Uneducated Techs Caution This is a Rant

[@DavidsonMott]

I get a lot of my information about vehicles VIA KZbin, primarily from people that actually have an automotive shop like EricTheCarGuy, South Main Auto and ScannerDanner. Watching a lot of those videos have really helped me out in a lot of situations. I also subscribed to the AllData DIY as well for both my 00 Yukon Denali and my mom's 97 Chevy blazer.

[@timothyjohns8630]

Couldn’t agree more. Even in the industry I’m in you have technicians that think you can just use different greases and etc. just plain stupidity

[@christopherwatson283]

It's so nice when You can take care of your own automobile. It's a Jungle out there. God Bless.

[@lovemym16]

One of my guys did an oil change on a Jeep. It came back with that wrong viscosity code the next day. I knew for certain it wasn't the oil because I watched him pour the correct oil into the container and fill the car. It also had network codes for the PCM and ABS module. But the customers scanner only picked up the P Code for the oil not the U codes for the network. It wound up having a bad computer that the dealership even verified when he didn't believe us.

[@CubasAutomotive]

Absolutely! Motor oil is becoming very similar to transmission fluid, where they are vehicle or transmission specific. You ignore this, there's catastrophic damage. Clutch surfaces are wiped clean, leaving basically steel behind. Great video Mike! Spot on!

[@flatratemaster]

Thanks Cuba

[@Rejectsocialism]

As far as tras fluid goes its Dexron not Dexos . The small turbo engine in the Chevy cruise (1.4?) uses oil that prevents detonation. The original oil was causing piston damage so GM changed the oil to remove calcium ,I think . Which was causing detonation .

[@TheTech660]

I am Part of and Automotive Website Group. (No Names) But when a Real Tech ask for REAL advice, then the sarcasm and jokes roll in. They have no RESPECT for our Trade, Skills and Career. And the bad part is, their Techs themselves! I hear what your saying. And a simple oil question?.... They really need to put down their wrenches and Quit! Thanks for this Brother!

[@colemanbonner]

I founded the original AT group back in 2014. I’m no longer on social media, for reasons. But damn do I miss that resource.

[@nitrous07me]

Those ppl will figure out putting the wrong fluids in cars causes problems

[@fredcanuel]

remember the last time i go to my ford dealership for some recall on my fiesta, i asked their "master tech" what type of oil for my fiesta with a manual gearbox and he tell me proudly "we put atf!" ask him why not 75w90 or other kind of oil and he told me they all put atf in all the manual gearbox... i never came back at this dealershit!

[@Luke-id1cp]

Many Ford manual transmissions call for atf I would check your owners manual

[@fredcanuel]

@@Luke-id1cp yes, i downloaded the owners manual directly on the ford website and they claim only their motorcraft oil (it's a 75w90 synt) and never put atf in a manual transmission

[@Luke-id1cp]

@@fredcanuel Whatever the manual says. But just for your information Ford has specified ATF in a few of their manual transmissions. So it has been done before.

[@willyqueen4066]

Thanks great video and the truth

[@wongscp1701]

That's the problem in the auto industry now. You got a huge percentage of "techs" who dont wanna keep up with the ever changing technology. If you dont realize from the start that an Autotech is LIFELONG learning....drop the tools and walk away.

[@toolinhand]

The scary thing, is that not only do people not understand that there's a difference with specialty oil but these are usually the same people using wrong weight oils. For example. I knew someone that had an oil leak in his Honda Civic. He decided to use a heavier oil to slow the leak. Lo and behold, he burnt up his engine. There was no oil getting to the top of the heads because the oil was too thick to be pumped up there.

[@TheAutoTech]

Well said! As vehicles get more complex the lack of training is becoming a serious issue.

[@FBobby]

How can we not like your rants?? They're right on the money.

[@flatratemaster]

The group this involved didn't think so 😉🤣🤣🤣🤣 yes they posted about this video

[@davidfarmer1736]

I agree with what you say, I have worked with hard-headed techs and sometimes I am the hard-head. Stay on top of your education and move forward.

[@joshspulnik3140]

Thanks for taking time to share with us SWR

[@thatmechanicguy8773]

Just joined iATN because of this video. Thanks man!

[@gizzync1525]

We were told when dex first came out "If GM has an engine failure, they test the oil, If it has a non dex oil in it BOOM warranty void" . We use exclusively Valvoline oil. & it took them almost a year to get dex certified. for non full syn oil.

[@markcooper9599]

Same goes for coolant. Green doesnt go in everything!

