A used car was purchased by a college student and had Jiffy Lube do an oil change at 40,000 miles. Her car now has 60,000 miles and car breaks down. AAA tows car to Toyota service dept. and mechanics determened that the oil filter had loosend up and lost all of the oil. The engin may have seized and could cost 4,000 dollars to replace. Our guestion is, can Jiffy Lube steal be held responsable for this oil filter backing off even though it has gone past the recomended 3 month or 3,000 miles oil change. We live in California and would appreciate any help.
2006-09-09 07:16:11 · 9 answers · asked by glacierflamesofsc 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
nope, the 3000 miles isnt even guaranteed, my buddy had the same type of scenario happen to him and his motor seized up after only 4 days and they took em to court and only got half the money cause there was no way to prove if he loosened it up
2006-09-09 07:24:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In California, you MAY have some rights, But if it were to go to the mat, I think you would lose.
From the mileage alone (looks like ~20K) the service interval is long past.
The argument could be made for the filter only being required to seal for a reasonable length of time. If it were to be expected to remain for a longer time, it MAY be nearly impossible to remove at the next service interval. If they get over-torqued, even at the normal service interval, some filters must to be destroyed to get off, and the time it takes to do is very expensive.
Additionally, it is recommended by virtually ALL maintenance programs and manufacturers to REGULARLY check the oil level.
For most of the last 60 or so years, it has been when re-fueling. It would be expected that if there was a significant leak, that the oil level would show it.
And last, there is either an oil gauge or warning light in the instrument cluster to warn of impending damage. All of these things place the burden on the driver/owner.
If the filter were to have been "double gasketed", where the car could have had sudden and catastrophic loss resulting in engine damage, there would be a much better chance of recovery.
NOTE---> All this stated from a mechanic, shop owner, and years of experience in others' shops, and watching the industry, as well as engagements with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR).
This would be a great place for you to engage the watchdog agency BAR. This is an advocate for the consumer empowered by the California State Attorney General, through The Division of Consumer Affairs.
You should call them for further clarification. Their Number is 1 (800) 952-5210 during regular business hours.
This will take you to "voice-mail Hell", but if you endure you will actually get to a human voice.
Good luck
2006-09-09 08:00:26 · answer #2 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that's the most ridiculous thing I've heard. You think a car can be driven 20k miles and have an oil filter problem that they are responsible. the engine probably didn't leak out of the filter it probably used it all up then seized up. The dealer wants to make any independent oil change look like crap so they say the filter was loose. Well even if the filter was loose tough luck. It should have been changed roughly 6 or 7 times by now. You cant expect an engine to last if it has the same oil in it for 20k miles.
2006-09-09 15:12:26 · answer #3 · answered by rwings8215 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jiffy lube not resposible. I'll bet my bottom dollar theres a sign posted in the shop that says 'not resposible for vehicle after leaving premises.' If Filter came off a day later and motor locked a week later you still couldn't hold jiffy lube resposible. Checking the oil weekly is your resposibility not jiffy lubes.
2006-09-09 07:27:04 · answer #4 · answered by nickgabbart22 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
jiffy lube is responsible for getting everything on properly. your filter was not tightened enough and leaked slowly. jiffy lube has insurance for this type of thing. problem is the car was not maintenance properly causing this problem to be unnoticed. too many miles have lapsed for jiffy lube to be fully liable if any at all
2006-09-09 08:11:47 · answer #5 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wanna know where your going to get an engine replaced for $4K I smell a ripoff!!! If it's a college student your talking about it's probably a Corolla right? You should be able to find a used replacement with for that engine with comparable mileage for less than $800 (1ZZ-FE) and another $6-7 hundred for labor with a warranty. I smell a rip. Save your cash for books.
2006-09-13 07:18:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. They put ATF in my Truck Transmission. Mine used 80-90 gear oil, and I told them first. Had to buy another trans. and put it in myself.Now on I change my own oils.
2006-09-09 07:44:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No hope,the owner has some responsabilities to check their cars.Like who would go 20,000 without checking oil?
2006-09-09 09:51:59 · answer #8 · answered by frank m 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its been 20,000 miles. At benz we go about 10k-14k between services, and I still think thats nuts.
2006-09-09 20:00:21 · answer #9 · answered by Ian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