"Shop" vs "DIY" engine oils

[DAVIDSTECKER]

I have never heard anybody talk about this but what is the difference between the oils used at the "Quickie Lubs" and the oil you get at the auto parts store?
Except for 3 oil changes, I have done all the oil changes for the Chevy 350 which has over 280,000 miles on it.
I have a dealer change my oil less than 2,000 miles ago and have already had to replace it. When I pulled out my plug which has magnet in it, I found the largest amount of metal stuck to that I have ever seen on it.
One other time I had to replace the oil before my normal scheduled 7,500 mile change. The oil wouldn’t reach the valve train.
I have never had any issues with the oil changes I've preformed.

 

[rmw]

Quickie places buy their oil in bulk, but 'supposedly' it is the same.

You can get them to use 'store bought' oil if you so stipulate, but you might pay a tad more.

I use a brand and grade that they don't carry in bulk, so they use the 'store bought' stuff.

rmw

 

[drwebb]

Unless they tell you what they are using there is no way to know. Any reputable quick lube should use lubricants meeting the most recent API service category specification so should last as long as the severe service interval recommended in the owner's manual. On the other hand, most still recommend 3,000 mi service intervals to their customers, and since there is _some_ correllation between cost and performance and longer drains means lower sales for them they have little incentive to fill with something that delivers more than minimum performance.

 

[evelrod]

Here in Socal, with OEM dealerships offering oil changes as low as $14.95, the 'quick lube' business has become rather competitive...most advertise the use of one of the top of the line lubes, ie, that's what you will get (pay more $) if you do not specify the 'cheaper' alternative.
Obviously, there is little incentive to get you to pick the cheaper, advertised price alternative...meaning that if you pay the top price and not the 'advertised' price, you will most likely get a top API rated oil. This all becomes a matter of "Do you trust the shop"?

One point, pay attention to the quality of the oil filter that is used...stick to a quality brand and not the 'plain wrapper", 50 cent jobbies!!!... (that is what they cost NOT what you will be charged).

Rod