[@davidthecardcollector]

I only use Fram filters and Great Value oil from Wal-Mart.

[@RTMostyn]

Man preach it, I'm. Getting out of my apprenticeship now and the number of times I got bad info from someone even someone seemingly credible that led me astray is insane. No one knows everything but if you don't know keep your mouth shut and don't bs

[@JuanLopez-dn8xj]

thank you for the information

[@jimzivny1554]

This isn't the 50's!!

[@nismo2070]

I've seen lifters fail, vvt solenoids not work properly, and timing chain tensioners get weak all because of the wrong oil viscosity. It usually starts with " It started making noise the day after I got a 10 dollar oil change". I remember when Honda starting using 0 weight oil. At the time, Mobil 1 was the only choice for us. Customers were not too happy about the 45 extra bucks added to the standard oil change. And yes, we had customers go to another shop that definitely DID NOT use the right oil. GREAT video/rant! Agree 100%!!

[@fjnagle2nd]

Good points, great video! But your first responder wasn't wrong...completely. All GM or any car company for that matter has to do to require branded fluids is change the seal compounds used in their drive-trains. This will necessitate the use of special fluids that are compatible with what ever seal compounds they chose to use. Did the company have a good reason (other than insuring you buy service fluids from them at their price) your guess is as good as any. Still, as techs, we need to be aware no matter the reasons for special fluids and maintenance procedures. We can't just choose to ignore manufacturers specs. (well not without consequences)

[@uprednecked]

very good points! we just had a shop meeting talking about what oil to use in what engines! we are starting to see engines calling for 10w-30 now! it use to be 15w-40 for everything! not anymore! in our climate in MI it gets to -30F every year! we also talked about oil for transfer cases too! we dont see many of those but to use 50w and not 75w-90 gear oil! and now our transmissions are calling for 40w and not 50w! and the gas engines we see 10w-30 or 5w-30 we dont see many! our transmissions must use an Allison approved fluid! i think it was good for all of us! you got to keep up with it!

[@melsmobileservices4223]

I gotta agree with ya! Oil is the most basic, most commonly changed & complex fluid in a vehicle. This is why there are labs that perform OIL Analysis that most can't. It is literally an science (fluid engineering). Back away from the tools & go to school😂😂😂

[@caveman95987]

This is why I appreciate my time at the reputable European shop I'm currently at. We have several different specs of a few different oils. One 5W30 may or may not be compliant with every car that rolls in. Same goes for coolant. G12 is not the same as G12++/G13.

[@steevest-gelais4679]

Being a Tech involves following the industry evolution. Car manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies. To be a good Tech involves staying up to date, formation, course are parts of the trade. Keep an open mind, learning is key to stay in the business

[@jackiegammon2065]

Thanks for the info! Wonder if you can tell me what type of transmission oil I need for an '07 Chevy Express 2500? LOVE your rant, as I'm a bike mechanic and have the lots of similar issues. Thanks for sharing!

[@flatratemaster]

dexron 6 is what is used in that van

[@jackiegammon2065]

@@flatratemaster Thank you for the help; I appreciate it!!

[@Dc5Knightv2]

I have noticed it’s the older techs that like you said don’t want to learn new things because I refused in my old shop to put 5w20 on a new corolla cuz it said 0w20, yeah maybe it won’t do anything but didn’t want to risk it due to vvti Small passages and made service order right oil and also I don’t like universal fluids on anything

[@chrisE815]

Here's another point- If you aren't familiar with the system you're working on don't make assumptions. Look to the manufacture or someone reputable. That's what professionalism is all about.

[@volvoguy76]

To be fair, consumers should be made more aware.... and manufacturers should be pushing *how* their house-brand differs from API-ACEA-type standards. I mean, you can drag a horse to water, but you can't make him drink... but sometimes there's no also water. I did get a hold of one of the oil "Material Standards" for Chysler... and it was basically a money grab. On the other hand, some cars do need super specialized oils, like all of the VW diesels from 10-15 years ago that ate their camshafts due to not using VW spec'd oil.

[@salchristiano6606]

I'm just a parts guy at one of the national chain stores, but the same discussion occurs every time I try to take 2 minutes to confirm the type of fluid for a PS system or brake system or transmission for a customer. The"know it alls" working with me give the wrong advice and the customer leaves thinking I was trying to up sell them..... so sad... so many brain cells without work.

