Pep Boys --Perks and Benefits

[B72011]

So I got talked into joining Pep Boys Frequent Customer deal when I had my winter tires put on---its actually a pretty good deal. Overall I think the place can save you some real loot.

W/it---they will:
Rotate your tires free.
Patch holes in tires free.
Scan error codes free.
And something else--cant remember right now.

Also they will price match their service--I told them Wal Mart would mount my new winter tires for $10ea (not that I would have Wal Mart do it) and they said no prob--bring it in we'll do it. They did a great job--no issues. They sometimes want proof ---bring in a coupon from any random shop and they'll match. They do plenty of Mark V VW's (same oil deal as the B7)--so I just bring in my oil and they change it and filter for $20. With the cost of oil and filters--I have oil changes for about $50.
I think when it comes to brakes and oil and tires you cant go wrong with the place as those things are simple enough.....brakes I havent done yet--oil is too messy to deal with IMO to save $20. I have a coupon for another shop to do a brake fluid flush for $39--prolly have them match it before it expires.
Find a Pep Boys near you in a nice area and give them a try. I know its not for everyone as some are really obsessive about their cars. Would I have them change out my timing belt--of course not--but for a tire mount or fluid flush--I dont see why not. Trans fluid excepted of course given the need to VAg it.

[Brothermist]

I'm not sure how the Pep Boys are in Cali, but around here they are notorious for damaging studs/lugs and having wheels come off of cars. I personally watched a Wrangler loose its drivers front wheel at ~45mph. I stopped to help and they had just come from getting new tires at Pep Boys. I've also watched "mechanics" at the 'Boys use air guns WITHOUT torque sticks to install the wheels on cars, then pull them out for customer pickup... No torque wrench or figure 8's involved, just throw them on and park it.

Air guns are okay to use to install wheels, but only with the correct color coded torque stick on it, and should always be finished of with a torque wrench.

Pep Boys, Walmart, hell even dealerships, don't employ many real mechanics. Most are parts changers, to be honest, even the ones with certifications.

[DRAKLORE]

I thought pep boys checked error codes free anyways... Autozone, and o,Reilly's do.

And I disagree with the comment on them hiring "real" mechanics... But I would say that the guys at parts supplier type stores are definently bottom of the barrel mechanics :-/ no offense, not that they are not good/skilled... But good mechanics make a good paycheck and can choose where they work most of the time... And Im doubting pep boys is at the top of the list on any mechanics resume...

[mr shickadance]

i am a zone, only bc its the closest to me, its great for buying oil, filters, and basic car wash supplies, and every now and then certain items go on sale.....like i got low profile jack for 50$ marked down from 100 so there are bargains to be had.


but like others are saying, i would not let the mouthbreathers that work there try and install anything on my car

[supercoupe007]

So I got talked into joining Pep Boys Frequent Customer deal when I had my winter tires put on---its actually a pretty good deal. Overall I think the place can save you some real loot.

W/it---they will:
Rotate your tires free.
Patch holes in tires free.
Scan error codes free.
And something else--cant remember right now.

Also they will price match their service--I told them Wal Mart would mount my new winter tires for $10ea (not that I would have Wal Mart do it) and they said no prob--bring it in we'll do it. They did a great job--no issues. They sometimes want proof ---bring in a coupon from any random shop and they'll match. They do plenty of Mark V VW's (same oil deal as the B7)--so I just bring in my oil and they change it and filter for $20. With the cost of oil and filters--I have oil changes for about $50.
I think when it comes to brakes and oil and tires you cant go wrong with the place as those things are simple enough.....brakes I havent done yet--oil is too messy to deal with IMO to save $20. I have a coupon for another shop to do a brake fluid flush for $39--prolly have them match it before it expires.
Find a Pep Boys near you in a nice area and give them a try. I know its not for everyone as some are really obsessive about their cars. Would I have them change out my timing belt--of course not--but for a tire mount or fluid flush--I dont see why not. Trans fluid excepted of course given the need to VAg it.

Food for thought, thanks for sharing the information.

[djibouti99]

I never take my car anymore to Pep Boys or anyone that does not know how to work on Audis to get work done. I took my B6 to a place that got good reviews on tire rack to get new tires and they did a good job so I thought I'd take it there again for on oil change and alignment. Couldn't get the alignment right. Then, I'm watching the guy do my oil change and see him struggling and mumbling under his breath "all this for an f'n oil change." Nope, I'll stick to people that actually know how to and enjoy working on german cars.

