Oil Changes - Dealership vs Local Mechanic

[BirdDog]

I have a new 24 Maverick Eco.

Already did first oil change with the Ford Dealership at 1200 miles to flush oil.

I had so many issues with this oil change service with the Ford dealership, I am thinking going back to my VERY trusted mechanic shop of 18 years for further oil changes.

Are there really any benefits with having the Ford dealership do this maintenance work, such as from a documentation or records keeping standpoint? Warranty issues? It is nice to see service history in Ford Pass App.

I am not going to change the oil myself, so that suggestion is not helpful.

One thing for sure, I will not be going back to the Ford Dealership that did the oil change.

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[bbhaag]

I just take it to my dealer but I trust them and they charge a reasonable price. If you have a mechanic you trust take it to them instead. It won't affect the warranty and if you are worried about record keeping there is a button in the FordPass app where you can add your own service records.

 

[dalola]

I just take it to my dealer but I trust them and they charge a reasonable price. If you have a mechanic you trust take it to them instead. It won't affect the warranty and if you are worried about record keeping there is a button in the FordPass app where you can add your own service records.

HA! Thanks for that tip, I had no idea! I do everything DIY, and was keeping a notebook (which I will keep doing...), but I'll also add it to the app now as well.

OP, go with your trusted source, and keep your own records. Easy decision my friend.

 

[40caliber]

Traded my month old xlt yesterday for the xl i ordered a month b4 the xlt. Long story i'll post elsewhere.
Anyway offered me the oil change tire rotation etc package. Told him nah do it myself every 3000 miles. No problem. Gave me 8 in 24,000 miles for $360. Heck of deal. Dealer is couple miles away.

 

[CurtisB]

I did all my oil changes and tire rotations on my 2015 Prius. All major repairs were done by independent mechanic. All maintenance was logged on the Toyota app. Never had to replace the brake pads or rotors (they last longer on hybrids). As for my Maverick, thanks to you all, I have already noted what oil to buy, what size torx bit to use, where the bolts are located, the size of the drain plug (15mm), what oil filters to use, how to safely jack up and support the Maverick. I will only go to the dealership due to it being deemed entirely necessary.

 

[bbhaag]

HA! Thanks for that tip, I had no idea! I do everything DIY, and was keeping a notebook (which I will keep doing...), but I'll also add it to the app now as well.

OP, go with your trusted source, and keep your own records. Easy decision my friend.

You're welcome glad I could help.

Also because I know we have a lot of older members on here who don't like the idea of having the FP app on their phone if you go to www.ford.com you can create an account then add your vehicle. Once you have done that there is also a button to add your own service records.

 

[Edge Haley]

Thought it was safer to use my Ford Dealer ($80) for 1st oil change but, on a road trip for second oil change the Valvoline Quick Lube place ($60) was taking a long time and informed me the extra time was due to whoever did the first oil change (Ford Dealer) had put the cover plate on "cock-eyed" and they had to replace a bolt the dealer had failed to put back on. Dealer oil change crew skills my vary at dealerships.

A negative for use of Dealership is 1 to 2 hours wait time at my dealer. So will go back to a pro (Valvoline, etc.) that does 100's of oil changes a day. But will probably go back to my Ford Dealer when then include a "Free Tire Rotation" with an oil change.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Are there really any benefits with having the Ford dealership do this maintenance work, such as from a documentation or records keeping standpoint? Warranty issues? It is nice to see service history in Ford Pass App.

Just use your trusted mechanic. Keep your receipts for the work done and the brand of oil & filter that were used. You can use the app, but if you don't want to, just log in to this website and record it there.
https://www.ford.com/support/service-history/

Then, if you have to go in for warranty work, they can pull up the records you have added to your account.

About the only advantage to using the dealer is if you have any Ford pass points to apply to the cost. But if you don't trust the dealer, then use someone you do trust.

 

[todd92]

There's neither a need nor a benefit to have service work performed at a dealer.

 

[dalola]

OK, just uploaded all my self-service records. For anyone else new to this, or thinking of doing it, it's much easier to enter your records on the web vs. the app. I found the app to be clunky and not well designed. You can't even see all your notes without opening your record to edit. Really Ford? I also found the records sync'd up almost instantly between the app & web.

Thanks again to @bbhaag for providing the suggestion! Moving forward, I will continue to add records via the web, along with my paper journal (which still works, even during an alien invasion, or zombie apocalypse...)

 

[Snox801]

Yep use your own guy. Much better plus records are not required for warranty. I have never had them even ask.
Almost all the time they know if it was lack of oil changes or something else. In fact I’ve known a few who never changed oil and still got covered under warranty.
As long as it doesn’t look like tar inside they will cover it.

 

[Montana]

No need to go to a dealership for routine services.

 

[Jah.]

Will do myself or take elsewhere when Ford pass points are gone . still have $100 bucks worth left .

 

[OleFordGuy]

IMO, for routine service/maintenance items use your local trusted mechanic. Ford dealer for warranty work.

 

[Gpp]

I did all my oil changes and tire rotations on my 2015 Prius. All major repairs were done by independent mechanic. All maintenance was logged on the Toyota app. Never had to replace the brake pads or rotors (they last longer on hybrids). As for my Maverick, thanks to you all, I have already noted what oil to buy, what size torx bit to use, where the bolts are located, the size of the drain plug (15mm), what oil filters to use, how to safely jack up and support the Maverick. I will only go to the dealership due to it being deemed entirely necessary.

Like you i do all the work on all my vehicles,have been since 1968,but some of the electrical problems you may have to have special tools for the electrical system.oil changes will definitely be my job!

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