auto store parts guy returned oil comments
 

so i dropped off a cubie of used motor oil m-1 5-40.

the counter guy takes the container in back and i fill out the log. he comes back.....

"have you gone a long way on that oil'? he asks.

'maybe 5000 miles. I added a couple quarts(should have been one, ooops) recently, why?"

"it looked thin"
"thin"

"yeah maybe next time you should add a quart of 60 wt to bring up the thickness"

"o, okay but it is synthetic, from a diesel engine(i thought it was the soot he was gonna tell me about)

'no it was too thin for that long"

actually it was 44hundred miles.

isn't m-1 5-40 supposed to be thin? i thought thick was bad.

help me.

Your problem is that you are listening to and and relating comments from a

"counter man".:mad:

That's why he works in a PARTS STORE and doesn't actually work on cars.

I wonder what he would say if somebody brought in some Mobil1 0W20....... Might have to use some 90wt to thicken that up....

It is a shame that you didn't get a sample from what you turned in. It would be worth the cost to have it by an oil lab and go back to him with the results.

kip, i tried to send blackstone results but the local post ofice wouldn't take it. i will try again maybe with ups or the feds.

If it's a prepaid sample bottle/box, they have to take it.

Its simple, the guys an idiot. Very often at least in my area the counter guys at say Autozone have an IQ of 2.:rolleyes:

I am sure that tool has sent many a person in the wrong direction, in
caring for there car. People like that should be beaten with a rubber
hose for every pice of bad advice they give. Jay

Yup. Blackstone has a printout that 'splains it to the Post Office MORONS! :(
Oh, all this reminds me that I have a sample bottle I'm planning to fill this weekend. I better run print a Blackstone 'splaination form just in case!
here: http://www.blackstone-labs.com/postal_letter.html

I had to use the "anti post office moron" sheet when I sent mine. Easiest way to avoid it is to just stick the bottle in a small box and lie when they ask what it is. :D

Yeah people at the auto stores are rarely helpful aside from pointing out where things are or ringing up everything. Oh well.

What store do you goto where they are capable of that? :confused:

My inline fuel filter clogged the day i needed to drive the car 200 miles to school, so I went to advance to pick up whatever they had so I could make it down. The guy at advance auto parts tried to tell me that I had an oil filter and an air filter, but not a fuel filter.

When I was getting a torx driver for the transmission drain plug, I was told by the help at Home Depot that there was no such thing as a "torques head" and the proper term was "torque wrench."

[QUOTE=pleiades;1299452]........When I was getting a torx driver for the transmission drain plug,........QUOTE]

The transmission drain plug is a hex drive.

(Unless you have a stripped out plug and trying a "unique" removal method.;) )

Two? One of them actually made it into whole numbers?:D

When trying to find out if those bozos actually carried an air filter I could use for the 300D, the guy launched into the whole spiel about K&N filters, trying to get me to buy one.

Should have seen the look on his face when I said "No thanks, I'll pass for now, but when I'm ready to completely trash my engine I'll order one", and then walked out.:confused: :eek:

Rule of thumb measurement of automotive intelligence.
 

.

Hello All :)


I have run into all kinds at the parts counter. :wacko:

I liked the one that told me I should have " bench top tested " the brake master cylinder I was returning. So I would know if it was bad or not before I installed it.

I am sure I looked like a deer in headlights for a few seconds afterward.
I just did not know what to say to him. :freak:

Images ran through my head of a completely functional braking system laid out on a table with adapters of various sizes to fit the several thousand different brake masters in use today. :dizzy2:

Finally I responded.

All that I could manage was a confused " what ? "
I even wondered for a second if I was asleep and dreaming this.

I just sood there kinda stunned while he walked back to the parts racks behind the counter. :rolleyes3

Then is when I first noticed. :idea2:

The kids clothes were completely clean.
Not an oil stain to be found anywhere.
Then a quick glance at his hands.
They looked as if they had never held a greasy wrench in their lives.
No little knucle buster scars, none of the teltale grease you just cant seem to get out from under your fingernails.
I thought about asking him what kind of hand lotion he used, but I didn't.

