is on a massive discount. I normally provide this oil to the mechanic when I take my car in for a service, and ask that they use my oil. A tiny bit of effort to save >$50 on a $400 service seems like a no brainer to me.

Recently, my mechanic said to me "you know, we have oil here too you know" and asked that next time I don't provide my own oil.

I've been doing this for years without issue, and haven't had any issues with any of my previous mechanics either. A good mechanic is hard to find, so I certainly don't want to make a fuss, but I'm not really impressed either. I'm completely fine with paying for their time, and paying their waste disposal fees too, but I'd rather not use their overpriced shop oil. I have a 2014 Subaru XV and use the Castrol Edge Full Synthetic 5W30, so it's not like I'm trying to ask them to put canola oil or fruit juice in there either.

Curious for thoughts. Am I being unreasonable asking them to use my own oil?

There are two perspectives I can see:

Yes, you're being unreasonable: You choose the mechanic, you are choosing the whole service. You don't get to pick and choose.

No, you're not being unreasonable: You're paying them for their time and workshop disposal fees, and providing your own quality oil to save money should be fine. If they want to make more money they should charge appropriate fees for the service, not by jacking the price of oil to pad their pockets.

Poll Options expired

  • 254
    Customer is unreasonable to expect to be able to provide your own quality oil to try save a buck
  • 258
    Mechanic is being unreasonable here to refuse the customer providing oil
  • 166
    It's complex
Automotive Engine Oil

Comments

  • Kranbone on 11/08/2022 - 14:00
    +1

    I mentioned a similar story before: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/666448?page=2#comment-1143…

    If the mechanic was upfront and said, I want to make money off you, I mark up the oil for profit. Doing so allows me to be here in the future, would you feel comfortable about that?

    Rephrase, had the mechanic charged a significantly higher cost in labour (so that the overall total would match his price if he supplied oil), but lower cost for the oil (so this part of the bill/line item would match your cost in oil). Would that be okay?

    • pinchies on 11/08/2022 - 16:24
      +3

      Personally, I would be ok if the service price was higher. Then I can compare them apples to apples against other mechanics. Transparency is very important to me, it forms part of the trust I have with the mechanic.

      • Kranbone on 11/08/2022 - 19:30

        Maybe pass the feedback on to him so his prices are more relatable, ie, charge more for labour, charge less for consumables.

  • cobknob on 11/08/2022 - 14:13

    Dealerships are a great place to start if u like getting ripped off. Everyone who's not directly involved wants their cut. Mechanic would be getting paid more there otherwise.

    You can add mechanic to the list of trades that are over paid in Australia compared to the rest of the world.

  • greencomet on 11/08/2022 - 14:31
    +4

    "A good mechanic is hard to find", but you don't want him to make money so you eat into his profits? What's $50 extra on a service once a year if he's a great mechanic? I don't blame the guy for telling you not to bring your own oil, that's time he could be spending on someone else's car who's willing to pay him a little more for his great work.

  • mousie on 11/08/2022 - 14:31
    +1

    Please bring your own 1:10 patties at Maccas and ask for a big mac, less the cost of the meat patties.

  • Poor Ass on 11/08/2022 - 14:52
    +1

    Mechanics come in all sorts. If they charged reasonably on the oil with no extreme mark up I wouldn't provide my own either.

    I've had dealerships accept my own oil and parts (consumable parts) no problems and I've had ones that say don't bring your own next time.

    I see what you mean them charging $100 for oil is ridic for a 4 cylinder. XV should be 0w-20 recommended but you can do what you want.

    Since your car is out of warranty they should just charge on labour if you BYO and they are rare I agree. If within warranty, that's another story.

    also at times they could do the dodgy and use really heavy oil but if you BYO then you know they are using the correct type

  • Willy Beamish on 11/08/2022 - 15:07
    +2

    Do the oil change yourself?

  • Al09 on 11/08/2022 - 15:16

    I agreed, some mechanics just charged rediculous amount even little things like changing a fuse or puncture repairs.

    So overall i reckon just check out you tube and do it yourself you can save a lot more money there byfar. Specially if the car out of warranty anyway.

    Thats what ive been doing these days.

    And saves you the time to go to the mechanics as well 1 or 2hours+ , DIY oilchange only 30-40 min
    Puncture repairs 5 min, with the amount the mechanic charge you can buy the kit that will last you for 10 repairs.

