How can I tell if the engine oil/filter have been changed?

[StanC]

This is really a question in relation to all models that do not have an engine oil dipstick. I'm afraid I'm an old cynic; I've been motoring for more than 60 years and three or four times over that period I've had my car serviced at a main dealer only to find afterwards that the oil and filter change I've paid for hasn't been done. I'm therefore in the habit of always checking this and I've been able to ascertain this through examination of the oil on the dipstick and by the dirt pattern on the filter housing.

On my XC40 B4 there is no dipstick and the oil filter is tucked away out of sight underneath the engine. Changing the oil/filter involves removing the tray under the engine and the messy renewal of the filter element and seals, all of which must make just not bothering very tempting - I mean, how is the customer going to know? The car is into the main dealers for a service next week and the cynic in me would like to check afterwards to satisfy myself that the oil/filter have actually been changed. I can peer into the oil filler neck, but this doesn't reveal much about the state of the oil.

Has anyone else had this concern? And is there any advice about how to check work has been done without virtually doing the oil/filter change again?

Thanks,
Stan.

[Suttv70]

I have no dipstick on my 2011 V70 and I took the oil filler cap off and gingerly inserted some kitchen roll to catch a little of the residual oil for inspection as the seller told me he changes the oil regularly and recently. I could see the oil I picked up was not pristine amber fluid but certainly not very dirty.

For the engine I have, there apparently is a small dipstick but not easily accessible. It is possible to buy a full size dipstick and doing that is on my to do list, worth checking if there is an option for your car.

[Steve 940]

I assume you don’t want to go to the hassle of removing tray to make some marks on said filter, so other option would be to make subtle marks on tray screws or bolts, just so you can see if the undertray has been disturbed.

Cheers
Steve

[volvosam]

Or do it yourself or have someone you trust do it.
I really can not see the point of paying a very expensive price for an oil change if you think that it may not even be done.

[DaveNP]

You could ask them to keep all of the parts removed for you so you will be able to see the old oil filter. They'll probably think you're a bit odd and it doesn't preclude them showing you someone else's oil filter.
I can understand the concern as in the past we have had my wife's car serviced by a local tyre and exhaust chain (think Kwickfit but not as large) who diagnosed it as having no antifreeze in the system, given that we had a new radiator fitted under an insurance claim after an accident I believed them, as it happened I said I'd do it myself and when I opened the drain plug beautiful blue antifreeze poured out - Thankyou very much sir. that'll be £30+ for a job we never actually did .
Ironically if I do use a garage workshop these days it's always the workshop offshoot of my local independent tyre and exhaust fitters, the tyre and exhaust part has an excellent reputation for honest dealing so I trust the workshop side too.

[Prefect1938]

As above, the only way to avoid being scammed it to just do it yourself. With just a bit of the savings you can treat your car to some good quality oil and filter rather than hope they have used something decent. Not having a dip stick is just appalling, I don't mind having an additional level sensor but removing such a cheap, useful and full proof tool is just not on.

[ITSv40]

As above ^^^^^

When I bought my C70 it was on 50,000miles and full Volvo dealer/ Volvo independent service history.

The private seller said he had just had the car checked over at his local garage which included an oil and filter change. As I do all my own servicing, the first thing I did was change the oil and filter as there was no knowing what was in there.

Drained the oil - which was clean - and removed the filter. The filter element is a paper insert and should fit with a tight firm press in the housing. The old filter just fell out of the housing as the central hole was too large for the housing, thus not filtering the oil at all - just letting it flow through unfiltered. Fitted the new Volvo filter and that pushed in with a nice tight firm fit. Obviously a cheap 99p insert had been fitted and totally useless.

[Moomoo]

If I I had the slightest suspicion that a garage MIGHT be capable of not doing an oil change when they should, I would go elsewhere…………….even Halfrauds!😱

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by Moomoo

If I I had the slightest suspicion that a garage MIGHT be capable of not doing an oil change when they should, I would go elsewhere…………….even Halfrauds!😱

ooo thats,,, ,,, no i couldnt go That far,,,,,

[Moomoo]

Yes, ok, ok , exaggeration, fair enough !