Thats when I decided that it probably not a good idea to take automotive advice from someone that looked more like a librian's assistant than a mechanic. :D

Love you all.
Untill next time, I bid you peace.

RichC

You guys are being awfully hard on Parts Counter people. I know some that don't know to get in out of the rain, but I also know some that know more about cars than you and I combined. Our problem is knowing which to listen to and which not to listen to. I always say, listen and you will learn. This thread got started with a parts person saying, "This oil looks thin to me, Maybe you need to add a thicker oil" or something to that effect. Maybe he has seen gas or fuel diluted oil before and knows that something is wrong. So just listen, and say "I'll look into it", and leave.

No I am not a parts counter person, but I know a lot of them.

I agree with the knowing who to listen to part. Autozone - no, local independant parts shop - maybe. But I also have to admit, as I am sure many of you will also, is that I am a pain in the ass to the average parts or service place. They have no clue about my 21 year old diesel car. I usually go in after I have called ahead to check availability and pick up the part that I need.

The only people I have any questions for are you guys.

Agreed, I know which ones to talk to, and which ones to avoid. The one kid that works there, I've taken aside a few times and taught him things, instead of treating him like he should already know what I need. He's a good listener, and I think he's going to be a great counter person. He's just young and inexperienced right now. Heck, with the amount of different cars I've worked on, and gotten parts for, I'm sure he's learned quite a bit.

Yeah, I've done my fair share of teaching parts guys
 

with all the engine rebuilds and vehicle maintenance I have done over the years there are a TON of better informed parts salesmen out there!
Most of them don't know more than how to look on the computer for your make and model. it is rare indeed for one to offer me advice or have info I don't have, but it has happened.
John

20 something guys working at the local Sutherlands lumber and hardware store didn't know what a 'finish nail' is.......or 'ring shanked'; or as I found out; any nail terminology whatsoever.

Much less that I was requesting some 'ring-shanked finish nails'

It was pathetic & sad ....2 dudes pulling nails out of bins, showing them to me and I had to keep telling them "No, I don't want 16d coated sinkers" or "No, that is a galvanized roofing nail"... "No, that is a wire brad";... This went on for a while until I realized they had no idea of nail sizing or type, Or even what galvanized meant. :dizzy2:
It was like a holy revelation on their faces :idea2: when they realized I wanted the "small head ones" with "little circles around them" :scholar: ( in their words).

I weep for our future.

I agree...........
 

Most chain auto parts stores employ whatever they can get for the buck. But belittling them won't get you anything. Like some have said, if it is a young guy take a little time to teach. I have found that a lot of them have project cars of their own and are willing to learn.

I have an indy parts place that is strictly parts and machine shop. The guys there are very knowledgeable. In fact, one of them knows just about any German make, especially VW's, inside and out. They are folks I can call early in the day and have my parts ready for pick up on the way home. Some of the parts may cost a couple of dollars more, but places like that make it up in service. My $$'s are spent more in places that provide service.;)

I am a parts counter guy (flame suit on) and it is actually nice to see people who give a flyin poo about their cars. I withstand and amazing amount of idoits in a day. It is no wonder why so many parts guys have low iqs, it is the customers!!! "i want a belt for my car" customer
"ok what kind of car is it??" me
"its an impala" customer
"what year?" me
"it shouldn't matter"
"it does" (anyone know how long they made the impala?)
"does it have AC?"
"yes but it doesn't work so give me the one for the ones w/o ac"
"its the same belt" me
"it cant be mine has a compressor"
"you sir are an idoit, the non ac cars have an idler pulley"

Also,
"how do i get the pin in the piston" cust.
"i put the pin in the freezer overnight and it will slide in"
"that will change the metallurgy" cust 2
"so if you leave your car overnight outside and it drops to 30*f your car's engine will be no good b/c it got cold?" me
"that is different" cust 2
"how the hell do you figure?" me
(puzzled look) cust 1