  • StalkingIbis on 11/08/2022 - 15:44
    +1

    Theyll sting you $50 somewhere else if you really push them to.

  • skillet on 11/08/2022 - 16:11

    If you value your mechanic then don't pull out your own oil and starve their profits. Good mechanics are not easy to come by and they have to eat and bills to pay. They lost income working on your car it's not a good deal in terms of their balance book. If you are so keen on using your own oil then why don't you DIY?

  • Fobsessive on 11/08/2022 - 16:53

    My car has been put of warranty for nearly 15 years and my independent Honda mechanic is fine with using my provided Penrite. He charges $110 flat for oil change labour either way. Though he roasts my oil choice…

  • gimme on 11/08/2022 - 16:55
    +4

    EASY. Mechanic can do whatever they want and you can do whatever you want. /close thread

  • Spic3y on 11/08/2022 - 17:10
    +8

    I am a mechanic and would be (and am) totally fine with using customer supplied oil as long as it was the proper specification.

    I think your mechanic is not being unreasonable, he's being greedy.

  • mrhugo on 11/08/2022 - 17:21

    I provide parts and fluids (motor & ATF). My mechanic doesn't have a problem with this, and the invoice clearly states that customer provides parts and fluids.

    I do this for two reasons, save costs and that I'm very particular with the parts (genuine or OEM) or fluids I use.

    That being said for some fluids, like brake fluid I didn't supply.

    I wouldn't just rock up with a box full of parts and fluids without first making sure they are comfortable with this. Likewise I don't ask the mechanic stupid things like part numbers. I know exactly what part numbers I need for my vin and engine serial number. The only thing I ask is that they tell me when something is due to be replaced at the next service, say a mount or pads etc so I can order it.

    These days I do oil changes and any filters on the engine myself. I have the tools and skills and factory scanner to read and troubleshoot codes.

  • Drakesy on 11/08/2022 - 17:45

    Used to work in a bike mechanics store and people would buy parts online and bring them in. At the end of the day it was cheaper yes, but once you paid to have them installed a lot of the time it worked out at the same price as if you'd bought it straight from us so really no net gain.

    Also we didn't have to provide a warranty if Installing it so double win

  • bazingaa on 11/08/2022 - 18:28

    My mechanic charges $90 for a general service including oil (not synthetic) and filter, and other checks and topups, can't complain much

  • htc on 11/08/2022 - 18:37
    +2

    I change wiper refill myself to save a few bucks, was thinking of changing oil myself after seeing the oil special on supercheap, but the effort to safely dispose the oil and the cost of buying all the necessary equipment + the time + a piece of mind = makes me feel I should leave it to the professionals.

    • THICKnSLOW on 11/08/2022 - 22:14
      +1

      That's right, if you can't cook or don't have time to cook, buy take-away or fast food -leave it to the professionals.

      But if you have the ingredients and want a meal but don't have the time to cook…. who do you call? Holy moly that might be the next side hustle - Dial a Chef!

    • Drakesy on 12/08/2022 - 10:24
      +1

      You can take the used oil straight back to supercheap btw and they dispose of it for you for free

      • htc on 12/08/2022 - 14:12

        Didn't know Supercheap dispose it for free. Do you put the used oil in the milk container?

        I usually do the oil change everytime my mechanic does a pink slip. Just watched a youtube clip on how to do an oil change. Looks easy, just needed the right equipment.

        Do you use a car jack or a car ramp when you change your oil?

        Edit: Just checked the invoice, only $70 to change oil and filter. Probably not worth the effort, time and buying the ramp or jack, oil tray. Also I noticed my mechanic is not as busy as last year or the year before, feel sorry for these mechanics, do you think the rise of hybrid and EV are having impact on these mechanics?

        • Drakesy on 12/08/2022 - 21:36
          +1

          Just have to chuck the oil back in the oil container
          Unfortunately they won't accept milk containers

  • Kempe on 11/08/2022 - 18:55

    I have always brought my own oil rather than the mechanics bulk oil he gets cheap and charges a premium.
    They also dont have different weights usually just 5/40 for every car (virtually)
    I dont do it to save money per se I do it so I know what is in my engine and you would need to be very naive not to think they bump the price up anyway, so you dont save and they still get their markup

  • echelon6 on 11/08/2022 - 20:44
    +2

    its complex cos the profit margin on the goods is part of their overall profit strategy

    if you suddenly stuff around with their business model then they would need to change their margins in other areas

    • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 05:11

      For labor costs of 150$/hr why markup parts?

