I just wanted to share an experience I had at "The Duke of Oil" oil change service in Munster Indiana on Ridge Rd:
I went there today in my mini van for a simple oil change.
-As soon as I got out of my car, I was told that I could get a hand wash for the van cheaper in lieu of my $5 off coupon for the oil change.
My van was still wet from the car wash I just came from. I told them so.
-They asked if I wanted a "local oil" or if I wished to upgrade to a name brand oil such as "Valvoline". I said no.
-As I sat in the waiting room, a guy came in, sat next to me and showed me a little piece of white cardboard with 3 dabs of oil on it. As usual, one of the dabs had a metal shaving in it. He told me that this was my transmission fluid and that it was "past due" to be changed. Each and every time I go in there - no matter which vehicle I bring - there is always this metal shaving found in my transmission fluid, shown to me with a dire warning that my transmission fluid is overdue to be changed, and that the metal shaving may or may not be an indication of trouble.
-He pointed to the second drop of oil, and indicated that 'It looks like I need a Brake Fluid change for $89. I said "no".
-He the proceeded to inform me (once again) that I could get a discount on their "Hand Car Wash" if I forfeit my $5 off coupon. I said no.
-He then began telling me about their "ECO" oil and the benefits I would receive by upgrading to that particular brand of oil. I said "No, I want a regular oil change and no more". He then went away and left me alone.
-He finished with a "recommendation" to have an "Engine Oil Flush" done and that it would extend the life of the engine
When it was done, I went to the cash register to pay (I assume the manager because he wore a white shirt).in a totally helpful attitude, I told him that "The sales pitches were getting a little extreme". He immediately began to lecture me that these were not sales pitches, but simply an attempt to "educate" me about my car. I replied to him that these attempts to 'educate me" were only succeeding to "piss me off". He continued to argue with me, to which I replied that arguing
with a customer will never help his business, but I guess it fell on deaf ears.
When I came home, I immediately accessed the home web site for "The Duke of Oil" in order to lodge a complaint, How
"surprising" that the "rate us" link was under construction, and that there was no other way to email the owner of this franchise.
Oh well, to sum it up, I will never patronize this establishment again, and I urge you to do the same. This place used to be kind of classy, but has deteriorated. I don't need a place that emulates a panhandler in Chicago selling "Streetwise". I don't trust them anymore and you shouldn't either.
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