I hate people who refuse to accept reason, that is how you guys rock, if you didn't care about anyone elses op. you wouldn't be part of this forum.. I release the floor. ;)

You absolutely make the case. People in front or behind the counter can be idiots, sometimes both at the same time. :D

I've got a small carquest store by my house I go to for most trivial stuff (the bigger stuff I order here). The guys (and gal) there are awesome all the way around. Only one knows anything about diesels, but they are all wrenches on gassers. Best part is that they will special order any additive I ask for. I run RL Catylist and RL Injector cleaner in my car and they special order a case whenever I ask and only ask that I buy 1/3 of a case to make it worth it to them :-)

Just the other day I bought new wiper blades, Before I realized it the parts runner (the guy who delivers to indy shops), had taken the new blades out and installed them for me. Brought the old ones in and left them on the counter. Sales guy asked I wanted them thrown away and I was all:
me: "Those arent mine dude"
him: "you sure?"
me: "yeah I think those are the other guys" (did not know he was the runner)
him: "well, these are your's he installed them for you"
me: "holy moley! you guys rock!"

That is a shop worth going to. I can S.O. almost anything through them (except their BOSCH injectors are only Indian, and the BOSCH GPs are too expensive compared to fastlane).
-nB

Mr Kenny,
What year is the Olds behnd the Motor Cycle. Looks to be about 56 or so.

Oh I have been there! Working in the marine field I have had the exact same conversations, just swap in a Volvo 4.3GLX for the first one.

Thats why I avoid the chain stores. Bought some oil from the local store today, the counter guys were talking about there hot rod builds and resto projects. They are so so about diesel but for a gas engine they know a ton. They are pretty good when it comes to Mercedes. I remember one time I was buying some 0w40 for my buddy. I think I was driving my moms Olds. I put 8 quarts of 0w40 on the counter and the guy gives me a funny look. (he was probably thinking it was for the Olds) He said something along the lines of "What do you plan on using that oil for" I said its for a Mercedes, he said "oh yeah thats what they spec".
Drove right past Autozone and spent $50 on Mobil 1 at the local store insted, score 1 for small business.:cool:

Looks to me like a 1957 Pontiac

www.57heaven.com

In regards to the counter guys: it kind of depends what store you are at. The NAPA here might as well have mechanics working there, for the counter is very knowledgable, and know what they are talking about. The last time I was in an Autozone, I had a nice argument (him arguing mostly) with the guy about how my headlights (US spec, round) were aftermarket (according to his computer he couldn't even get them), and what they carried (hid's for the solid lense euros) was stock. I said no, he said yes several times very aggressively, like I was giving him a hard time. I got the lights I needed by having him look up headlights for a 240. Bingo. He kept trying to convince me that the 240 ones wouldn't even fit on my car. "Look," he said, "they aren't even the same model car. Look at the numbers!." He went on to mention that his brother owned a 300, and that they had the square lights. An SD? I thought, but no. His brother owned a 300d! I talked to his manager, who didn't seem any more capable of customer service. After years of them ordering the incorrect parts, giving the incorrect brake pads for my cars, I finnally retired autozone from my suppliers for good. I won't even look for prices there anymore. I HATE AUTOZONE (sorry to rant!)

yeah, the last time I went to aotuzoo (in march) there wer 3 guys "working"(standing behind the counter, BSing) along with 1 unloading a truck. I stood at the counter for 5 minutes waiting to be helped-no other customers at the time. I simply walked out, saying "well, I'm sure the guys at Napa will be willing to help me." all three turned and were very eager to help. too late. havent returned.

most napas are individually owned, so at least a few guys there will know something. allthough i sent the wife for a gallon of zerex G-05 for her chrysler, and one guy was trying to sell her zerex dexcool- he said they're all the same. at least my wife knows enough to see that if i take the time to write down a specific brand and type, she better not bring home something else.