      • echelon6 on 12/08/2022 - 08:19
        +2

        lol because in reality they want even more than 150/hr but they don't want to write that outrageous figure down in the invoice

  • Darude Sandstorm on 11/08/2022 - 21:07
    +2

    oh man, I provided my own turbo, intercooler, intake and exhaust today.
    Told mechanic he could come round to my house to use the Dyno and hoist I have instead, he charged me like $3.50 for it all because I provided all my own stuff

  • Heaps for Cheaps on 11/08/2022 - 21:13
    +4

    In other news, I went to Hoyts today to see a movie and asked them to pop my bag of corn kernels but they refused.

    • Baysew on 12/08/2022 - 11:06
      +1

      Similar experience with Village, they wouldn't play the movie I brought along.

  • altitudinous on 11/08/2022 - 21:51

    Part of the mechanics profit comes from the oil markup. You're eating into his profits, you're free to go elsewhere.

  • THICKnSLOW on 11/08/2022 - 22:02
    +1

    Yes I agree with general consensus, simple oil and oil filter changes you can politely tell your mechanic to fcuk off, do it yourself it's easy money saved for yourself.

    $10 bucks I know which mechanic it is too.

    • pinchies on 11/08/2022 - 23:54

      Feel free to have a guess… what's it rhyme with?

      • htc on 12/08/2022 - 15:28

        Which mechanic?

  • drfuzzy on 11/08/2022 - 22:34
    +1

    Your not being unreasonable, but it would not be unreasonable for the mechanic to add a $50 or more surcharge for the customer bringing in his own oil.
    Similar occurs with "corkage" fees when I bring my own wine to a BYO restaurant.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 11/08/2022 - 22:44
    +2

    A reasonable mechanic would happily use your supplied oil, most aren’t chasing every dollar they can squeeze you for. However, they may have had a problem with a previous customer who supplied their own, or some other reason and have decided not to entertain it.

    Totally within their rights, even though I don’t see the problem with it at all. I think it comes down to relationship with the mechanic, and if there is a reason for you supplying your oil. If you’re supplying inferior oil, I actually think it’s responsible of the mechanic to decline yours.

    It’s one of those odd yes but also no situations…

    • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 05:17
      +1

      Plenty of independent mechanics willing to use whatever consumables and parts you supply given they are the recommended or above by car manufacture.

  • fredk1000 on 12/08/2022 - 00:11

    If you supplied the oil how do you know they actually put it in?

    • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 05:20

      Most people are not nefarious but sometimes you just can't know.

    • mini2 on 12/08/2022 - 10:10

      Bit of trust involved.

      Found a new mechanic recently who takes photos of things they do, including tipping in your supplied oil into your car.

  • RolandWaites on 12/08/2022 - 06:36

    YouTube oil changes. Eventually you'll get yourself down to half an hour with no mess and about $100 extra in your pocket. And you'll know you're putting good oil in, not some junk crap they might try get away with.

  • branners on 12/08/2022 - 06:53
    +1

    One way of looking at it; at least your mechanic is being honest and not keeping 'your' oil for his next job, and filling your motor with cheap stuff from the supermarket.
    On the other hand, a premium oil is excellent insurance for your engine's health. I once spent a 4 hour flight seated next to a chemical engineer who worked for an oil company. I thought it was going to be the longest conversation of my life and it turned out to be fascinating

  • jerjergege on 12/08/2022 - 07:32

    BYO oil corkage fee.

    That will bring up the price to the same as just using their oil.

  • t_c on 12/08/2022 - 08:03

    Tell them you normally buy oil at trade discount and you're happy to use their oil if they pass on their trade discount.

    Then watch them get all huffy and puffy.

  • shaybisc on 12/08/2022 - 08:37

    Does OP know what kind of oil the mechanic is using? Probably mentioned above but I can't see it.

  • amie17 on 12/08/2022 - 09:23

    What a cop out. Pay the mechanic for the oil he provides… or do it yourself!

