Ask Pete

[#1]

I had a discussion with one of our AAA members the other day about the manufacturer-recommended oil change for her 2011 General Motors vehicle. The owner’s manual said to use Dexos1 or equivalent. After doing some research and contacting my friends at Valvoline, I learned that GM has developed an oil that it recommends be used in most 2011 and newer GM vehicles. The problem is, unless the member went to the dealer for her service, no one else had this Dexos stuff.

Which begs the question: What is the definition of “or equivalent”? Technically, the definition is any semi-synthetic oil that is GF-4 rated, 5w-30 with an API starburst on the label.

It seems this move by GM accomplishes two things. First, it almost sounds like you have to go back to the dealer if you want to keep your warranty in effect. (But we know the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act doesn't allow for that—hence the or equivalent disclaimer). Second, GM will receive licensing fees and royalties paid back to it for the use of its oil. Ah ha! The revenue stream!

While I have no problem taking my vehicle to the dealer for service and warranty repairs, I suggest you read the recommendations in your owner’s manual thoroughly, if for no other reason than to make sure you are putting in the recommended oil...or equivalent.

[#2]

My annual reminder that, if you own a late-model Hyundai, do not expect AAA to service you for a dead battery. Happened to me once again today. AAA again FAILED to assist.  AAA is a joke. I suggest all cancel membership, at all cost. File a BBB complaint, for fun! The local office will have to respond.

They (AAA) will send a contracted person out without researching what vehicle you own in advance (not their fault), the contracted source will then state that AAA does not pay for the type of battery that a late-model Hyundai requires. Leaving you in the dust with a dead car. And the innocent contracted source screwed on a call.

Tip: the service person can tow you to Auto Zone etc. and they usually have the appopriate battery, and will even install it at no extra cost in the parking lot. And they will tell you that AAA batteries in general are the lowest quality.

[#3]

From the operations side of the Battery Service program I can tell you that we are sorry to hear you had this negative experience and truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Last year we expanded our product line to include most Hyundai batteries as we recognized we were not able to effectively service those members' vehicles. Today we have approximately 97% coverage of the most popular vehicles on the road.

Even if you have already purchased a battery from another supplier, we want the opportunity to make it right. I would like to determine if it is truly a product availability issue or a contractor stocking issue. Either way, I would like to gather detailed information. Please call the Battery Service department at 407 833-1809. We look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to make this right!   

[#4]

Thanks, but serious quality control issues with AAA dis-service remain here (I bet you have to quietly supress your real thoughts on that).

As for the phone number you provided, this is a (B)orlando, FL tele. Just called. They aren't even open at 8:36 pm. Sad example of customer dis-service/lack-of-concern. I must wonder what would happen if I was a young female on the road in a distant and unfamiliar part of the country, needing assistance.

I already bought the battery for the 2nd Hyundai, so playing games going forward for a meager refund is not worth my efforts going forward.

But thanks for responding.

[#5]

Hi, Terry,

For the record, I had the battery in my 2008 Hyundai Veracruz replaced with no problems. Was easy and quick and done in my driveway so I didn't have to drive around or be towed. Yes, I'm an employee but the battery service tech didn't know that--I made sure not to tell him--and he treated me with respect and quick service. I had a similar positive experience my Toyota, too.

As far as the battery service department, that phone number provided was to help resolve your issue (different than our emergency number). The battery service department is open 9-5 like most businesses, and they are very concerned when it comes to customer service.

Emergency calls are always answered 24/7/365. If you ever find yourself on the road and in need, please call 1-800-222-4357(1-800-AAA-HELP). That number is printed on the front of your AAA card.

Stephen

[#6]

As a non-employee, I have to say that I have had nothing but great experiences with AAA. Every time I've ever called (and I've needed them a lot over the years), whether I was at home or on the road, I have always gotten prompt, polite service. I'm sorry TerryKay has had such a bad experience, but from my perspective, that sounds like the exception to the rule. I have called at odd times and have always been helped.