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

[Sojourner]

Stealerships SUCK!

At least you got the complimentary world class multi-point inspection. So there's that, right? 😃

 

[E90400K]

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]

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.

 

[KJRaven]

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]

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]

$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]

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.

 

[bartflossom]

Thanks everyone.

Yeah, I'll probably get some calls from them when I leave a google review. I even had a car wash manager come knock on my door begging me to take down a review I did once.

Other than that I'll probably just change it early like at 2500 miles and not worry about it.

You think Ford would have learned their lesson as they had an additive issue with their shelby mustangs a while back. They were pushing Carroll Shelby fuel additive and it would totally F up the high perf engine.

 

[sodamo]

If the Zak oil additive was that good, why doesn’t it extend oil changes?

 

[GaRailroader]

If the Zak oil additive was that good, why doesn’t it extend oil changes?

Sounds like snake oil.

 

[E90400K]

Sounds like snake oil.

From the Polyalphaolefin snake. A rare breed only found in the deepest parts of the Detroit river basin, hardly ever seen outside its natural habitat. First captured in the 1930's and only recently bred in captivity starting in the 1970's.

 

[AZFox]

If someone put an additive in my oil I'd change the oil and filter immediately to get it out of there.

Oil additives area BAD idea. There's a low risk of damage, but there can be high damage if damage happens.

If you don't believe me (an internet forum rando), maybe you'll believe Lake Speed Jr., a.k.a. "The Motor Oil Geek".

"The reality is that motor oils are
already a complex mixture. There can be
14 different chemicals in one motor oil
and when you add another chemical or
three or four, or you I don't know how
many, to that mix sometimes it could go
good sometimes it could go bad."

"It's basically chemical Russian roulette with
your engine whenever you put an additive
into your oil."

"My thought is this: If you have to put an
additive in your oil you're using the wrong oil."

Source:
YouTube: Motor Oil & Fuel Additives: Just a WASTE of MONEY?

 

[SparkYellow]

My biggest fear is that I get charged for a service that is not done, and I keep driving on old fluids/parts until real harm is done. I look like someone who can't tell, and sometimes it is really hard for average consumers to tell. I do as much as I can on the driveway, but after one minor jack stand mishap, I don't attempt anything that requires lifting beyond what my ramps can do.

Most shops don't let customers inside the garage area and usually there is a service person relaying messages. I find that small indie shops of one mechanic with two lifts are more open. I can talk to them directly and see what's happening.

I had to get the transmission fluid refreshed this summer but didn't have a trusted mechanic at the moment. It was overdue as a result of my oversight. I went to one well reviewed medium shop for a general inspection. I was kept in a waiting room with a very narrow view of the garage. The quote they gave me on replacing motor mounts listed my car as a fwd. It is awd. My tires were inflated to 33 psi all around. The label on the door jamb says 36/33 F/R.

After a lot of internal debate, I decided to do it myself. There is a local shop that rents out lifts/tools and offers tech help. Over a series of half-day sessions, I completed three rounds of drain & fill. Finally after six weeks, I was comfortable enough to drop the pan, replace the filter, and reseal the pan in a full-day session.

I also replaced the motor mounts, struts and shocks at the DIY shop, with guidance and help. The shop that did the inspection reported that a rear shock was leaking. I didn't find any leak on any of them, they were definitely worn though.

Maybe the dealership didn't actually add the booster, because they were so quick to deduct $45 off the bill. 😅

 

[SparkYellow]

Sounds like snake oil.

I am an additive junkie and believe in our right to choose which snake oil to use! 😁

 

[JoeUser]

For me it's not the money or the sleaziness of it... It's the time. I have too much going on to spend an afternoons or two every year in a dealership lobby. Even a jiffy-lube trip is generally a few hours all told. And don't get me started on weekly trips to the gas station.