Deceptive Practices by Dealers - Oil Change

Valimont64

New member
Sep 5, 2024
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I had my annual oil change today while addressing the AWD malfunction. They would handle it for me, which brightened my day; but, when I sauntered into the shop to enquire about the oil change (one must remain behind a concrete barrier with holes), I saw that the technician still had the vehicle up on the lift and had not yet removed the splash guard. A beautiful new orange oil filter was prominently displayed before me. I remained silent, and upon receiving my paperwork, I saw that I had been billed for the KIA part number oil change components, including the filter and drain plug washer. I will return there on Monday to ensure they install the right filter. Upon departure, I almost reversed my course due to the shrill noise of the turbo bearing, which, however, subsided rapidly. I later noticed that this could have been due to a disparity in filter flow rates. I am determined to remove the FRAM from its location. However, when I used the vehicle later in the day, including parking it for many hours and restarting it several times, the issue did not recur. Uncertain about the occurrence, but I am certain it is associated with the incorrect filter installation.
 
My father's RAV4 is approaching twenty-five years of age and 200,000 kilometres, yet the orange cans have not yet compromised its functionality!

I would confirm it is the correct size; else, I would remain composed.

The engineering of these engines is far more questionable than an inexpensive filter, in my opinion. I used SuperTech filters on my vehicle, which remained operational for the 50,000 miles I had it (sold at 131,000 miles), and they need oil change intervals of 3,000 to 4,000 miles.

If the retail price of the filter is far lower than stated, maybe you can provide an argument?
 
In addition to displaying the item number for the KIA filter on the documentation and billing me for it, the most critical concern is the use of a non-approved oil filter in the event of a warranty claim on the engine. I have not seen a Fram 'synthetic' oil filter; nonetheless, even if it is effective, it does not mitigate this blatant deceit.
 
Fram filters of superior quality are categorised by black, blue, gold, and silver colours. Based on the orange filter with black writing, I believe it was the 'Force' filter, FF9688, designated for 'synthetic mix' oil. The description suggests that it is an effective filter. I remain sceptical due to what seemed to be a sluggish starting flow that caused turbine bearing noise, however I have not experienced this in later use.
 
I understand your perspective on the guarantee. Companies may exhibit loyalty towards items not originating from their brand. The synthetic filter I mentioned is intended for synthetic oil.
 
I would contemplate two alternatives.
The official service record has been amended to reflect the installation of the non-OEM filter by the Kia dealership.
2) Substitute the filter with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filter.

During the servicing of my corporate car at a Ford dealership, they contacted me to enquire whether they could install non-OEM brake pads purchased from a local auto shop due to a lack of OEM inventory. The alternative was to return in a few days when OEM stock would be available. I opted for the non-OEM pads.
 
I will be meeting with them shortly to replace the AWD coupler, and I will address the matter then—I look forward to hearing the service manager's justification. The filter's part number in the documentation corresponds to the KIA number. Typically, I would retain it and get a complimentary KIA one on my next visit; but, my service interval has now been reduced to one year, including just 4,500 miles or less. I am ambivalent about retaining it for a whole year; yet, the specifications from the FRAM website seem favourable. I will await their response.
 
The FRAM filter certainly incurred a higher cost for the dealership than the OEM filters, increasing the probability of the situation I previously mentioned occurring with me.