See now this is what I absolutely can’t get my mind around. It sounds like you have an excellent shop that you have a good relationship with. That is awesome. Bob sounds like a great guy and a good mechanic. So with that said why the fuck would you ever take your car anywhere else?
Why in the holy name of Henry Ford would you take your car to a chain shop that you have stated you don’t trust their recommendations?
You might want to Google Jiffy lube and damage to get an idea of what can happen with “just an oil change, what could go wrong?”
Speaking from the other side of the counter I suggest you use or at least call Bob for everything. Need tires and Bob doesn’t sell tires? Call him he will know somebody. Have an accident? Call Bob, he will know a good body shop. Time for an oil change? Go to Bob.
Do it this way and you will avoid people you don’t trust and may be incompetent this will make your car last longer longer and the difference in cost over the life of the car will be minimal.
You know a great shop for OGs sake use it.
I was posting from my phone. Damn auto correct.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Simple answer - Bob’s shop is in high demand, and I’d have to make an appointment for an oil change. He does all the local township and cop vehicles so it’s hard to get an appointment that doesn’t involve leaving a vehicle for the day. And he’s not open on weekends. My schedule is often busy and unpredictable so that’s why I’m more likely to do chain-store oil-changes on the run.
I hear what you’re saying, and I assure you I do use Bob’s shop for everything more complex than oil changes! And if I’m in a position to schedule an oil change, I will do so at his shop. I figure his cheap price for an oil change is a loss leader so it’s not like I’m depriving starving American children of food by not going to Bob (Bob Kerns in Mount Morris Mich, gratuitous plug) for that.