After a smog test on my truck I was recommended to go to Bob's Lube and Oil when I said that I needed an oil change for the truck. I took my truck to Bob's had the oil changed and never had an issue.
A month or so later I put new tires on my wife's car and since it needed an oil change too I figured that I would get one while I had her car. I decided on Bob's because they were quick and did one on my truck recently and had a decent experience.
The car is a 2017 Camaro RS with 38,000 miles and hadn't displayed ANY mechanical issues related to the engine or drivetrain.
I pulled into Bob's and they took the car right away. About 15 minutes later they said it was ready. I paid what I owed and hit the road. A couple of days later I noticed a couple of small oil spots on my driveway and garage floor. Neither one our vehicles have ever leaked oil so it was quite obvious to see. It looked minor so I waited to see if it would continue because maybe some was spilled and was just working its way to the bottom. When it didn't stop I decided to take it back to Bob's to check and see if the filter and/or plug was a little loose. The lone was a little long but they said "no problem" and I waited patiently for about 15-20 minutes because of the urgency. When it was finally my turn the car was pulled into the bay and they went to work. Approximately10 minutes later the car was brought to me and I was on my way. I was told that they tightened the filter and plug and that everything was ok. Also there was no charge for the service, of course.
I paid no attention to the oil drips anymore because I was confident that Bob's did what they were supposed to do. After a couple of days, the 4th of July actually, my wife and I went to the store for our BBQ. When we pulled into the driveway we paused for a minute to talk with our son, who was visiting, and once we pulled ahead and into the garage and parked I noticed oil in numerous place all the way up the driveway and into the garage. I looked under the car and saw a puddle of oil forming. We needed to begin the BBQ with out family and I figured that I would go back to Bob's the next day they were open. During the course of the day my son said he wanted to go under the car and take a look. He then informed me that there were "wrench marks" on the filter. I went under the car to see for myself and sure enough there were scratche, dents, and even a small hole. Filters are normally installed "hand tight" plus 1/4 turn, which can be done with a little more hand strength usually.
My son decided to remove the filter and said I should just go and buy another and install it and replace any lost oil myself. He hat to use so much energy to remove the filter that his face was red and blood vessels were popping out of his forehead. He tried three or four times before the filter even STARTED to twist off. The filter started to crimp and smash due to the serious tightness of the filter. It definitely wasn't hand tight plus 1/4 turn! After the filter was loose some of the oil leaked from the top of the filter which was only a small amount and we collected it in a can. When we looked at the oil we were both shocked. New oil is a light carmel color and very fluid. It is only a light weight oil, 5w-30. This oil was thick and dark. The gasket on the filter was misshapen and not very flexible. New gaskets are a soft, flexible, and has a very symmetrical square shape. Not this gasket. Every indication we saw told us that the same filter was used that there on prior to Bob's, "supposedly" changing the oil. Which also meant that some of the same oil was still in the car. I believe that all they did was drain the old oil and put in some more. Once the new oil mixed with the old oil it was then contaminated which caused the darkness to the oil.
Needless to say I am extremely disappointed and angry with Bob's Lube and oil! My wife and I decided that we would not return and seek a refund and tell them what we found and how we felt. We think that there would be no cooperation and didn't want to get into any kind of argument with the people at the shop.
The oil changed cost us nearly $90 and then I spent $30 more at Auto Zone for a new filter and oil. The car uses full synyhetic oil and its somewhat expensive. I am writing this off as a very expensive lesson as to the quality of service at small, roadside shops. I will NEVER return to Bob's and will NOT be recommending their shop to any of my friends and acquaintances. Go there if you want but I wouldn't and won't! read more