[@Fedwrench]

It's not just the oil but, the quality of the oil filter matters too especially with longer oil change intervals. However, it may not be entirely the tech's fault. I mean if the shop they work at doesn't offer Dexos or other manufacturer preferred oils and only offers the cheap house brand oil, is it the tech's fault? i agree that the tech should understand that all oil isn't created equal and should understand the problems that may arise from using incorrect oil.

[@ericgunter45]

Fedwrench Then its time to grease the tool box wheels.

[@RustbeltMechanic]

Having these kind of “thick headed” techs in the industry is why people don’t trust the people working on their cars.

[@devoncoolman88]

Rustbelt Mechanic yes. Its why when we tell our customer hey your car calls for 0w20 synthetic only thats going to cost x amount more and they go every one else said regular 5w30 is ok. Im not spending $80 on an oil change thats ridicules my 1990 cavalier didn’t cost that much. Yeah but your 2018 equinox needs it or welp engine issues will occur especially if you use standard oil and still go by the oil life monitor. The general public is ignorant to how important using the correct oils is and so are most techs.

[@devoncoolman88]

Can’t tell you how many vw tdi’s have come into the shop with wiped out camshafts from using the wrong oil. Some of them being religiously serviced by us. I tell the bosses all the time can’t use standard synthetic in a turbo diesel.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

@@devoncoolman88 See heres my little bitch on that tho... I been daily driving a prius V their a lil bigger then the regular turtle car and the one I drive has 113k on it and has been going thru a quart of oil every tank n a half... These people have legit reasoning of not wanting to use the oil that is required besides the 'cost of the dollar, they dont have a trust or believe for themselves to need that oil after a certain point in the vehicles life. I'm curious as to what is gonna happen when I have a different oil put in besides the OE oil and do a weeks of driving. I think another problem is you have a tech or mechanic that drives a beater car telling someone with their nicer newer car how it should be taken care of, they have the whole 'what do you know anyways' mentality. Techs need to show and demonstrate a good composure with the brittle people that are out there these days.

[@ironcross420]

@@devoncoolman88 There are a select few cars that call for 0w20 but allow ONE 5w30 LOF then back to 0w20 the next LOF.

[@JCAchannel100]

Snap-On Auto Tech more and more cars are calling for 0W-20 I wouldn't say few

[@xephael3485]

0:10 first mistake, Facebook group.. hoping this was about dexos2...

[@bosborn1]

“Mechanic” is a generous term. I would call them “Parts Changers”

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

CLASSIC FRM Uniform!! Forget them polo shirts!

[@dcyamahatech]

I agree with you 100%. During my Honda powersports training I went to school an entire week on engine oil. I was blown away by what I learned.

[@corbettknowles9942]

Do not work in the automotive trade like working on cars as a hobby but I do at least know the differences in the dexo 3 and mercon v and that that each vehicles manufacturer have their own specifications for oil or coolant

[@threefortyduster]

I'm not a tech, but in college slung parts at a chain store. Trying to get it through people's thick skulls that fluid specifications and torque specifications matter was nearly impossible. For every customer who actually listened, we had three more come in and want 20w50 for newer cars because "the weather here is hot, it needs thick oil!"

[@darommicheal8353]

You have shop owners that won't keep up to date either (worked at a shop that still put the old green coolant in everything because that's what they always used )

[@keithkapusinsky786]

It's happened to me when I worked on a car and something went wrong they go to a tire store and a guy that didn't even pass high School tells him I screwed up and they listen to him like they just talked to fucking God!

[@waterloo123100]

I love when people fill their chrysler transmission with Dexron 3 oil and it requires +4 and then they blame the manufacturer when it goes out. They don't even know what they put in their own vehicle.

[@ozzstars_cars]

I sure did like the video. Sometimes it takes extra effort to do it right but laziness and ignorance can run rapid.

[@guy-uo8nv]

My theory is do what the manufacturer says until you can find something better but till then use what the manufacturer says.

[@dropout75]

Oil designed for issues in general motors vehicles, you mean oil can fix cheap parts and shitty engineering? Modern technology is amazing.

[@kevins.3573]

I have zero formal education in automotive repair, I just watch 1000's of hours worth of ETCG, SMA, etc. on youtube. I took an ASE practice test yesterday, I got a 65%. You could say I'm basically professional at this point.

[@Crazy_clown6969]

I’m a newer technician coming into this andI’ve worked on vehicles most of my life and this is good to know and I like your videos thanks people don’t realize that one size don’t fit all

[@StoneColdStrah]

I'm automotive technician student you should see some students questions being asked....it'll blow your mind how ridiculous some of those questions can be

[@tongl274]

GM is so awesome, they're closing down some of their factories.

