Water damage that Valvoline caused while "changing the oil" on my 2000 Buick Regal

[Stacey]

I went to Valvoline to get an oil change less than a month ago. When they changed my oil, they put my cabin air filter in (wrong) and smushed down, and forced it into the slot it goes in. Then, the seal that goes alongside my windowsill, and the plastic part that goes on top of the cabin air filter, was just laying there. Then, they screwed another piece on top (where my windshield wiper blade goes) to cover their lackadaisical efforts in putting everything simply back where they found it.

There has been hellacious snow that came AND there have been significant rainy days recently. My car has had a hoard of water in it, even if it just rains outside.

Cambrons auto body car shop (in Owensboro KY) could not find anything wrong with my car ( I took it there because I thought I had a hole in the bottom of my car) They were talking about ripping the dash apart and having to do all kinds of things...BUT, my grandpa, 3 weeks later, found out what was wrong.

immediately, I called Valvoline and explained to them what happened. No one has given me any resistance and they are willing to pay for my car to be detailed. I have filed a claim this morning (3-21-21) But detailed, to me is not enough. My car smells and I am a single mother with two small kids. Will there be mold? MY kids get sick easily.

Are there long-term effects of having well over 4 inches of water in the floorboard (passenger side) for almost 3 weeks now? Of course, I didn't leave the water in for longer than a day- every time it rained or snowed, but I have spent HOURS at carwash vacuums and tried my best to keep it dry for weeks now. But, its had a lot of water in my car these past few weeks.

Befuddled.. I had no idea where the water was coming from. But, as I have learned from this experience, this mistake should have not happened. I have pictures too but they weren't uploading for an unknown reason in this dialogue box.

What should I do during a water cleanup/restoration on my 2000 Buck Regal GS Supersport? It only has 115,000 miles on it. I love this car. She is a gem.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

The most direct route is have a professional interior company review your vehicle and write up the findings on clean up, replacement or repair. You may want to contact your insurance provider and ask if they can recommend a service that can do a inspection.

What damage and long-term issues is something that over a forum based only on a post is unknown. Submit the documents and estimated costs to Valvoline for a resolution on the issue.

 

[Stacey]

The most direct route is have a professional interior company review your vehicle and write up the findings on clean up, replacement or repair. You may want to contact your insurance provider and ask if they can recommend a service that can do a inspection.

What damage and long-term issues is something that over a forum based only on a post is unknown. Submit the documents and estimated costs to Valvoline for a resolution on the issue.

I didn’t know anyone would write back! Thank you for that info on contacting my insurance company. I will do that.
Thanks again!!

 

[HotZ28]

Hint: Use a descriptive title for your new message
If you're looking for help and want to draw people in who can assist you, use a descriptive subject title when posting your message. In other words, "2008 LaCrosse" isn't going to indicate to anybody that you need help. However, "Need help with my 2008 LaCrosse" will. Be as descriptive as you can. Please use common sense. Please also post in the appropriate forum. The "Lounge" is for introducing yourself. If you need help with your LaCrosse, please post in the LaCrosee section - and so on...

 

[-Regal-]

2000 was the first year for cabin air filters in GM cars I believe. Sounds like their drilling holes has caused water to come in. If it can be conclusively tied to this, I think you clearly have a great case against them. Let it be a lesson; I for one would never bring my car to a corporate oil change place that hires and underpays basically high school kids. Anyone who thinks it's a good idea to randomly drill holes in such a spot in lieu of doing the job right should not be working around cars.

 

[Stacey]

2000 was the first year for cabin air filters in GM cars I believe. Sounds like their drilling holes has caused water to come in. If it can be conclusively tied to this, I think you clearly have a great case against them. Let it be a lesson; I for one would never bring my car to a corporate oil change place that hires and underpays basically high school kids. Anyone who thinks it's a good idea to randomly drill holes in such a spot in lieu of doing the job right should not be working around cars.

Hi there! Thanks for your reply. I know I have a case against Valvoline, absolutely. Thursday I had a phone conversation with the area manager (and his legal team) and I had to tell him that I would pursue legal action if they weren’t compliant in fixing my car. I have pictures and literal documentation where they’ve stated they caused water damage to my car by incorrectly installing an air filter/removing a seal. After I said that to him, he told me he would do whatever it takes to get me taken care of. This was after he stated my water repair estimate was “excessive.” What’s excessive is that I went in for an oil change and I have water damage to my baby. I love my car. As I’ve uncovered each layer of this onion- I’ve learned a lot and I whole heartedly feel this was a malicious act because there’s no way that anyone could have done this unless they were blind or something. Whoever worked on my car knew what they were doing AND they hid it under my windshield wiper piece that screws back in. So, today, I have my car in a shop that’s repairing water damage. Friday, I take it to a garage to see if my electrical is ok. Ever since the water has happened, my lights on my dash flicker on and off (my fuse panel is on the right side of my dash- where the water was coming in at) when I told him I was having electrical issues- he also said again, I was being “excessive.”

lesson is learned, I will never take my car to valvoline again. But I am desperately trying to find a hole in the wall shops with authentic older men. There’s no more men like that hardly where I’m from (unless their hiding in the woods- and that’s not a far fetched idea.)

If I were to go back, in school, I’d be a mechanic. Hands down

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

It's appears from your post that you vehicle is going to be repaired properly. Any shop can be either good or bad, small, dealer or corporate and that's confirmed by forum posts. Ask friends, family, neighbors and co-workers on places that they have had work done good or bad. You can check the online reviews but some need to be taken for face value of the poster. Hopefully you will be getting your vehicle back shortly and everything working as designed.

 

[-Regal-]

Well, you can also just have a regular mechanic do your oil change but often will be paying the shop rate for it. Not just Valvoline but any of those sorts of corporate oil change places should be avoided. One would be better off driving around their local industrial area looking for open garages with hoists in them.

Here's a good comeback for you: "The only thing 'excessive' was the amount of water inside my car!"

 

[Saloumbufing]

That sounds like a frustrating experience with your car. It's good to hear that Valvoline is willing to cover the detailing and that you're taking steps to address the water issue. Mold can definitely be a concern, especially with kids around. From personal experience, after a heavy rainstorm, I had a similar situation with my old Honda. It might be worth reaching out to professionals who specialize in car water cleanup—they could ensure everything's properly dried out and prevent any lasting damage.

 

[Saloumbufing]

That sounds like a frustrating experience with your car. It's good to hear that Valvoline is willing to cover the detailing and that you're taking steps to address the water issue. Mold can definitely be a concern, especially with kids around. From personal experience, after a heavy rainstorm, I had a similar situation with my old Honda. I found this helpful place on mold remediation that might give you some pointers: https://www.ssrestore.cоm/mold-remediation-san-diego/. It might be worth reaching out to professionals who specialize in car water cleanup—they could ensure everything's properly dried out and prevent any lasting damage.

This is helpful

 

[MelsRegal]

This is helpful

Over 3 years ago.