    You wanting to provide the oil is like going to a bakery, buying a cake, bringing your own icing and asking the baker to use your homemade icing. It just doesn’t fly like that.

    • pinchies on 12/08/2022 - 10:38

      An alternative analogy: paying a tiler to tile your bathroom, and providing your own tiles for them to use — completely normal.

      This is what I am inquiring about, whether people see the mechanic as just a service I am paying for their labour, or whether people see "car service" as a product I am buying as a whole package.

      • Guesty on 12/08/2022 - 10:46

        Tilers are a bit different, most ask you to select and pay for the tiles yourself and get them delivered to the site for when the job is booked.
        The Tiler then supplies the sundries, adhesive, grout, etc.
        Have not encountered a single Tiler that has offered to order and pay for the tiles in 12+ tiling jobs I've had done

        • pinchies on 12/08/2022 - 11:51
          +1

          You've replied to disagree with my analogy (fair enough), but you seem to have missed the point of my comment.

          Is car oil the "fish at the fish and chip" shop, or is car oil the "tiles that you give to your tiler". More people are certainly commenting saying it's the fish, but some people are saying that its actually closer to being tiles than fish.

          Regardless, IMHO itemised invoices are so that you can see where your money is going to evaluate the value of each item. Hence, I saw an opportunity to say, sorry, I don't want to buy your oil, but I would like to pay you (quite generously) for your services in these other areas.

  • Guesty on 12/08/2022 - 09:28
    +1

    Is the Mechanic supplying the same grade of oil?

    As a 2014 XV specifies 0W-20 Full synthetic and 5W-30 as an interim oil only.
    0W20 is generally $15-$20 more than 5W-30.

  • Trioboy on 12/08/2022 - 09:29
    +2

    I used to buy my own oil, filters and even coolant when I had a JDM car. Mechanics never had a problem with it.

    • Poor Ass on 12/08/2022 - 10:54
      -2

      what kind of ricer did you have?

      • Trioboy on 13/08/2022 - 22:19

        Toyota Supra

        • Poor Ass on 13/08/2022 - 22:20

          Nice… Wouldn't happen to have the super big exhaust would it?

          • Trioboy on 16/08/2022 - 07:11

            @Poor Ass: No it was pretty much stock, just had a body kit, wheels and air intake. I was on my Ps so didn't want the police attention.

  • Malik Nasser on 12/08/2022 - 10:42
    +1

    This might sound extreme, but did you ask your mechanic why he doesn't want you to provide your own oil?
    We can all speculate why he may say this (as many have already noted - which may indeed be correct), but maybe he might surprise you with a legitimate reason.
    If however his reason is not thought out and inadequate, then you can discuss your own concerns with him about trying to reduce the expense.
    I don't see a reason why you should not be able to bring your own oil. Many mechanics accept this, so you are not being unreasonable to ask.

    • pinchies on 12/08/2022 - 12:00

      I certainly wanted to ask, but I felt that even if I asked "out of curiosity" that it could come across as a bit combative, — like me asking them to justify themselves, when at the end of the day its their-shop-their-rules. I personally suspected the main reason was simply just their way of extra padding on the invoice, and if that was the real case, then what are they going to say? I don't want to hear made up excuses otherwise that would get into a useless argument.

      I don't see a reason why you should not be able to bring your own oil. Many mechanics accept this, so you are not being unreasonable to ask.

      Thanks. Me too. Hence this thread. Quite a diversity of strong opinions!

      • mini2 on 12/08/2022 - 14:21

        I've got a funny feeling, something must've happened recently and caused him to change his tune. Maybe it's a liability thing.

        Perhaps something along the lines of a customer supplied their own oil, while it's the correct weight but incorrect spec and lunched a piston?

        • Malik Nasser on 12/08/2022 - 14:33

          Yeah I was thinking about that as well.
          Perhaps a customer supplied some oil which was different to what was stated on the container. So the mechanic checked the container and the specifications were fine for the make & model of car. However once adding the oil and firing up the car, they had an engine failure.
          Who is to take responsibility in this situation?
          It also gives the mechanic a bad reputation as well, even though it was not his fault.
          So by accepting customers oil, he is taking on more risk but gaining nothing in return.

          • mini2 on 12/08/2022 - 17:39

            @Malik Nasser: That's a different scenario where an already opened bottle is in question. I've had mechanics knocking back opened bottles as they can't confirm what's in it.