[@KobaBlack113]

The people giving bad info are the loudest and the quickest to give info.

[@gatekeeperofchaos]

That was a bold but needed rant. That's a wake up call that unfortunately some wont get. Thank you for calling it out.

[@eddieds312]

It's good advice flat rate master your a better tech then me. But if the shop shop im working in isn't concerned with the putting the correct fluid in the vehicle what should I do buy the oil with my own money?

[@maxwellkerstens1140]

Hell cars are getting so smart now with the way they monitor the engine they'll throw codes for incorrect engine oil.

[@johnerickson8234]

Thanks about the fluid update. But could you send me a link to that person you referd. Do I can show work about it . There not getting it. Unless it takes out an trans or engine.

[@frankmuhammad9660]

I have a few customers with GM products that if you do not use the Dexos oil, there are issues

[@lovetolearn5253]

That goes for everything in the auto industry.if Your not welling to learn then your stuck. That goes for new and veteran.

[@Sugarfryz]

How do you feel about oil monitors on these new cars, I think they let the oil go on for way too long.

[@stansbornak8116]

We have trouble trees but no money trees? This world is unfair!

[@93sundance]

They guys in my shop seem to not know much beyond what they work on. I'm always trying to keep up on whats current and whats coming. The guy next to me is afraid of anything that's not a GM product- even brakes!!

[@zach914v8]

I 100% agree, I fight with my service writers on this all the time. Kevin Mcarthy also has great info on coolant. I have read binders of his work, its great and very informative. Your the only other tech I have ever heard mention his name.

[@Firebirdgm2000]

Hey, i'm an uneducated tech... i watch your videos to work on that a little...

[@SenorSiesta]

Ego is the main trait that problem technicians have. Leave it at home. I've trained new know it alls and believe me they DONT know it all.

[@nate5102]

You don’t need to be educated , just follow manufacture specification lol

[@suezanarms1287]

Any information you share is awesome!!! And you tell us your resources. That makes you my teacher. "Dig it Mike". 👍👍

[@shawnz241]

FRM - I meet too many techs who believe that if you can pour it, and it is oil, it will work. This is a big pet peeve of mine with the 0w20 in newer vehicles.

[@CopCat34]

Love the rant! Ford did spot checks of its Motorcraft oil a few years ago. It wasn’t the correct formula. Ford spoke with Exxon, their sole proprietor, and Exxon said it was too expensive to manufacture but their version was good enough. Ford dropped Exxon and ConocoPhillips now makes Motorcraft. Fluids are critical for today’s vehicles.

[@cbarkwell1000]

3's & 8's & all those other good # 's to the FlatRateMaster outta Georgia.

[@eddieds312]

Ok well tell me this? what precisely Would happen to a motor designed specifically for dexos motor oil how would that motor respond to being operated with say 0w20 Mobil 1. What type of failure could I expect

[@Diagnosedan]

Oil isn't just oil. Why would manufacturers use the expensive stuff themselves if it wasn't necessary?

[@nicholasierubino8223]

Thanks Mike! You are getting calmer in your rants, you ok? Lol

[@Zib187]

I like your use of quotes around "Mechanics" because since I've been working a 2nd job at an auto parts stores I've met a LOT of those so-called "Mechanics" and I find myself using my fingers to make the quotes around "Mechanics". I guess I didn't want to believe that there's a higher number of shops out there that are nothing more than parts changers. I get shop owners coming into the store asking me repair questions that as shop owners they should know. We get this one younger "Mechanic" that comes in regularly & he has a hard time figuring out what size sockets he needs to remove bolts & asks us if we can look it up for him for a particular car. He works at a nearby shop that always has an empty parking lot so I guess he's not getting the experience that he needs.

[@timpaulo7582]

Lol. So true to many dummies out there ruining the industry. Yea and it blows my mind too that the shop I work for my boss's are those dummies. I work on mostly diesels but we also work on a lot of gas engines too. Guess what kind of oil goes into them.... if u guessed 15w40 u are correct.. i got into it with the boss a few times cuz i refused to use that oil in some cars and trucks. But when a new Toyota seanna With less that 20k on it. That was my last straw i flat out called them retarded guys. They have no clue and they are in the wrong field. Lol

[@BLACKJACK2432]

How about universal oil.

[@ferrarimatt1]

When it comes to not understandings motor oil, Here your sign!

[@christopherkassner8894]

Knowledge is the most important tool a tech has these days. That and a scope lol. Even the entry level GS needs to understand the impact of using the wrong fluids. It is basic understanding of how these modern systems work. You can’t diag anything without understanding how it works.

