Jiffy Lube NOT as bad as you think

I hope they didn't put Dexron III into your transaxle.

 

That certainly helps but is no guarantee, see below.

Yes, what fluid and what qty was used? If the replacement fluid was not 4 US quarts of Toyota ATF WS (I doubt Jiffy Lube would stock that) then your transaxle may be in trouble...

 

I would suspect Jiffy Lube is just like almost anyplace, it all depends on the knowledge, integrity and quality of the individual running the place. If you've happened to find a Jiffy Lube where they seem to know and be able to handle your Prius? Great.

For me? Jiffy Lubes are okay for my 93 Honda but no way am I gambling that "Jiffy" can handle my new Prius. Especially when you are talking synthetic oil of a specific relatively unpopular weight and the removal and replacement of plates beneath the auto.

Plus regardless of what the Head Tech might tell you when you pull in, you Still need to watch them like a hawk. I used to run full synthetic in my Nissan Pickup. I was obssesive. It happened at least once a year, I'd pull into Jiffy Lube, get assurances from the "manager" that they were putting full synthetic in, and then I'd watch them start to fill it with the regular Dino Oil. If I didn't stick around and watch I'm 100% convinced I would of gotten the regular Dino Oil, been charged for the synthetic. Regardless of the supposed knowledge of the few, I'd still be very nervous about a Jiffy Lube team taking the time to fill to 3.9 quarts, and handle all the minutia of difference it takes to deal with The Prius. Go ahead, Jiffy Lube if you want. Not me.

 

After they scratched my car twice (2 visits) I gave up on them. They just cannot figure out how NOT to drag those damned hoses across your paint.

 

Yep, there are a few jiffy complainers:

Don't cash those Jiffy Lube settlement cards just yet | KOMO News - Seattle, Washington | News

One more cup of coffee: Jiffy Lube sucks

What's Wrong At Jiffy Lube? Learn remedies. Add your experience.

I duno ... do these folks have too much time on their hands? I do my own, after cerain 'issues' . . . so for us, we're good to go.


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Question. If the tranny fluid is mainly for lubrication and cooling and not operating clutch bands then is a regular tranny fluid really the best? I don't know so that is why I am asking folks. There is another thread on tranny fluid that makes me wonder what is best. I guess the electric motor cannot be exposed to a fluid that would somehow degrade the wiring. Who really knows?

 

Yep, when I can. I do have a local shop that I know the manager and he lets me in the shop as the work is being done. He remembers me from the VOTEC center where I was an instructor before 911. I trust him. Find a mechanic and shop you can trust folks and give them your business.:rockon:

 

i dont know if you know about this but watch.. i know its an old video.

i'll never ever bring my car to any jiffy lube no matter how crappy my car is. period.

 

Was that what they did to me back when I had a manual-transmission Geo? Whatever they drained back out at the transmission repair shop, it wasn't the right stuff for the job...

 

Come to think of it, I don't think I've had anyone change the oil in ANY of my vehicles in probably 8 years.

I do it myself, that way I know what is put in, how much and the quality of parts I use.


I'm about to hit 5000 on my new Prius. I think I'll be ordering some Amsoil for it.

 

Well it sounds like you found a good one, Jason...kudos! But nobody loves your car more than you so always check levels, yourself, and keep good maintenance notes. This helps keep up with what's needed but, also, can save you money if you ever do see a shady mechanic who tries to sell you stuff the car doesn't need.
Like my son-in-law....one of his front tires (2012 Sienna) was wearing unevenly on the inside so I told him to take it somewhere for an alignment. He went to Brakes Plus because he found a coupon for $80. The came out to him with a list of "broken" items and told him he had "frame shift" so needed a LOT of things. He called me and I told him just to just thank them and just pay for the alignment. Then, he brought me the receipt and, surprise, they had written down NOTHING about the junk they tried to sell him! (And his alignment was off pretty bad...glad it was fixed.)
I've asked a number of mechanics what "frame shift" was and have yet to find someone who's heard of it...must be in the realm of "blinker fluid" !!!