I took my car for oil change then immediately heard ‘severe knocking’ from engine – I ended up with $12,000 repair bill

NUMEROUS drivers have reported mechanical issues after getting service from a car maintenance business with over 800 locations.

Multiple car owners said they took their vehicles to Take 5 Oil Change for routine repairs before they unexpectedly ended up with more problems.

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Ben Brown took his 2020 Jeep to one of the company’s locations in Charlotte, North Carolina , in May before a low oil pressure notification popped up on his SUV’s dashboard, ABC affiliate WSOC-TV reported.

The warning started showing only a few hours after he left Take 5 Oil Change, leading to an unexpected $8,000+ repair bill.

“So I pulled over, opened up the oil reservoir, and smoke was coming out of it,” Brown said.

He isn’t the only car owner who has reported having problems with their vehicles after visits to Take 5.

A number of drivers have spoken out with horror stories similar to Brown’s.

Multiple vehicle owners stressed that they’d experience “overheating,” “smoking,” “severe knocking,” “oil leaking,” radiator” issues, and other problems after going to the business.

One unsatisfied customer said she needed a whole new engine that cost her $12,000.

After getting down the road with SUV problems, Brown called Take 5 to have his Jeep towed back to the shop.

He was given a paper that said a part failed but it did not mention why.

Brown said the company promised to make things right for him before calling to let him know the mechanics had worked on his SUV for a second time and it was ready for pickup.

But Brown’s problems were far from over when he got his Jeep back.

“I jump in the Jeep, I drive down the road,” he explained.

“I’m not a quarter mile away … check engine light comes on.”

Brown returned to the shop, and Take 5 agreed to take it to the dealership for repairs.

How often should you change your oil?

Experts say the exact figure depends on a variety of factors, including:

1. Age of vehicle. Older vehicles tend to need oil changes sooner than newer cars, as the engine oil used doesn’t last as long as newer oil. Plus, the clearances between moving parts tend to be wider than when the engine was new.
2. Type of oil. Synthetic oil tends to last a lot longer between changes compared to synthetic or a synthetic blend.
3. Driving conditions. People who live in dusty areas or regions with extreme weather conditions that require a lot of driving or stop-and-go traffic should change their oil sooner than normal to keep moving parts lubricated.
4. Cars that bear heavy loads, like regularly towing a trailer, as it puts strain on an engine.

Typically, older cars should have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. More modern cars can go between 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes, especially as modern oil contains more efficient lubricants and additives. Some cars that use synthetic oil only need changes every 15,000 miles.

It’s important to read your owner’s manual to determine the exact weight and interval your car needs.

Source: AAA

The dealer told the driver that his Jeep needed a whole new motor.

“I feel abused,” Brown admitted.

“I mean I have been put through it. The stress and anxiety and frustration.”

To get a new motor in his vehicle, it would cost Brown between $3,000 to $8,000, according to car experts with Auto Zone .

“Or even more when you have a mechanic do the work,” Auto Zone informed drivers.

“And even changing the engine on your own will likely cost $2,000 or more using the most frugal options.”

Take 5 has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau , a nonprofit organization that ranks businesses based on their trustworthiness and ability to operate in good faith.

Its customers have also given Take 5 Oil Change 1.3 stars out of 5 with a list of more than 300 complaints in a single year.