Odd handling--tire pressure after oil change!

Gadgetdad · 04-06-2008, 07:29 PM

Here is another item to watch for after a dealer service.....

Not only did the Dealer tech not put my 3.5 quarts of Mobil 1 in the crankcase and overfilled (by 1/2 inch) with Dino vat oil, apparently he noticed I was running 42/40 psi in my tires and randomly let out a few pounds in each tire. My car was behaving differently, so I finally got around to checking the tires. 34 and 36 in the front and 32/38 in the back.

I had discovered the oil switch a few weeks ago, but the pressure thing surprised me. I had figured they wouldn't bother to check air pressure or would leave it alone after a visual check. I can't wait till an independent and qualified Prius service center opens up ran by somebody that reads PriusChat!

Lee

JimN · 04-06-2008, 08:40 PM

You don't need a qualified hybrid tech to do an oil change and I doubt the dealer paid that guy to change your oil. Anyone can do an oil change so find an independant mechanic who will do things the way you want or change the oil yourself.

Prius 07 · 04-07-2008, 09:51 AM

Same thing happened at my dealership. I have them show me the oil level when I pick up the car and check the tire pressure soon as I leave the dealership. I would understand if they put 35/33 psi in the tires but the way they do it makes me think they are playing bingo to figure out how much to put into each tire.

carz89 · 04-07-2008, 10:09 AM

G-dad - how did you discover that they put in dino oil, rather than mobil-1? Did you ask the mechanic, or did you take a small sample and look at it yourself?

Gadgetdad · 04-07-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjzito

G-dad - how did you discover that they put in dino oil, rather than mobil-1? Did you ask the mechanic, or did you take a small sample and look at it yourself?

I was in the engine compartment showing off the BT Tower Strut Brace and wanted to check the oil a few days after the change, noticed the overfill and the color of the oil on the dipstick was way off from the Mobil 1 color. I had noted on the service order "use client's Mobil 1 oil" (located in an open box on the front passenger's floor). I had given them 3 1/2 U.S. Quarts of Oil to use. So an overfill was unlikely if they used my oil, and the color difference was also unlikely.

A few days later a routine follow up call from the dealer asked if I was happy with the recent service! I informed them of my suspicions, and a few days later the service rep. called and apologized saying the service person no longer worked for them and offered a free oil change.

I drained a bit of oil myself and may take them up on the offer for a free change, but I will do as others suggest and check the oil before leaving the dealership. I will most likely just do it myself and get some jack stands to do the tire rotation too!

Lee

04-06-2008, 07:29 PM	#1
Gadgetdad Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Modesto, California Posts: 453 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Premium w/ Solar Cells - CA Thanks: 86 Thanked 40 Times in 17 Posts Friends: 0	Odd handling--tire pressure after oil change! Here is another item to watch for after a dealer service..... Not only did the Dealer tech not put my 3.5 quarts of Mobil 1 in the crankcase and overfilled (by 1/2 inch) with Dino vat oil, apparently he noticed I was running 42/40 psi in my tires and randomly let out a few pounds in each tire. My car was behaving differently, so I finally got around to checking the tires. 34 and 36 in the front and 32/38 in the back. I had discovered the oil switch a few weeks ago, but the pressure thing surprised me. I had figured they wouldn't bother to check air pressure or would leave it alone after a visual check. I can't wait till an independent and qualified Prius service center opens up ran by somebody that reads PriusChat! Lee __________________ '10 Blizzard Pearl IV with Sunroof and illuminated door sills; tinted windows; Darell's LED door, cargo, and overhead lighting; and until sold: an 07 Super White Touring #3 with: ScanGaugeII, BT Stiffening Plate, BT Strut Tower Brace, Sharkfin antenna, K&N air filter (winter only), EV switch and constant on power socket, window tint, Mobil 1 oil, EBH, JBL component speakers in the front & Dynamated doors. Bazooka SubW, Mudflaps with extra screw.

04-06-2008, 08:40 PM	#2
JimN P719 of ??? Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Jersey Posts: 2,702 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: N/A Package: #3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 30 Times in 28 Posts Friends: 2	Re: Odd handling--tire pressure after oil change! You don't need a qualified hybrid tech to do an oil change and I doubt the dealer paid that guy to change your oil. Anyone can do an oil change so find an independant mechanic who will do things the way you want or change the oil yourself.

04-07-2008, 09:51 AM	#3
Prius 07 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 604 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Odd handling--tire pressure after oil change! Same thing happened at my dealership. I have them show me the oil level when I pick up the car and check the tire pressure soon as I leave the dealership. I would understand if they put 35/33 psi in the tires but the way they do it makes me think they are playing bingo to figure out how much to put into each tire.

04-07-2008, 10:09 AM	#4
carz89 I study nuclear science... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 342 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: N/A Package: #3 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Odd handling--tire pressure after oil change! G-dad - how did you discover that they put in dino oil, rather than mobil-1? Did you ask the mechanic, or did you take a small sample and look at it yourself?