I went to this Midas yesterday for an oil change because I have yet to find an oil-changer around here I trust. They initially told me it would take about 45 minutes to get it done.
About 45 minutes later, the guy told me that it was almost done and that my battery and one other critical part needed replaced. He said the battery was getting 517 CCA and would fail any day. Being a girl with no car knowledge, I have serious trust issues with mechanics who tell me I must buy NOW, so I got a second opinion.
This morning I took my car to Checker (much better!) to get the battery re-tested. My battery was fine. It was getting 100% on the meter. It most certainly did not need to be replaced.
So I have reason to believe the Midas men tried to mislead me and sell me a battery I don't need, but that wasn't all of the fun I had at Midas.
After I declined to buy $240 of replacements I probably don't actually need, they told me that the oil drain plug (or cap? I don't actually know) had been previously screwed on too tight and was stripped. So they needed a replacement. I drive a Hyundai. It is not an uncommon car. It seems strange they wouldn't have a part that I am told commonly needs replaced during an oil change. They had to call a supplier down the street for the part.
Naturally they didn't call the supplier for maybe 20 to 30 minutes AFTER they had told me they needed to get the part. I heard the call, I just don't know why they didn't call sooner.
So my 45 minute oil change turned into 2 hours and a scam. Catch me going back to Midas.