My 2 cents.
I'm biased to independent repair shops. You usually have a professional tech changing your oil and has a chance to point out potential headaches. I would want one that is not paid on a commission basis as that lead to poor decisions. There is a better chance for a good relationship that is critical when bigger problems occur. The repeat business is appreciated. While I am skeptical of the dealer, certainly in Niagara Falls, not all techs are profit motivated. There are many quality guys that do the right thing.
My biggest complaint with the quick oil change places such a Valvoline, is the pressure they are under to sell unneeded services while they neglect what you brought it in for. Often the don't lube the chassis while the oil change is happening. Agian, I shouldn't paint all oil change techs with a broad brush. They are not pro techs and are often only concerned with what they can gain. They are not as up to date with the differences in vehicles. For example they want flush your coolant by using old standards on newer cars.
Jan 8, 2007 at 9:42 PM
