On July 28, 2025, I brought my vehicle to Humble Tire & Automotive for a routine oil change. I had also used their services for my previous oil change and returned because of the excellent service I received from two particular technicians. Unfortunately, upon my arrival, those technicians were busy, so a different technician handled the service. Based on his interactions--asking the other techs for guidance--it was clear he was either new or unfamiliar with the specific requirements of my vehicle.
The facility allows customers to observe the service right in front of you, and I watched as the new technician drained the oil, lowered the vehicle, and added new oil. He then indicated the service was complete. While I noticed that something about the process felt different from prior visits, I couldn't immediately identify what had been missed. As I paid, I asked the technician I was familiar with whether they also check fluids during the oil change. At that point, the technician who serviced my car admitted he had forgotten and went back to add washer fluid.
Two days later, on July 30, I realized what had actually been missed: the oil filter had not been changed, even though this was included in the service I paid for. I immediately called the shop. They insisted the oil filter is always changed, but I assured them this had not been done and offered to return so they could inspect it themselves.
When I arrived later that day, the two original technicians--whom I trust--removed the oil filter, confirming it was indeed the old, dirty one from before. I took a photo and sent it to my husband. The original technician falsely claimed that he had changed it. I told him I had watched the entire process and saw otherwise. I emphasized that while I understand mistakes happen, I do not appreciate being lied to. The filter clearly had not been replaced.
As I was leaving, my husband called and suggested that we should at least be compensated for the inconvenience--either with a refund or a free oil change. I agreed. Since I was already out of the parking lot, I called the shop. After multiple attempts, someone finally answered--who turned out to be the manager/owner.
I explained what had occurred and informed him that we were requesting compensation for the incomplete service and inconvenience. Instead of addressing the issue professionally, he implied I was lying by saying the filter was theirs. I reminded him that I'm a returning customer and they had performed my previous oil change, which their records could confirm as to why the filter was theirs.
When I suggested compensation, he responded dismissively and said I was "incorrect," claiming a filter can last through two oil changes. I explained that such a claim was unacceptable. He then made an offensive and generalized statement: "You people always want something for free." I was shocked and offended. At no point did anyone at the shop offer to make things right, outside of changing the filter at my request--I had to advocate for myself entirely.
I calmly explained that I wasn't demanding anything unfair--just suggesting reasonable compensation for a service I paid for and did not receive. The owner said I should've asked for a discount instead of something free. I replied that it would have been good customer service for them to initiate that offer, especially given it was their mistake. I went out of my way to return to the shop after being out of town, simply to have them complete a service they should have performed correctly the first time.
He continued referring to me as "you people" and eventually offered a mere 10% discount--while still speaking to me in a rude and condescending manner. When I told him I didn't appreciate the way he was speaking to me, he talked over me and finally said, "You people can just go do business elsewhere. We don't need people like you," and then hung up on me.
I have never experienced such unprofessional and disrespectful customer service. I remained calm and respectful throughout, but I was treated as though I had done something wrong for simply expecting quality and honesty. I still believe compensation is warranted--not only for the mistake, but for how poorly I was treated.
For the record, I have visited this business three times--twice for my vehicle and once for my husband's. Each time, we were paying customers. Our money has always been good. Their service was not. This experience has shown a complete lack of integrity, professionalism, and basic human decency. I will never return to this business, and I will not recommend them to anyone else. read more