[@suezanarms1287]

Mike, I got to tell you I'm starting tech school on January 15. Thanks for all of the insight I'm 47 years old and doing it all over again. I've got 20 years in towing. 10 in roadside and 10 in repo. Your skills sharing is awesome and I can't thank you enough. Thanks man!!...

[@roberturkevich9014]

I am a 63 year old tech 40 years exp cant tell you how many young tech try to tell me my business think they know it all at twenty

[@montevallomustang]

I'm glad you brought up Universal Transmission fluid I've been fighting that battle with customers they think I'm trying to rip them off by recommending O E fluids

[@everydayfleettech2286]

Unfortunately I have a few of these guys at my job. They refuse to learn correct fluids or the basic principles of DEF and they work on diesel. It’s simple. Take pride in your work

[@travisevans7502]

What is your view on guys running Rotella 20w50 diesel oil in a 1990 mustang it's supposed to have 10 w 30 in it it does have a little higher compression aftermarket aluminum heads trick flow stage 1 cam little bigger throttle body should they run the diesel oil or the 10w30 I see this debate all the time. I run synthetic 10w 30.

[@addicted2tone349]

Motor oil is the key to engine life. Fluids for transmission life. Evolution of lubricants only increases reliability and is paramount to the future of engines and transmissions and their development. Great video!

[@epicragegaming2016]

too many parts changers in this industry and not enough techs. you can already tell the quality of work they put out.

[@idlewildgarage1146]

great rant video. I've done some homework on dexos. It meets very specific standards to work with GM engines. The metal composition has changed over the years. Pretty much Mobil 1 is the only other "brand" GM will really recommend.

[@J8MORS]

Valid rant.

[@harrymorrison5390]

Hit it on the head,Chevy traverse motor is prime example grrrr,oil not making the long journey to top of motor,lol definitely different than old motors and only going to see more of this.

[@anthonygm85]

I learned something new today never heard of a oil code before but I don't work on many Chrysler products

[@garyharms276]

I think this goes along the lines of just staying up to date on the industry and further education...techs are techs and hacks are hacks

[@8power0]

YOU GOOD SIR , ARE UNEQUIVOCALLY CORRECT AND THANK YOU AGAIN .

[@workingclassgarage]

😂😂 put the wrench down and walk away, I always love the rant videos lol

[@txsviking]

I always believed the builder knows best. Good video!

[@Andrew_Venn]

I went through this at my last shop I worked at. The owner believed the fluids were all the same. Ordered only dot 3, and semi synthetic, didnt listen to me at all.

[@ironman1518.]

YEP!! TRUE Dat!

[@sonofmontezuma3732]

When people ask me what my A.S.E. stands for on my shirt I say Ask Some Else so I can avoid exactly this lol

[@thatmechanicguy8773]

SON OF MONTEZUMA, I’m stealing this man. Best comment ever!

[@scallen3841]

SON OF MONTEZUMA Lol anyone can take a test , I've been to many shops and the ase certified guys missed the basics or failed to fix it right the first time .

[@sonofmontezuma3732]

@@scallen3841I know what you mean ,had one new ecm new harness installed by the master ase on staff he called in sick next day then I got it , voltage drop test found broken wire in main power supply line I repaired end and case closed

[@scallen3841]

SON OF MONTEZUMA I used to work at one of the 3 big parts stores , every other customer stated they used to be ase certified . I can tell you some stories about how the local repair shop's would scam us to get parts cheaper then hell

[@bosborn1]

I cringe every time I hear someone suggest that you raise your oil viscosity to help with excessive oil consumption. Don’t forget active displacement management. Oil type is extremely important in those engines.

[@scottpearsontoolsmore185]

Great video thanks brother. I understand that they have different oils. I changed my tranfercase oil in my 2014 F150. I did it per the manufacturer's recommended time. I researched the oil and went to the dealer and got the correct oil. I didn't trust the auto parts store. I didn't pay as much for the oil as I expected. I wanted to put an additive in it also just to help with long term. I called Lucas oil explained to them what I had and the oil it called for and I am glad I did. I think I paid more for the additive than the 2 qrts of oil from the dealer. So I might be old school but I also watch enough of you all to learn and research before I do anything. I know everything has changed over the years. I do a lot of research before I do anything to my truck or any vehicle. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother. Sorry for the long comment.

[@cameronwright4746]

I wish guys at my shop would understand this stuff. Our used GM cars keep having issues and I tell them why, but I’m 20 something idk what I’m talking about.