Refusal to use customer supplied oil

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slowbird said:
I wonder if it's just another way for them to get more money from you. Seems silly for them to turn down business for something like this.
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Actually, it doesn't. The wrong oil can wreak havoc on an engine or emission components. If the person bringing in the oil doesn't know any better (thinking oil is oil), the customer could assume that the shop would know better and notify them if it wasn't the right oil. If the shop doesn't check, then who's liable for engine/component damage.

For those that don't believe that proper oil is critical, oil that is not low-ash oil (CJ-4) used in a diesel engine with DPF aftertreatment could cause the DPF to plug, resulting in lost performance, increased emissions and expensive repairs.
 
^ Problem is that often the so-called *mechanic* (i.e. high school kid working a part-time job) doesn't respect the manufacturer's oil specifications, either.

The VW 505.01 oil addresses a specific flat-tappet camshaft situation on the 2004 - 2006 VW diesels. VW 507.00 oil addresses the DPF issue but the new-design engine eliminates the flat-tappet lifters. You could have two outwardly-identical-looking VW Mk5 TDI cars come into the shop, but different model years, and they have different oil requirements.

Some customers know what they're doing, others don't. Some professional mechanics know what they're doing, others don't!
 
^ Yup, I agree! If the "mechanic" doesn't respect the manufacturer's specifications, it's usually because he doesn't know any better. But even in these cases, the liability is on the mechanic/"mechanic"/shop because it is reasonably perceived by the customer that the shop and its employees are knowledgeable.
 
"What happens when someone brings a 2004-onward VW TDI diesel in and wants an oil change? What ends up getting put in the engine? Or do you turn the customer away with the explanation that you don't have the oil that VW specifies for that engine?

I have only ever seen VW 505.01 (for 2004 - 2006) or VW 507.00 (for 2009 onward) oils at VW dealers and VW specialist shops."


Pretty much what happens, I turn people away. Same if I don't have the filter. Some types and viscosities of oil I can order, some I can't.
For example there will be quite a few cars using 0w20 synthetic in the future, with Honda pushing that stuff, and as of now I have no access to that grade.
 
EngineerJoe said:
^ Yup, I agree! If the "mechanic" doesn't respect the manufacturer's specifications, it's usually because he doesn't know any better. But even in these cases, the liability is on the mechanic/"mechanic"/shop because it is reasonably perceived by the customer that the shop and its employees are knowledgeable.
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The trouble is that by the time the camshaft and lifters fail 50,000 km later, you'll never have any luck pinning it on a single oil change with the wrong oil ... except maybe if you always go to the same place, and even then it'll be a tough go.

From what's stated on other websites, even VW dealers have trouble using the right oil in the right engine. I wouldn't know; my car never sees the inside of a dealer's shop ...

DemonPig said:
"What happens when someone brings a 2004-onward VW TDI diesel in and wants an oil change? What ends up getting put in the engine? Or do you turn the customer away with the explanation that you don't have the oil that VW specifies for that engine?

Pretty much what happens, I turn people away. Same if I don't have the filter. Some types and viscosities of oil I can order, some I can't.
For example there will be quite a few cars using 0w20 synthetic in the future, with Honda pushing that stuff, and as of now I have no access to that grade.
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You're doing the right thing. Plenty of other shops will just take in the car, ignore the warning labels, and put in something generic.
 
DemonPig said:
"What happens when someone brings a 2004-onward VW TDI diesel in and wants an oil change? What ends up getting put in the engine? Or do you turn the customer away with the explanation that you don't have the oil that VW specifies for that engine?

I have only ever seen VW 505.01 (for 2004 - 2006) or VW 507.00 (for 2009 onward) oils at VW dealers and VW specialist shops."


Pretty much what happens, I turn people away. Same if I don't have the filter. Some types and viscosities of oil I can order, some I can't.
For example there will be quite a few cars using 0w20 synthetic in the future, with Honda pushing that stuff, and as of now I have no access to that grade.
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I think Castrol has their 0w20 brand just released recently.
 
Brian P said:
The trouble is that by the time the camshaft and lifters fail 50,000 km later, you'll never have any luck pinning it on a single oil change with the wrong oil ... except maybe if you always go to the same place, and even then it'll be a tough go.
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Agreed, but this won't stop somebody from hiring a lawyer and going after the shop after warranty is denied on an engine failure. The legal costs and potential bad publicity isn't worth the hassle. Also, non low-ash oil in a diesel engine with after treatment won't make it to 50,000km.

BUT you bring up a good point. If the mechanic doesn't know what oil to use, then it doesn't matter if you bring in your oil or have them supply their own.
 
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