A jaded Jiffy Lube employee took to TikTok to reveal the truth about quick lube shops. “Lady Lancer” is an automotive enthusiast and was a Jiffy Lube mechanic until she was fired. She says her manager admitted, “We total cars all the time. We have insurance write-offs all the time.” Why? “Because they didn’t do their job properly.”

She offered an example: “They almost totaled an Audi by draining the f—ing transmission fluid instead of the oil.” She even took a picture of the Audi in question. If someone hadn’t caught the mistake in time, the tech might have overfilled the already full engine and sent the vehicle on its way with an empty transmission. The result would have been disastrous for the drivetrain.

The TikToker asked her manager about another tech’s huge Audi mistake. “He literally said, ‘It happens,’” she recalled, “passing it off like that’s normal.” She warned her followers, “Please never go to a quick lube.” You can see her video embedded below or read on for a service writer’s advice:

The truth about quick lube chains

’ll add that everything Lady Lancer says is anecdotal evidence—it’s just the word of one manager at one Jiffy Lube branch. But my colleague Sarah Kennedy was a service writer at an auto shop for years. She saw multiple issues caused by poorly executed oil changes at quick lube chain shops. She urges readers to check for 3 common mistakes after a quick lube service. Here they are:

1. The oil filter isn’t installed correctly
2. The oil drain plug leaks
3. The oil filler cap isn’t on tight

Dead giveaways there’s a problem can include an oil puddle under your car, oil blowing out of the top of the engine, a burning smell, or even smoke coming from the engine bay. Sarah recommends running your car for just a minute after a change, then turning it off and looking underneath for leaking oil. Finally, pop your hood and confirm the oil fill cap is in place.