Beyond the Oil Change: What I Learned at the Quick Lube [E190]

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction & Personal Anecdote

• Explains his motivation for visiting a quick lube shop: to observe different shop practices and customer experiences.

The Quick Lube Experience

• Initial Interaction: Shop employee questions the high mileage (300,000) on Matt’s Honda and suggests a possible engine replacement.
• Upsell attempts begin immediately, including high-mileage oil with unverified fuel economy benefits.
• Air Filter Upsell: Employee claims a dirty air filter significantly impacts fuel economy—Matt debunks this myth, citing modern mass airflow sensor engines.
• Notes that restricted air filters may improve fuel economy or have no effect.
• Cabin Air Filter Incident: Employee misgenders Matt’s son (who has long hair) while accessing the glove box.
• Matt critiques the approach, suggesting gender-neutral language when interacting with customers.
• Coolant Flush Upsell: Employee claims the coolant should be flushed annually (without evidence) and criticizes another shop’s pricing.
• Matt finds this tactic dishonest and unprofessional, especially without knowing the specifics of the previous service.

Industry Critiques & Observations

• Upselling Tactics: Questions whether misleading claims (e.g., air filters hurting fuel economy) stem from lack of training or corporate policy.
• Criticizes the focus on commission over honesty.
• Bashing Competitors: Disapproves of shops disparaging others based solely on price without understanding service details.
• Argues this erodes customer trust and harms the industry long-term.
• Customer Interaction: Highlights the importance of transparency and avoiding gender assumptions.
• Reflects on whether exaggerated "skill level" claims (e.g., "this was really hard to do") build customer confidence or backfire.

Listener Engagement

• Asks listeners to share their experiences:
• Have you visited other shops as a "regular customer"? What did you observe?
• Do you reveal your industry background, or play along to see how you’re treated?
• How do you handle unethical practices when you encounter them?

Closing Thoughts

• Reiterates refusal to badmouth competitors or compete on price alone.
• Advocates for integrity, proper training, and focusing on quality repairs.

Call to Action:

• Share your stories: Email Matt at matthewfanslowpodcast@gmail.com or message via Facebook.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
• Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/