I remember reading somewhere about how the dealers mess up our cars when they lift them, but I can't find where I read it and I just got my first oil change so if anyone could fill me in on what I should look for that would be great. I looked under my car behind the front wheel and that thing there is all bent and I was thinking it could be from that

Thanks.

 

Change your own oil and that will prevent such incidents. Just trying to help.

 

i agree change your own oil.....piece of cake

 

To answer your question -- look at the gap between the front of the door and the quarter-panel. Also, look at the piece of the quarter-panel just behind the front wheel.

If the gap is goofy or the piece is sticking out away from the car, then they jacked at the wrong spot. (wow, that sounds kinky or something)

 

The front fender mounts to a metal piece that hangs low in an area that most people put the lift arm...

When the lfit raises your car, it crushes or bends the fender mount, and pooches out your fender.

It can be fixed by bending the bar back into shape, but it's a PITA.

Whenever you car is lifted, be sure to tell them (or better yet SHOW THEM) and make sure they don't put the lift arm on that area.

If you kneel down next to your front fender, right before the door, you will see the piece I am talking about.

And, yes, I learned the hard way...

 

I hate to admit it, but I did it to my own car when using a lift.
I heard a "pop" and I looked at the car and noticed the fender was sticking out about a half inch farther than the door. I then cut the crap out of my hand fixing it... Boy was I in a good mood after that.

 

I think its possible to get those pieces messed up and not have the fender go out. Mine look bent, but the fender looks perfect still.

 

Well the piece is bent, but I don't see any damage so I guess it's alright... I'll be sure to tell them next time, you would think that a PONTIAC dealer would know how to lift a PONTIAC firebird.

Thanks for the help.

 

Oh yeah... about changing my own oil... I was trying to do everything right with this car and figured it would be better if they had on record when I changed my oil and the mileage. I really don't mind paying the $10 or whatever they charged me. I brought my own mobile 1 oil and filter and they just do the dirty work. My pontiac dealer is about 1/2 mile down the road so it's no bid deal.

 

Actually, for oil changes, a lot of dealer's use the lifts that don't use the lifting arms, but you just drive the car up onto ramps... they block a lot more of the car than an arm lift does, but it works perfect for oil changes, and it's a lot quicker to drive the car up onto the ramps, than line up the lift arms on the other type...

If they used the ramp type lift, you have nothing to worry about.