1 star. Horrible experience for something as simple as an oil change, aftermarket drain plug…read moreinstallation, and tire rotation.
Everything started off well. We called several highly rated shops and decided to try this one because of the great reviews. When I called, I specifically asked if they could fit me in for an oil change, tire rotation, and installation of an aftermarket ValvoMax oil drain plug. They said they could fit me in if I came after lunch, which I appreciated.
When I arrived, I again explained what I needed: oil change, aftermarket drain plug installation, and tire rotation. They also asked me to write it on the intake form, so I clearly wrote down oil change, aftermarket drain plug, and tire rotation. I brought my own oil, oil filter, and the ValvoMax drain plug.
I was told it would take about three hours, so I took an Uber to a nearby restaurant. They called me back in about half that time, so I took an Uber back. Up to this point, everything seemed fine.
The problem came when I was at the counter paying. An older gentleman, who I assume was a manager or owner, told me that they did not install the drain plug I provided. He said he did not want to be held responsible for any damages. I told him I understood and that I would be willing to sign a release accepting responsibility for any damage related to the plug. He still refused. When I asked why, he became extremely rude and said he would not install it because it was "junk."
That drain plug installation was the main reason I brought the vehicle there in the first place. I had explained it during the initial phone call, again when I arrived, and I wrote it on the check-in paperwork. If they were not willing to install it, they should have told me before doing the oil change.
For context, I live in an apartment complex and want to do my own oil changes without risking spills or staining the parking area. The ValvoMax drain plug is designed to make future oil changes much cleaner and easier. I brought my new 2025 Toyota 4Runner in specifically so the plug could be installed during the first oil change, allowing me to safely handle future oil changes myself.
Now I am in the same position as before, except worse. I have to take the vehicle to another shop, drain the fresh oil I already paid for, install the plug, and buy more oil. This will cost me twice what it should have because this shop failed to complete a simple service that was clearly requested multiple times.
All of this could have been avoided by simply communicating upfront. If they had a liability concern, that would have been understandable. But I offered to accept responsibility in writing, and they still refused after the work was already done. Calling the product "junk" and being rude about it was unnecessary and unprofessional.
I chose this shop because of the good reviews, but based on this experience, I would not recommend them.