            One of my cars needed 6L and the other needs 8L so 3 5L bottles is plenty. Except they won't use the already opened bottle on the second car. Their shop, their rules.

      • Malik Nasser on 12/08/2022 - 14:28

        The way you ask 'why' makes all the difference. If you are generally curious and word it correctly then I am sure you will have no problem getting an answer (empathy). However if you come across as aggressive and state that this is outrageous and ask them to justify this, then clearly the mechanic is going to get defensive and lash out with an angry response.
        It also takes 2 to get into an argument. If you stay calm and composed, regardless of what the mechanic says then the conversation should stay civil. You don't have to agree with the mechanic, but at the end of the day it is his shop.
        Regarding the 'extra padding' on their invoice, how do their prices compare to other mechanics in the area? If their prices are generally more expensive, then yes I would agree this would be extra padding. However if their prices are generally cheaper, then they are using the margin on the oil sale to cover some of the lost income from lower labour cost. I guess it just depends on how they budget their business expenses.
        Mechanics are people too, so treat them as you yourself would like to be treated. Yes you do get some which are rude and obnoxious, but they also cop a lot of crappy customers which doesn't help.

  • backpaqer on 12/08/2022 - 11:25
    +1

    You could end up on YouTube

    • pinchies on 12/08/2022 - 12:01

      I've already seen this video, love his content. ;-)

  • hasher22 on 12/08/2022 - 13:11

    Im in a business where customers can provide their own ingredients or decorations. I always advise them that their providings may alter the taste and texture and they're always good with it. But it's rare, but business is business.

    Just like how that mechanic refuses to use your oil, I can refuse the customers ingredients.

    I think to avoid headache, learn to replace the oil and filter yourself, it's quite easy to do when you do it on your own car after the 1st/2nd time.

    In my crazy, younger years, I had an rx8 I had to change the oil every 3k to 4k, no way I'm going to a mechanic each time.

  • helpme on 12/08/2022 - 13:11

    I completely understand if places have to markup stuff to make a profit on things such as labour which aren't directly accounted for like restaurants but they're already charging $100-$150 an hour for labour so I don't quite understand it. Especially when they're probably paying mechanics $30-$50 an hour.

    • 91rs on 12/08/2022 - 13:54
      +1

      That $100-150 per hour evaporates quickly with the cost of a workshop, staff, equipment, tools, insurances etc etc.
      Remove the sale of parts or fluids with markup on that and they're working even less

      • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 15:33

        Most businesses have a place of operation, hire staff, have equipment/tools and pay insurances, etc. Lame justification for evaporation of 150$/hr - which covers a well-oiled mechanics business easily, with reasonable (below-)retail margins on products supplied.

  • eklipsils on 12/08/2022 - 13:41
    +2

    $100 for 5L is ridiculous for that oil. If the mechanic charged $70, I wouldn't mind paying but if you can get it for <$50, I would def bring my own oil.

    • apu on 12/08/2022 - 14:17

      Using that logic, you probably don't like to buy wine, beer or drinks from restaurants or pubs - because you can get it for half or a third of the cost at Dan Murphy's or the supermarket.

      These businesses still need to make money and they do so through margin.

      That said, I have always used mechanics who allow me to supply my own oil (I check first) and even some dealerships have allowed it in the past. Mechanics are a dime a dozen, so find one that suits you.

      • Darude Sandstorm on 14/08/2022 - 12:21
        +1

        But what's the pubs labour charge on the invoice they give you?
        I personally have never seen a 'Pouring Fee' at a pub.

    • 91rs on 12/08/2022 - 14:32

      Take your choice of oils for OPs car from most expensive to cheapest from SCA below.
      $70 ($69) not on sale is the cheapest, seems most in this thread are out of touch with prices of stuff (especially when not on sale).

      Then add in the price of an oil filter. From SCA website again, $10~26 for a filter. There's easily $100 with little to no markup* depending on what's purchased.
      *little to no markup being based on what's in stock or available at the time of purchase (the cheapest isn't always available) or location which during covid has been harder from time to time.

