‘Never trusted them,’ blasts drivers of convenient oil service chain that left engines ‘blowing smoke with $6k repairs’

A DRIVER has slammed a quick-oil change company after a bad experience — many others claim the shop caused thousands of dollars in damage to their cars.

One person said there was smoke coming out of their oil reservoir when they popped the hood of their car.

Another said the company had forgotten to refill her engine with oil after draining it.

The similarity between these customers and many more is that they all had their cars serviced at Take 5.

Take 5 is an express oil change chain that allows drivers to stay in their cars during the service.

However, the company has become more of a hassle than a convenience for several drivers facing thousands of dollars in engine damage.

After their first experience at a Take 5 in Florida, one customer was immediately turned off.

"I have never trusted them. Went there once and didn't know what oil to put in my car and where the oil filter was," a Facebook user wrote under a post from CBS affiliate WJAX.

Another commenter blamed the fast-paced oil change as the cause for the damages.

"This is why I don’t use these quick oil change companies. Haste makes waste," they said.

Another user claimed, "[I] took my car there last year and they broke one small pipe that cost me $300."

'REALLY BAD'

Other customers have come forward, slamming Take 5.

Robin Portfield took her Volvo to a Take 5 in Atlanta, Georgia, thinking everything was fine when she left the service.

However, while driving, her car started to make an angry sound.

"It was like bam, bam, ban, really bad," she told ABC affiliate WSB-TV in June.

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

She pulled out the dipstick and was shocked that Take 5 employees had forgotten the most important step.

"The only thing on it was a little black piece on the end," she recalled.

Portfield called Take 5 immediately and they told her to pour a quart of oil back into the engine.

She was met with bad news when she brought her car back in for an evaluation.

"She said, 'You put oil in the car, so that null and voids, the warranty, and we can’t do anything for you,'" she said.

Her car has since been towed to a repair shop and she has been waiting six months for work to be done on it.

Not only did Portfield lose her form of transportation, but the entire ordeal cost her job.

"I couldn't get to work," she lamented.

She claims the company has avoided taking responsibility for the damages and will not help pay her repair bill.

'NOT A GOOD SIGN'

Another customer was shocked to see a low oil pressure light after driving away from a Take 5 in North Carolina.

Ben Brown pulled his 2021 Jeep Gladiator over immediately to check under the hood.

"Opened up the oil reservoir, and smoke was coming out of it," Brown told WSB-TV.

"Not a good sign."

This is why I don’t use these quick oil change companies. Haste makes waste.

He took his Jeep to an auto shop and was quoted $13,000 for a new engine.

Brown had his car towed to the shop and was told that a separate issue had caused his engine to need replacing.

"They assessed that the oil filter had failed," he said.

"There’s a gasket apparently that holds the oil filter on it. It cracked."

Brown has also been trying to get Take 5 to foot his repair bill, but he continues to be "blown off" by the company.

'UTMOST IMPORTANCE'

Take 5 responded to WJAX's request for comment.

"Customer satisfaction and quality service are of the utmost importance to Take 5," they wrote.

"Our oil changes conform to vehicle manufacturers’ warranties and help ensure long engine life. Our services are backed by a 30-day or 1,000-mile warranty, subject to customers adhering to warranty conditions.

"Even in instances where warranties have expired or are voided by a customer, we make every effort to achieve a satisfactory outcome, as our goal is to provide all of our customers with an enjoyable and convenient experience."

The U.S. Sun has contacted Take 5 for comment.