THIS! is why I can't wait to swap my truck for a Slate: maintenance & service costs

E90400K

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When you look up that Ford additive it says is specifically designed for Ford and Lincoln vehicles, often used in limited-slip differential applications to reduce noise and chatter, with a 2-year/unlimited-mile warranty. Or there is no record of it existing or it's a breakin oil Lol So I doubt it's that or if it is... It's more likely some $3 additive they buy by the case and then charge $21.50. But yeah I think you would have a case if the engine did fail and you had that language on the receipt that the dealer had been adding unapproved additives. They should just call it the "enhanced profit charge"
The label says " Engine Oil Modifier", but I did see the limited slip diff friction modifier as well.
 

SparkYellow

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The invoice states C500 Zak engine oil booster. The manufacturer sells them by the case (of 24) and requires a login to display pricing. Found a bmw online retailer that sells one at $17.80. I haven't found the MSDS that lists the additives package. If one is available, you can collect a sample from the dipstick and send in for analysis.

The better practice is to offer you the option and try to sell the benefits for you to accept or reject. They chose not to. A bit of distrust has grown from that omission. Naturally I wonder if they in fact added the full bottle.

The lack of the MSDS means it's hard to check. If the Mavericks don't have a dipstick, the dealership knows that it is highly unlikely that any owner would drain to collect a sample. (Many DIY folks replaced the drain plug with a valve which makes it easier to control the flow). The UOA would cost $40 and may or may not demonstrate the values of additives. I can ask my lab contact if they have seen enough Maverick samples with the same booster ingredients.

You can see the volume of doubts I have about dealerships. 😁 If it was me, they'd add $40 for wiper fluids. I understand that you are inclined to leave it as is. When you return for the next oil change, let them know that you prefer transparency and a quote, and that if you want to buy extra, you can say yes.

Slate Auto Pickup Truck THIS! is why I can't wait to swap my truck for a Slate: maintenance & service costs Screenshot_20260101-091932


Slate Auto Pickup Truck THIS! is why I can't wait to swap my truck for a Slate: maintenance & service costs Screenshot_20260101-091825


Slate Auto Pickup Truck THIS! is why I can't wait to swap my truck for a Slate: maintenance & service costs Screenshot_20260101-092106
 
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KJRaven

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The tech notes call out "ZAK engine oil booster", and the part #C-500 matches this...
https://zakproducts.com/shop/oil/engine-oil-booster/

It is not a product that you can buy as a consumer directly, they only do business with businesses, and Isee that they are owned by Berkshire Hathaway... so take that for what it is worth.

Id be pissed if it got put in my engine, especially for an extra $22!

From my time as a delaership tech I remember turning in the bottle caps for shit like this to a rep who handed out cash as a reward for pushing their overpriced products. I would wager that this is going on at this dealer as well, the tech probably made a couple extra bucks for dumping this in your engine....

It is probably not going to do any harm, but probably wont do any good either especially if they actually used the correct engine oil.
 

LoneWolfo6

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Yep, good old ICE efficient engines.🤣

Owned a Honda CRV New, never left the dealership service without at least $200 each visit. Would drop it off and leave in my Tesla and pick up later. They would ask “How you like that EV?”

“Love it, no oil changes and hidden charges!”
 

SparkYellow

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$30 is a bargain for tire rotations! I pay $45 to the shop and tip the techs separately. Mine is a small low-end SUV with just front to back swaps. I imagine it would cost more on large trucks and premium SUVs.

This is a small indie shop and they have been ok with my mounting/balancing-only jobs. They have also patched multiple punctures in the last two years.
 

Paul

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At least you got the complimentary world class multi-point inspection. So there's that, right? 😃
That's actually not a bad thing for people who never get under the truck and if the dealership is actually honest. The thing I always find interesting is that there's plenty of work to be had on vehicles if someone trusts you. It's going to break. It's going to wear out. Keep the customer for six vehicles and
Yep, good old ICE efficient engines.🤣

Owned a Honda CRV New, never left the dealership service without at least $200 each visit. Would drop it off and leave in my Tesla and pick up later. They would ask “How you like that EV?”

“Love it, no oil changes and hidden charges!”
Tesla is all about proprietary repair and parts? They seem to get pretty expensive if they break.
 
 
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