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Considering that the car recommend Mobil 1 Synthetic oil as per the logo on the oil cap, how can I be sure that the garage that did the oil change poured the recommended oil and not another low cost oil to save money?

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4 Answers

up vote 6 down vote accepted

My first suggestion would be to ask whoever did the change. If you are seriously in doubt, provide the oil to somebody to redo the change, or simply do it yourself. If you are able to do the change yourself, I would suggest learning to do so (just keep the receipts so you can provide them as maintenance records in the event you wish you sell the vehicle).

All in all, if you aren't certain the right oil was used the first time, redoing a $40 oil change with the correct oil will be way cheaper than any damage the wrong oil might inflict on your vehicle over time.

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2  
In addition to what Cory said, if you don't trust the shop to be putting in what you asked for/they stated they would, then I'd suggest you find a different shop to take your car to. – ManiacZX Mar 7 '11 at 22:51
I would change oil by yourself, not difficult at all and you will be sure of the oil type. – Gabriel Mongeon Jul 13 '11 at 19:36

No real way to tell from the oil itself (although Royal Purple IS purple).

Either ask the shop or change it yourself.

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The only way I know of at least here in Iceland is basically to ask the garage, although here the dealerships certify garages that use only the proper oil for each make

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Other than draining a bit and sending it off for some analysis, you'd have to watch them do the oil change. Though if you are that concerned about trickery, your time is probably better spent asking around for references for a reputable shop.

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+1 for mentioning oil analysis – Series8217 Feb 29 '12 at 19:03

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