Hello Ian, and the List Folk:
Here's one for you. in abridged form. Went to a Jiffy Lube in Peabody
Massachusetts two years ago with my 1970 Volvo 1800 E, with the though in
mind to top up the fluids and have an oil change and chassis lube. (Nice
way to treat a new mount: I wanted to secure loyalty, after all)
They seem more interested with whether I have coupons for the job [and are
more than surprized that I do NOT] than anything else, but they, after all,
are the front office boys, right?
Somewhat akin to Ian's Camry experience, they tell me that they'll have to
charge for extra oil. That's curious. While the car is still over the pit,
I ask to see the dipstick. It's a no-show.
They add more oil. It's a no-show again. I think to ask, diplomatically,
whether the filler plug has been replaced, but there's no puddle of oil in
the pit, nor on the face of the technician. Light dawns: this particular
1800 is an automatic. Could they possibly.... "How about checking *this*
dipstick?"
"Oh."
After draining a quart of oil from the transmission, they filled the sump
with 10W30, and after a little chagrin on their part, they assured me that
any 'topping up' was on the house until my next oil change. Flushing out
the transmission with ATF was on the house, too.
Remember, folks: CAVEAT EMPTOR. That translates to either watch like a
hawk or have someone covering your back at all times.
Ian, I bet your wife will long remember this, and the way you handled it
so well. Talk with you soon,
Best Wishes,
David Kellogg
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