kjs

I'm learning first hand about using "aftermarket" oil filters. My mother
went for her first oil change to a local garage she has used for 20 years.
285 miles later she began to hear a tapping in the engine. Hyundai would
not even look at the vehicle for 2 weeks because of the "aftermarket"
filter and they have voided her warranty (so they think!). They are
claiming that her bearings are severly scorred thus causing the engine to
blow at 3147 miles. They want her to pay $10,000 to replace the engine.
It's been at the dealership for 4 weeks!

Brian Nystrom

kjs wrote:

> I'm learning first hand about using "aftermarket" oil filters. My mother
> went for her first oil change to a local garage she has used for 20 years.
> 285 miles later she began to hear a tapping in the engine. Hyundai would
> not even look at the vehicle for 2 weeks because of the "aftermarket"
> filter and they have voided her warranty (so they think!). They are
> claiming that her bearings are severly scorred thus causing the engine to
> blow at 3147 miles. They want her to pay $10,000 to replace the engine.
> It's been at the dealership for 4 weeks!

What caused the damage? It's possible that it was the filter, if the oil
changer installed the wrong one (that's far more likely than a defective
filter). Perhaps the drain plug wasn't installed properly and it leaked?
Either way, the oil change facility is liable for the damages. If, on
the other hand, it's an unrelated engine problem, Hyundai is bound to
cover it under warranty.

Either way, I'd get the car back before the dealer screws with it, as
you will probably need to get it evaluated by an independent mechanic or
two in case you need to take the oil changer or the Hyundai to court.