I decided to save a few bucks and instead of going to a CAT dealer did my PM at a TA truck stop near Erie, PA. The mechanic had trouble unscrewing the fuel filter on the driver's side of my CAT C15 and ... broke the air pressure sensor in the process. I complained to the manager that my "CHECK YOUR ENGINE" light was on after the oil change was done, and he found the broken sensor. S**t happens, and I don't blame the poor mechanic, but this is Saturday, the part can be ordered only on Monday, and my load delivery appointment has to be canceled. Jeez... Some thirsty folks in Ajax, ON are really going to be unhappy with me failing to deliver 44,000 lbs of boxed fruit juice on time At least the TA service manager promised they would take care of the part cost and labor...

Question: how many of you guys use your engine maker to do PM, and how many just choose the cheapest truck stop available on-route (like I did this time)?

 

The only place that does my PM's is Peterbilt in Green Bay, WI. Period.

 

I don't know. My truck is an International and I found that International dealers don't know much about servicing the engine (CAT, in my case). So, I usually go to a CAT dealer to do the PM... They're not cheap but they know what they're doing (more often than International).

 

That's still cheaper than being down for 2 days because some quick lube moron f***ed up your truck.

 

I say that was just a fluke and could happen to any mechanic. If that filter was stuck I'm sure there isn't any special training a dealer mechanic gets to prevent slipping and breaking that part.

I would also venture to say that a TA mechanic has done 100 times the amount of oil changes then any dealer mechanic has done in the same time span.

I would also guess that your chances of getting a rookie are 10 times greater at a dealer because they would have the very junior people doing the simple jobs.

 

It is getting more and more common to hear of guys who have only one dealer do all their pm's. Unless it is an emergency we don't have anybody but our local dealer work on our trucks. I drive a Freightliner and I only go to the Freightliner dealer if it is a warranty or Mercedes issue. We get our pm's done at Wisconsin Kenworth because they do it at a more resonable cost and their work is better.

 

Could you be more specific how your oil changes and lubes are done better at the dealer? How do you know your oil change and lube isn't being done by some pimple faced apprentice?

I would like to see some data that supports your claims?

Sort of like saying Swift is the worst carrier when in fact they have 18,677 trucks on the road and their safety rating is better than 1/2 the national average.

 

#1. They know the trucks, because they've been trained and certified to work on that specific type of truck. I wouldn't take my Cummins to a Cat dealership, because Cat and Cummins aren't the same thing. The same holds true here. I'd rather have someone trained to work on my type of truck working on it rather than having someone trained to work on trucks in general.

#2. Dealerships generally have tighter requirements of their mechanics than truck stops. The guy who did my last oil change had been working on trucks for over 30 years. They don't give the "easy jobs" to the younger guys - when a mechanic finishes a job, they go in and get the next job that is on top of the list (unless that job requires someone with a special skill)

#3. I know when I ask for a specific oil and filter at a dealership, that is what they are going to put in my truck.

#4. I know that if I need a part, the chances of the dealer having it are better than the truck stop.

#5. The rates at the dealer who does my oil changes are lower than the rates at T/A.

 

I didn't know taking off an oil filter on a Kenworth is different then a MAC.

I didn't know they didn't give the easy jobs to the new kids. I guess they do the transmission rebuilds.

I get to pick the oil that goes into my truck also!!! Wow, what a concept.

The rates are lower from what I've seen at the truckstops. I think you are confusing oil change with a PM. How much is an oil change and lube at your dealer Rev?

 

You're probably right, but the dealer at least would have the part in stock and replace it in 5 minutes. TA carries virtually no serious parts. Of course, if this was a weekday it'd be a different story - there's a CAT dealer 2 exits away. Just my luck.