      Nulon $88
      https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/nulon-nulon-fuel-saving-…

      Valvoline $80 (6L)
      https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/valvoline-valvoline-synp…

      Penrite $77
      https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/penrite-penrite-enviro-e…

      Mobil $69
      https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/mobil-mobil-super-3000-a…

    • Malik Nasser on 12/08/2022 - 14:40

      Is the $100 only for the oil, or does it also include handling and disposal of the oil as well? Maybe there are other costs lumped in with the oil and it is not itemised entirely on the invoice.

      • pinchies on 12/08/2022 - 15:53

        Oil filter and oil disposal were itemised separately.

  • Worf on 12/08/2022 - 14:40

    Anyone else notice that 0w20 is seldom on sale

  • OzzyOzbourne on 12/08/2022 - 16:37

    Their shop so up to them.

  • fillit on 12/08/2022 - 16:42

    If you want to use your own oil, do your own oil changes.

    If you want the shop to do it, pay the markup.

    You don't walk into a restaurant and give them raw ingredients because you can find it cheaper at the market.

  • PAPower on 12/08/2022 - 17:00

    You need to find a home mechanic who accommodates your request. My preferred mechanic only charges for labour and I provide all the parts.
    he lives in metro Adelaide. Fully qualified, tax invoice and warranty available if you do a big job (radiator, clutch repair/replacement that sort of thing).
    I used to do all of the below myself but I think his prices are too good. Notes CASH ONLY.
    - Oil change = $30
    - Air filter change = $10
    - Brake pads change = $30 each axle i.e each two wheels
    - Wipers change = $10

    It is ridiculous that the push bike shop charged me $90 for a minor service the other day - kinda urgent brake fix and I didn't have the tool/parts..

  • bongoman on 12/08/2022 - 17:14
    +1

    oils have 'specifications' not just weight - if you are getting the right spec oil, there is not 'issue with providing it' however - the mechanic has the right to refuse to use it.

    bluntly - if they are using drum pumps - they will preset the oil quantity and pump the right spec and quantity in. pouring yours in takes time, and a extra check, and make sure you have the right quantity (like 5.7L like my dumb car)…..

    Its great that someone can do it, but depending on how the shop is set up - it could be extra steps….

  • mshanann on 12/08/2022 - 20:49

    For me, it would depend on the duration and type of relationship you want with the service provider (i.e. mechanic) and whether you value the quality of their work.

    A good rapport can work both ways - you may pay a slight premium to use the mechanic, but loyalty and appreciativeness of their service is often reciprocated at a later date by them not carrying out needless work, providing honest advice, and accommodating you when in need.

  • gakko on 12/08/2022 - 22:11

    I dont want the D-grade maxi tub trash in my car. I bring my own decent spec oil, bought on sale. Mechanic doesnt gaf. I'll offer corkage next time though because I don't want to eat his profits. I just want to know I'm putting quality in.

  • lddv04 on 12/08/2022 - 22:33

    Haven't we been through this question previously?

  • Bid Sniper on 12/08/2022 - 22:55
    +2

    Go elsewhere.

    I take my own oil when I get my Kia and SSubaru serviced. No questions asked they are happy to obliged my request.

    The oil I use was recommended by my engine builder. I buy it in 20L, it's 15w-40 deisel truck oil. Heavier grade but its more suitable for turbo engines in Australian climate.

  • shaybisc on 13/08/2022 - 08:40

    So OP wants to use top spec synthetic oil but instead must pay $100 for god knows what mystery blend. Unless you know what he's using and you're happy with that you need to change something.

  • carlitos on 13/08/2022 - 10:06
    +2

    This is normal, use to do it as a teenager when I was more into cars and caring about high performance. Even use to provide my own oil filter, air filter and brake pads, all the brands that I wanted.

    Times are changing too much society is getting weaker mentally and accepting of everything. On top of this, trades and businesses have so much work they can choose their clientele and practices.

  • Xuaxace on 13/08/2022 - 11:27
    +1

    There are plenty of independents that would accept your oil however, this is usually for the opposite reason as OP, i.e. customers are particular about using a particular oil and brand from an enthusiast-level rather than penny-pinching.

  • conza on 13/08/2022 - 16:23

    It does depend, but oil is bloody oil, if you've found some on sale that's cheaper than it costs the mechanic (or what they'll charge you), they should let you use it.

    If not, just go to another mechanic, honestly, great ones are great, mediocre ones well.