[swoardrider]

If you have OEM wheels and tires sizes, Pep Boys is pretty good, at least in San Jose. I just had tires and alignment installed there on my Tundra. Best deal on tires (buy 3 get one free). Alignment was $99 and comes with a one year warranty. My truck drives perfect, and the Hankook tires I bought are fantastic. If you are running aftermarket wheels and suspension, then it might be wiser to take the car to a specialty tire shop. On the Audi, I get my tires from America's Tire Co, and get my alignment done by a suspension specialist.

[A4-Wookie]

I took my B6 to a place that got good reviews on tire rack to get new tires and they did a good job so I thought I'd take it there again for on oil change and alignment. Couldn't get the alignment right. Then, I'm watching the guy do my oil change and see him struggling and mumbling under his breath "all this for an f'n oil change." Nope, I'll stick to people that actually know how to and enjoy working on german cars.

The oil change on the A4 has to be one of the easiest things EVER!

That dude shouldnt be in the business if he was struggling to change the oil on our cars!!! "All this for a f'n oil change..." Yeah, all 15 minutes, IF that!! lmao

[NorcalPB]

I'm pretty sure Pep Boys doesn't have the special tools for an Audi. That's why I always used to hear them scream when they tried removing the full oil filter...they probably just let the oil drip all over your sway bar, chassis, etc. and don't clean it up.

I wouldn't be surprised if they skipped replacing your oil filter if they had too much trouble with it...not good mechanics at all and this is what they do for a living LOL

[Ed Gein]

i took my car once to the local quick lube once for an oil change and as soon as they saw the oil filter they just straight up told me to go somewhere else LOL

[jjcannon]

The only problem I have with Pep Boys is that whenever you bring your car to them, they report to Carfax. Not exactly the best thing to have on a carfax if you're trying to sell a german luxury car (albiet entry level luxury... but still)

[papadelogan]

The oil change on the A4 has to be one of the easiest things EVER!

You're kidding, right? The A4 is one of the harder vehicles I've owned to do an oil change. The stupid filter cannister tucked up & away is a pain, plain & simple. The constant need for specialty tools is ridiculous. Easiest oil change was my 97 Outback. I didn't even have to lay down to do it. My 99 F250 diesel is easier than the Audi. I still love the A4 but engineering easily becomes over-engineering and these cars have that.

Back to the original topic, there's not a Pep Boys near me and if I can do it myself, I will, just so I know it's done to my satisfaction.

[BoSNiaN]

You're kidding, right? The A4 is one of the harder vehicles I've owned to do an oil change. The stupid filter cannister tucked up & away is a pain, plain & simple.

x2...It is far from the easiest. The canister system I actually like, but what I don't is the stupid nipple to drain the oil for it so you have to spend more $ to drain it properly or get oil everywhere by using a screwdriver.

[Ed Gein]

the b6/b7 s4 seems pretty easy, the filter is on top of the engine

[doublezero30]

so they do things any car enthusiast should easily beable to do? yea deffinatly a great deal

i hate these type of "chain" shops as most of the "techs" hardly have a basic knowledge about cars let alone your car inperticular. i found a receipt last year that the previous owner of my car got the brakes dont at direct tire...i was pissed. no wonder my lugs were WAY over torqued and i get so much goddamn brakedust.

x2...It is far from the easiest. The canister system I actually like, but what I don't is the stupid nipple to drain the oil for it so you have to spend more $ to drain it properly or get oil everywhere by using a screwdriver.

or you take a plastic bag, put it around the filter housing, sping it off into the bag...oil and filter housing fall into bag. no mess. take housing out, hose off with brake clean and replace filter. done.

[Grada89]

or you take a plastic bag, put it around the filter housing, sping it off into the bag...oil and filter housing fall into bag. no mess. take housing out, hose off with brake clean and replace filter. done.

Not a bad idea. Would have used that method if I didn't buy the drain tool.

[null]

I would never trust something like oil change to pep biys. Do it yourself - buy oil there and filter and you will be done sooner than going there and waiting.

There numerous examples to people bringing their cars to save $ to some of these $20 oil change places only to find out later.. oh that $10/h wage 'mechanic' forgot to fasten all 18 fasteners to put the shield back on? Surprised?

[Brothermist]

oh that $10/h wage 'mechanic' forgot to fasten all 18 fasteners to put the shield back on? Surprised?

A friend of mine worked at one of those places years ago... They had collections of nuts, bolts, caps, fasteners, and skid plates/shields laying about everywhere... from all the shit they'd take off from under cars and just never put back on to make it "easier". The shop philosophy was "most of these people never look under their cars anyway."