My first oil change
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
My first oil change
Took car in for first oil change since I have owned my car and I would guess it is the first it has ever had with only 9000 miles on the odometer. The dealer charged $89, which I did not think was too bad, since they supposedly also check a lot of stuff. When I got home I cleaned up the car and decided to check the cabin filter, which I understand should be changed about every year in most cases. It had leaves and other junk inside, so obviously it was not inspected. I am beginning to wonder what else they did not do.
#2
Le Mans Master
You gotta take charge of these things. Question or verify with the service tech as to what's included and what you want them to do and how much $$ it's going to cost and when it will be ready. Ask if they have the appropriate lift for a Corvette and if the synthetic oil that's called for will be listed on the invoice. Insist that it is along with the oil filter and what other 'service' items you want to be checked. Some places say they check and top off all fluids, check all air filters, belts and hoses, perform a lube job, air up the tires, make recommendations as to what needs attention and on and on. Some don't unless you ask for it. I like having a good relationship with my service provider and we always have a proper 'meeting of the minds' as to what I want done, what it will cost and when it will be ready (before) they get the key. I always give them a spotless car as well. I believe that even their lowest paid employee would treat it better than a dirty 'unkempt' car during a routine service and it also makes it easy to see any smudges when you do a walk around and check under the hood. I once found a special oil filter removal tool with ratchet wrench attached laying on the manifold of a Cadillac I used to own after an
oil change. It really pays off to take notice of such things before driving away.
oil change. It really pays off to take notice of such things before driving away.
#3
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C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
Took car in for first oil change since I have owned my car and I would guess it is the first it has ever had with only 9000 miles on the odometer. The dealer charged $89, which I did not think was too bad, since they supposedly also check a lot of stuff. When I got home I cleaned up the car and decided to check the cabin filter, which I understand should be changed about every year in most cases. It had leaves and other junk inside, so obviously it was not inspected. I am beginning to wonder what else they did not do.
#4
Safety Car
1. Check your oil level.
2. Check your rocker panels.
3. I would not expect the cabin air filter to be inspected or replaced at a 9000 miles service... it's not part of "Maintenance I". See "Scheduled Maintenance" pg 6-5: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf
4. Since your cabin filter was clogged, I'd check the engine air filter, too. Dealer should've inspected it... LS3 filter should be good for 50k miles; just lightly shake it to dislodge crap. See pg 5-28: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf
2. Check your rocker panels.
3. I would not expect the cabin air filter to be inspected or replaced at a 9000 miles service... it's not part of "Maintenance I". See "Scheduled Maintenance" pg 6-5: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf
4. Since your cabin filter was clogged, I'd check the engine air filter, too. Dealer should've inspected it... LS3 filter should be good for 50k miles; just lightly shake it to dislodge crap. See pg 5-28: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf
#5
Melting Slicks
#6
Race Director
...................
3. I would not expect the cabin air filter to be inspected or replaced at a 9000 miles service... it's not part of "Maintenance I". See "Scheduled Maintenance" pg 6-5: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf.......................
3. I would not expect the cabin air filter to be inspected or replaced at a 9000 miles service... it's not part of "Maintenance I". See "Scheduled Maintenance" pg 6-5: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf.......................
#8
Le Mans Master
Yes, they should have checked the cabin air filter. Replacing this filter is a Maintenance II item that is supposed to be done once a year. Since they didn't check this they are missing the purpose of the "FREE 834 POINT INSPECTION!!!" which is to sell more needless parts and labor increasing the service department's profit margin. That free inspection is a marketing tool, not something to help the customers.
And did you check your rocker panels? Dealers are notorious for cracking rockers whenever they lift a C6.
And did you check your rocker panels? Dealers are notorious for cracking rockers whenever they lift a C6.
#9
Pro
#10
Le Mans Master
You gotta take charge of these things. Question or verify with the service tech as to what's included and what you want them to do and how much $$ it's going to cost and when it will be ready. Ask if they have the appropriate lift for a Corvette and if the synthetic oil that's called for will be listed on the invoice. Insist that it is along with the oil filter and what other 'service' items you want to be checked. Some places say they check and top off all fluids, check all air filters, belts and hoses, perform a lube job, air up the tires, make recommendations as to what needs attention and on and on. Some don't unless you ask for it. I like having a good relationship with my service provider and we always have a proper 'meeting of the minds' as to what I want done, what it will cost and when it will be ready (before) they get the key. I always give them a spotless car as well. I believe that even their lowest paid employee would treat it better than a dirty 'unkempt' car during a routine service and it also makes it easy to see any smudges when you do a walk around and check under the hood. I once found a special oil filter removal tool with ratchet wrench attached laying on the manifold of a Cadillac I used to own after an
oil change. It really pays off to take notice of such things before driving away.
oil change. It really pays off to take notice of such things before driving away.
#11
Race Director
1. Check your oil level.
2. Check your rocker panels.
3. I would not expect the cabin air filter to be inspected or replaced at a 9000 miles service... it's not part of "Maintenance I". See "Scheduled Maintenance" pg 6-5: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf
4. Since your cabin filter was clogged, I'd check the engine air filter, too. Dealer should've inspected it... LS3 filter should be good for 50k miles; just lightly shake it to dislodge crap. See pg 5-28: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf
2. Check your rocker panels.
3. I would not expect the cabin air filter to be inspected or replaced at a 9000 miles service... it's not part of "Maintenance I". See "Scheduled Maintenance" pg 6-5: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf
4. Since your cabin filter was clogged, I'd check the engine air filter, too. Dealer should've inspected it... LS3 filter should be good for 50k miles; just lightly shake it to dislodge crap. See pg 5-28: http://www.gmpartshouse.com/download...09corvette.pdf
#12
Safety Car
Member Since: Jun 2006
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Look , you want some really good advice . Dont ever ASSUME GM delaers know what they are doing. Do your research, try and find a good trusty mechanic and stay away at all costs unless you have to absolutley go to GM for service. Most of us have leanrned with 1 or 2 visits who and what type of people your dealing with .
#17
Instructor
Thread Starter
I have gone to Chuckies in Newbury Park for most of the work I have had done, but I wanted the dealer to look at a few things that might be covered under warranty. They did sort of fix one of the issues but said the poor fit of the dashboard could not be repaired. Where the front fender meets the bumper to the inside of the headlight, it sticks up on one side of my car. The service manager said it is held down by a clip and he claimed they were able to make it 90% better, although it still sticks up and does not fit quite right. I agree with you all. Next time I will go to Chuckies and bring my oil from Costco and save some money and know I am getting a good job.
#18
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I just got my '09 with 16K on it. I know that's 4 years instead of the OP's 2 years, but for $12 and with the crazy pollen in OH I'll just change the cabin air filter every spring. It was filthy.
I would imagine the dealer checked the air filter since they'd love to sell one, but have a look at it in case. But it should be good for quite a while longer...
I would imagine the dealer checked the air filter since they'd love to sell one, but have a look at it in case. But it should be good for quite a while longer...
#19
Instructor
I avoid dealers unless its warrenty work and then I only go to a dealer that sells lots of Corvettes and has a cert Corvette tech and I talk to him first. Hopefully they put your oil filter and crankcase bolt on correctly. good luck