  • TimApple on 14/08/2022 - 00:17
    -1

    In a decade or two we won’t have these problems with electric cars.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2022 - 05:59

      They've been saying that for a decade or four. And it doesn't look like even Europe (who would be the most likely to achieve it) with incoming energy rationing, is getting further away from achieving it - not closer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR80q_CEWu4

  • Dose Pipe Sutututu on 14/08/2022 - 00:21

    FWIW, I take our Tiguan shit box to a VW service centre, provide my own oil and they're happy to use it and reduce the cost of the fix priced service. However (disclosure?) I prefer Penrite over the OEM Castrol Edge LL, I don't seem to have oil consumption issues like other VW owners. Not to mention Penrite works great in my R33 GTS-t shitbox.

  • iceice1 on 14/08/2022 - 00:28

    I track my car and provide my own oil to BMW - never had a problem- they give the bottles back filled with the old oil and I just drop it off to the local tip (free) on my way home. Car is still under warranty, hence they do the servicing

  • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2022 - 05:55
    +1

    It's a pretty simple request. If they're whining about that, get a new mechanic. Most shops don't have the room for multiple oil grades lying around, so they have a large tank that gets refilled every few weeks (or they get 44 gallon drums delivered) - containing one grade to cover most vehicles. But some need thinner oil not to wear out the engine, some thicker to prevent smoking, etc. So it doesn't mean their one drum suits yours.

    e.g. Someone may want a full synthetic to keep all sludge out of their engine, someone else only a partial synthetic because full would clean away sludge causing their seals to start leaking (which suits the mechanic just fine - new seals time!), someone else with a 1980s classic only needs a basic multigrade… They're only losing a few $ markup for goodness sake.

    • Awoke on 14/08/2022 - 10:43
      +1

      Exactly. If this mechanic doesn’t want to pander to ops every whim, op has a right to take their business elsewhere just as the mechanic can run their business however they want

      • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2022 - 16:31

        Yeah I think what I might do if OP is otherwise happy with the mechanic… is say something like I won a competition for a lifetime supply of oil (if he always buys the same type), or a relative owns a Supercheap branch and gives the family free "shop soiled" stock like where someone has opened then put back on the shelf and they get to write it off on tax.

        The mechanic could just be trying to save OPs time knowing most people change cars every few years, so who cares about a little engine wear if the oil isn't the most suitable type. But if he still objects after hearing OP gets oil free… it's time to move on.

        • Awoke on 14/08/2022 - 18:37

          Why do you lefties insist on telling people how to live their lives and run their businesses? Take your custom elsewhere.

          • [Deactivated] on 16/08/2022 - 01:34

            @Awoke: Um… I'm not "left"… and, I was agreeing with you!? Oh well.

            Maybe this was the problem?

            "The mechanic could just be trying to save OPs time knowing most people change cars every few years, so who cares about a little engine wear if the oil isn't the most suitable type. But if he still objects after hearing OP gets oil free… it's time to move on."

            I was speaking from the mechanic's perspective. i.e. Maybe he's thinking what is the customer whining about, the wrong oil will only mean a small amount of engine wear… and that's wrong, is what I meant.

            • Awoke on 16/08/2022 - 07:37

              @[Deactivated]: You weren’t agreeing. You were still suggesting op press their position with some rubbish explanation.

              • [Deactivated] on 16/08/2022 - 15:12

                @Awoke: Uhm…. You should read your comment 3 up. I said something about with you then said: "Exactly" too. (Agreeing with me, right?) Then I agreed with you, adding the mechanic might be fobbing the OP off, not caring a little engine wear caused just as long as he sells his one-size-fits-all oil. Then you switched to some rant about you lefties, etc. Now I'm wrong, even though you agree with me, and I agree with you back, and now you tell me I wasn't. I can't follow you. You quite literally disagreed with yourself, lol.

          • cobknob on 17/08/2022 - 23:57

            @Awoke: The dare you have! I'm a righty! :P

  • Nikabagz on 14/08/2022 - 09:49

    change your own oil like true ozbargin

  • xlimit on 14/08/2022 - 12:01

    Allow your mechanic to use his oil for the change. Then, while he's still there, take off the oil cap that he's just put back on, stand on your front bumper, and pee into your engine block for dominance. Show your displeasure at the oil that he's chosen. Make him redo the oil change but now with your oil of choice.

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