I used to work in the Automotive Dept at K-Mart in the early 80's. Idiots there to...

Customer: I need an oil filter and can't find it in the Fram book you have hanging out there.

Me: Ok, lets go take a look. Sometimes people tear the pages out...

Customer: I have a Cadillac Cimmaron, '81, and I want the Fram for it. I'll let you show me in the book where to find it.

Me: Not a prob...I go through the book, find the Cadillac Cimarron, and the book has in bold print "See Chevrolet Cavalier" I flip back to the Cavalier, locate the filter number, and then she says...

Customer: I TOLD you I have a Cadillac, I DO NOT have a Chevy! Don't you know the difference between a plain Chevrolet and a Cadillac?

As she was storming off...

Me: That Cimmaron is nothing more than a Cavalier with a $10,000 trim upgrade.

She just looked back and glared at me.

Nicknames for stores...
 

Autozone = AutoDrone
Oreilly's = Oh, my. Please...
Advance Auto Parts = Fat Chance Auto Parts
NAPA (at least the one in my town due to horrid cust. service) = CRAPA

The good old independent parts houses are dying out due to the chains. Those oldies where a guy started digging through a paper catalog or calling other stores for you when you needed a reverse thread wheel nut for a mid 60's Chrysler. I have to say I couldn't use the old guys all the time- especially when I'm working on the weekends and at night on my cars and they are not open... I have found good people from time to time at Advance and Autozone- but they always get used up and burnt out and leave. If they open an Oreilly's in your town- don't bother going in - it's the cheapest CRAP you can find.

-Sugi

Maybe his brother's 300D had the square Euros.

If that's true, tell me, what's the difference between a bottle of Mobil 1 from O'Reily's and one from Autozone or Advance?

When The Local Shop
 

When the little shops shut down, any one working there may go to the nearest Kragens. There was a great shop nearby that I used to go to when i was younger, those guys always new the answer and would give me a hard time - now that the owner retired, his guy went to the local Kragen. They are about 50/50 when it comes to knowing what they are talking about. Also, they are always straight up whit me if they do not know, which i appreciate

The local autozone here is actually pretty helpful. Theres 3 autozones around here and I usually make the extra 2 miles to go to one. One of the people there owns a 240D, and he seems to know a bit about these cars, everyone else I run into just gives me the part I have listed on the printout from autozone.com.

Speaking of MB diesel owners working at auto parts shops, there's this older guy who works for some Houston area Autozones, he's always getting transferred, I think he's a manager. He has two 300Ds, a 115 and a 123. There was also for a time at the neighborhood O'Reily's a guy with a 1987 300TD. Not sure what became of him. Contrary to the experience of others, none of the parts counter workers have ever tried to give me "auto advice". They just scan, print the receipt, make me sign it, and I go on my way.

I believe it's mostly the "kids" that think they know everything about cars because they change the oil on their Honda's and sell parts for cars.

What's worse, there is an ASE certification for "Parts Specialist" :rolleyes:

They sell Mobile 1 at O'Reallys?
 

"If that's true, tell me, what's the difference between a bottle of Mobil 1 from O'Reily's and one from Autozone or Advance?"

Yeah, if it's a national brand no. I sure did see a lot of weird cheap off brands I had never seen before. Kinda like the stuff you see on the "car parts" aisle at a bad convenience store...I guess I also was pissed off when the parts guy said "oh yeah, dextron III is the same as Dextron IV or V". Wrong!

I guess you just go where it's good for you and hope it lasts!

~Sugi

Propps for the parts dudes for dealing with the ass heads.
 

I was standing in line behind a person once that was trying to convince the parts guy that her Hundai outside was a " Honda i ".

Dont get me wrong. It would be fine if she just did not know the difference between the two cars.

But she was getting beligerant with the counter guy.
Like her car was the s**t, how dare he call it a Hundai.

I looked at the back of the car as I was leaving and someone had taken the emblems off the back.

Maybe she just got ripped off by a crooked car seller.