I bring my Jeep to the dealer for routine service, as they gave me 3 years of free oil changes. This expires in August, but I'll take advantage of it till then.
Last year, one of the service writers says to me, "we recommend changing rear axle oil at 12,000 miles."
"Are you guys tossing that in with the oil change?"
"No", he said. "This isn't related to he oil change."
"Why not?", I reply, "It's an oil change for the differential".
"It is, but that's not part of your service deal."
"Then why change it at 12,000 miles?"
"Because the oil breaks down over time", was his answer.
Shaking my head, I responded... "No it doesn't, not under normal use. That's a synthetic oil, and there isn't enough heat to break down that oil. Furthermore, Jeep recommends changing axle oil at 24k, 18k for severe off road use, and that's just to flush out fine metallic particulates than can accelerate wear. It has nothing to do with break down of the oil."
"It's just our recommendation..."
"Thanks, but I'll stick to the factory schedule."
Last week I was back for service and a different service writer says, "We recommend flushing the transmission fluid at 24,000 miles."
"You mean, drain and refill, right?"
"Correct."
Seeing yet another attempt to pad their income, I ask a simple question.. "Why?"
"The fluid breaks down from heat over time."
"I see..", I reply. "Then why does Jeep recommend the first change of the ATF at 60,000 miles?"
"Well", says the service geek, "that's the maximum mileage."
"But, 24,000 isn't even half way to that. Why would I want to change the fluid when the fluid isn't burnt, the tranny isn't slipping and my warranty requirement is 60K?
"That will minimize your risk."
Amazed still, I answer.. "I don't have any risk whatsoever. I have a lifetime, bumper to bumper warranty. All I have to do is follow the factory maintenance schedule to maintain it. So, I'll be passing on unneeded maintenance."
While it was in for service, I asked that the tech check the rear brake pads... They wear faster in the rear due to the Traction Control system and ESP and were getting close to worn out when I inspected them not more than two weeks prior. While the rear wheels were off, it was about the right mileage to rotate the tires. These monsters weigh 101 lb each, so it's much less back strain for the tech to do it than in my driveway. I specifically asked that they hand torque the lugs to 95 lb/ft. No air wrench please, I don't need my wheels cracked or studs on my spacers stretched. I told him it was okay to remove the lugs with the air wrench, but not to re-tighten them. "Torque wrench please, I know your guys have one back there somewhere. I have a calibrated 0-200 wrench in my tool bag, under the rear floor if they want to use it". The writer just gives me a look... "No air wrench... I'll be watching".
Well, about an hour later the service writer finds me standing at the window overlooking the shop, doing as I stated, watching. "Those pads are just about gone. Almost metal on metal. You'll need the rotors cut and new pads."
"They're not that bad, I measured about 1/8" remaining about two weeks ago. But, go ahead and replace them. However, do not cut the rotors. They are not warped and cutting them is a good way to lead to warping when they get hot."
He just looks at me, and says, "we recommend resurfacing the rotors."
"Why?"
"The pads won't match the surface and they will squeal."
"Nonsense. Bedded properly, they will not squeal at all. Besides, I don't want you to use the crap factory pads. I want you to install EBC Green Stuff 6000 series pads. They have a coating that will deglaze the rotor and are self bedding. The only consequence is a greater volume of pad dust until they fully bed."
Again, he just looks at me... "We don't stock those pads, only factory pads."
Now I'm getting annoyed at the never ending obtuse mindset.
"Pep Boys down the street stocks them. I know, because I was originally planning to change them myself."
"We don't buy from Pep Boys", was the lame reply...
"Not a problem." Within 30 seconds I'm talking to my daughter's friend Jay, manager of the local Pep Boys. I give a brief list of stuff I was going to buy anyway, as well as the pads. I ask if Jay could have everything delivered to the dealer's service door as my Jeep is on the lift. "Sure, no sweat". I give Jay my credit card info and 10 minutes later I hand the service dork the box of pads.. Free delivery and the discount.
About 15 minutes go by and the service manager comes out. "Mr. Jordan, you realize that we can't warranty those pads, since they're not a factory Jeep part."
"Since when do you guys ever warranty brake pads? Besides, EBC guarantees the pads."
He was just annoyed that I was unwilling to pay a huge mark-up on garbage brake pads and was limiting them to only the labor rate. The high end EBC pads were less expensive than the junk factory binders.
Needless to say, there are times when I wonder if the lifetime warranty is a fair trade for having to cope with the knuckleheads at the dealer.
I left the dealer after nearly three hours of legalized torture. I had two more stops to make. The last stop was to hand Jay a cold six pack of his favorite brew, Blue Moon Belgian White... A thank you for his kindness.
(edit for typo)
