WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Three On Your Side Undercover Investigation: No Filter With Oil Change

Three On Your Side Undercover Investigation: No Filter With Oil Change

By Marsha Thompson
marsha@wlbt.net

WLBT News was recently contacted by a viewer about  one independent oil change business that was allegedly cheating customers. We went undercover and discovered, what you see is not always what you get, under the hood.

Oil is the lifeblood of a vehicles' motor. It keeps metal surfaces from grinding together and can save a bundle on mechanics. Richie Perkins with Bullock's Auto Repair told us, "The filter is more important than the oil." Experts say a new oil filter goes hand- in- hand with an oil change every 3-5 thousand miles. But who goes under the hood to check if you are getting your money's worth. We did after listening to a viewers complaint.

 The whistleblower claims an independent  quick oil change business at the corner of Belvedere  and Raymond Road was not replacing filters. Our plan, visibly mark the oil filter to find out. That was the easy part.  We put three x's on the white filter without removing it.  Next, we take it in for an oil change at L & S Quick Lube. 10 minutes and $26.70 later our undercover associate is good to go. He drives the truck straight back to Bullock's where the oil filter was originally marked. I ask them to take a look and find out what was under the hood. According to Perkins, "It's the same filter. It still has three x's on it." With the marked filter in hand and a receipt proving we paid for oil and a filter I tracked down the owner. Here was part of that conversation outside the oil change business. Marsha: "We just brought you an F150 pickup truck and you didn't change the filter, so what's the deal with that? Owner: " I didn't change the oil, so where's you receipt at? Marsha: "The receipt is right here in my hand you charged us for a filter." Owner: I didn't have anything to do with it.  Get off my property." Marsha: "Sir, you see these 3 x's on the bottom, I took it to a reputable dealer before I brought it to you, can you come out and talk to us?"

David who  we were told is the owner, says he didn't know anything about the oil filter and didn't participate in changing it. He also told us to get off his property without commenting.

Auto experts say the next time you need to service your vehicle, make sure you take it to a reputable business. Advice that could keep your repair costs down and your motor running. Berry Bronson, a National Board member of "Automotive Service Excellence " suggests consumers look for signs that the business has "ASE" certification. Look for a Better Business Bureau membership. Another tip, keep your receipts.