Method for comparing automotive fluids

Abstract

A method and sampling system are provided for sampling and marketing fluid replacement services. Once an automobile arrives at the service facility, the automobile service technician quickly obtains fluid samples from the various systems of an automobile. While the consumer provides relevant information relating to the vehicle to a customer service technician, the automobile service technician places the fluid samples into receptacles allowing the consumer to visually inspect the condition of each fluid. The service technician then provides new fluids in proximity to the actual fluids of the engine to allow a side-by-side comparison of the visual condition of the fluids. The samples are then presented to the consumer while the consumer is in contact with the customer service technician to allow the consumer to make a determination as to whether the fluids must be replaced.

The invention claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of marketing engine fluid replacement services, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first transparent container having a first new fluid therein;    providing a second transparent container;    delivering a first used fluid from a first engine system into said second transparent container;    displaying said first and second containers in a holder such that the first used fluid may be compared with said first new fluid; and    determining whether said first used fluid needs to be replaced.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said delivering step is accomplished by pumping said first used fluid from the first engine system through a conduit which discharges into said first used fluid container.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said conduit is tapped into said first engine system through a dipstick access tube.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first new fluid is new motor oil and the first used fluid is used motor oil.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , including the additional steps of: 
 providing a third transparent container having a second new fluid therein;    providing a fourth transparent container;    delivering a second used fluid from a second engine system into said fourth transparent container;    displaying said third and fourth containers next to one another such that the second used fluid may be compared with said second new fluid; and    determining whether said second used fluid needs to be replaced.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  in which the third and fourth containers are displayed in the holder along with the first and second containers.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the second new fluid is new engine coolant and the second used fluid is used engine coolant.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said second used fluid is delivered from said second engine system by: 
 providing a syringe;  
 suctioning said second used fluid into said syringe, and then  
 expelling said second fluid from said syringe into said fourth container.  
 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: 
 providing a bucket;    disposing of said first used fluid in said bucket after said determining step is complete.