KC
Kuangcai Chen
Jun 7, 2026
One morning, while driving my minivan, the battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard. Since I was near Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers at 1577 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA, where I had previously gone for oil changes, I stopped in to have the issue checked while also getting a scheduled oil change.
What followed was one of the most frustrating automotive service experiences I have had and convinced me never to return to this location.
I was charged approximately $50 for a basic battery and charging-system test. Store manager Trey informed me that my battery had failed and that the alternator was only producing about 11 volts. Based on that diagnosis, I authorized replacement of both the battery and alternator and waited about 1.5 hours. The remanufactured alternator alone cost nearly $500, excluding labor. When I asked about discounts, I was told none were available until I found and presented a coupon from their website.
Less than a month later, the battery warning light returned. I brought the vehicle back, and the same alternator was replaced under warranty. After another 1.5-hour wait, the replacement alternator failed the very same day.
Seeking a second opinion, I took the vehicle to another repair shop. Their test confirmed the alternator was again producing only about 11 volts. The owner did not charge me for the inspection because he considered the test too simple to justify a fee. He recommended that I insist on a higher-quality alternator.
When I returned to Express Oil Change, I requested a different and more reliable brand. Trey initially refused, stating that warranty replacements could only be made with the same brand unless I paid the difference. Considering the alternator had already failed twice, including one that lasted less than a day, I found this response unreasonable.
Because no technician was available that day, I had to return again. Trey later assured me that the requested alternator was available, and I waited another 1.5 hours while the same technician performed a third alternator replacement.
Unfortunately, the problems did not end there. Shortly after leaving, I noticed an unusual noise and discovered that three fasteners from a plastic engine cover were missing, and the power steering fluid reservoir had not been properly reinstalled. I returned to the shop immediately.
The technician appeared reluctant to address the issue. Another employee responded dismissively, claiming there was "no proof" the missing parts or damaged cable-routing tubes were the shop's responsibility. Meanwhile, the technician who worked on my car quietly reinstalled the missing fasteners. I had personally seen one of the fasteners fly off while the work was being performed.
Customers should not have to inspect completed repairs, identify missing components, and return to have unfinished work corrected. Proper reassembly and quality control should be standard practice.
Throughout this process, Trey repeatedly emphasized that the failures were the manufacturer's fault and beyond the shop's control. While defective parts can happen, a reputable repair facility should stand behind the parts it chooses to install and ensure reliable repairs. Instead, I experienced repeated breakdowns, multiple return visits, several lost workdays, and growing concerns about the quality of workmanship.
Repeated charging-system failures can leave drivers and passengers stranded and create unnecessary safety risks. After three alternator replacements, recurring failures, incomplete reassembly, and poor customer service, I have completely lost confidence in this location.
Based on my experience, I do not recommend this Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers location and will not return for future service.