“Why would they think I have money to spend on other things?”
Posted: December 15, 2024 9:00 AM CST
A woman’s video highlights a common experience among drivers who bring their cars in for an oil change, sparking a discussion about upselling and preventive maintenance.
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In a video with over 680,000 views, TikToker Real Ronsina (@realronsina) shares her reaction when a mechanic tries to upsell her.
“I came to change the oil, why? [expletive] Do I have my cabin air filter in hand? Why are you telling me about wipers? ” she asks in the clip. “I know what you need, okay?”
“This car was barely insured,” she joked, commenting on the price of an oil change. An oil change costs between $20 and $100 on average, depending on the type of oil you choose. Nerd wallet.
Why do maintenance shops provide other services during an oil change?
Oil changes are generally low-cost services. This means that mechanics and workshops that perform oil changes don’t benefit much from this routine procedure. quora Suspect.
Therefore, in an attempt to increase their profits, mechanics may offer services such as installing new wipers or cabin air filters, replacing other fluids, or performing other potential repairs found on the vehicle. .
driver responds
The comments on Ronsina’s video discuss upsell strategies that viewers have encountered.
“I’m literally waiting to receive a coupon to go get an oil change. How do they think I have money to do anything else?” one says.
“You’re right. I got $10 off my oil change and was told to replace my brake pads, filter, and back window wiper,” another person wrote.
“And they’re going to charge $60 for that air filter when you can buy it at AutoZone for $15,” a third person added.
However, not all viewers care about additional maintenance suggestions.
“Well, usually when you go for an oil change, they do a multi-point inspection (lol) and it’s up to you whether you want to replace those things or not. But if you look at the cabin air filter and it’s full of dirt. , either buy a filter and replace it yourself, or have them replace it for you,” the commenter wrote.
“They’re supposed to check the lights, check the air filter, and lubricate steering/suspension parts like tie rods,” says another.
Some people suggest ways to avoid upsells.
“Find an honest mechanic…make friends with him and never let him go!!! I love mechanics lol,” a viewer suggests.
“That’s why every time I park my car, I say, ‘Just don’t touch the air filter with oil,'” says another.
@realronsina ♬ Original song – Rion
The Daily Dot reached out to Real Ronsina via email and TikTok direct message.
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