Oil changes screw me over every time it seems. I went in today after school to get your simple run of the mill oil change, 15 bucks. Yes, I am too lazy to do it myself. They hand me my keys and an estimate for close to 200 bucks for a new serpentine belt and tranny flush. Guess my tranny fluid is pretty bad, which I hope explains why my cars been running not very smooth lately. My serpentine belt has dry rot on it apparently, it was replaced a yer and a half ago when my sister had the car and it snapped while she was driving . Two changes ago, my mechanic revealed to me that I had a welt in one of my tires, can't replace one, so two new tires. He got the tires off and discovered my break pads and rotors were almost toast. About 400 dollars after that change. Damn, but I'd rather have it spotted before than before it'* too late. There goes my pc upgrade. Thanks for letting me rant. And before anyone says it, no, my mechanic isn't a theif. He did the first one and has known my family for many years, he'* ag reat guy. I had to go to a new chain place today because I couldn't get over to my usual guy.

Just say no to anything the chain place offers, get the oil change, and get the hell out of there!!

Those chain places are why I do my own oil changes. "You need this, this, and this"

No, you need to kiss this, this, and this. Just change my oil, monkey!!!

Betls in tires happen
Serpantine belt should not be cracked or rotten in 1.5 years.
Brakes ...yeah..they happen. Total pats cost him less than $75

Oil changes for many can be cheaper and easier if you accept their advice and get a second opinion. The chain places make their money off the "extra" services they provide and the sheer quantity discounts they get on filters/oil.

I'll probably take it to my regular mechanic to do the tranny flush, or at least get his opinion. I know he will give me the truth straight up, and I think I might be able to tackle the belt on my own if it really does need it. Or I know this place down in Conneticut that will always lend a hand in exchange for a case of beer.

You'll have to go in the middle of the night and turn off your lights about a block away, in case they are watching his place.

A case?? How many people does it take to do a transmission service and a serpy belt?

2 to do the work...
and 28 others to help drink the rest of the 30pack

Bill, I figure you alone can pound them back at a good rate. Plus it'* a service for letting me use your tools

yeah they tend to try and upsell, they make almost nothing on a 15 dollar oil change.
I do all my own work afterhours at the parts shop i work at, toss er on the hoist and go to work!

The belt is an easy replacement. I have my oil changed for me because I don't do oil changes. I watched my dad replace my serpentine belt (when it snapped on the hwy and it took out my water pump with it).

Take the car to your regular guy. Once I find a reputable person I am a loyal customer! They give you a break on rates and mine let me make payments on repairs. They would take me to work when I dropped the car off and then would bring me my car. You gotta love service like that!

In defense of the oil change "monkeys" (as MOS put it), they could be completely correct about what his car needs. We have no proof to the contrary, and it'* perfectly possible that his car needs these things.

I worked as a "monkey" for a year, and never once did I make **** up in order to "upsell." If I thought the car could use a trans flush, I told the person. Ditto for belts and air filters. "Monkeys" aren't all idiots.