I just brought my car in for an oil change and 2 recalls and had a question about the 12 point inspection they do on the car.

Every time I get an oil change, when I leave I notice that the brakes feel much tighter than when I came in - like the car is brand new. I love it, but I was wondering if it's in my head. I know they measure the brake pads and rotors as part of the inspection, but is there anything involved in this that they would actually be adjusting the brakes to make them more effective?

FYI...they did the work in only a few hours and I got an Enterprise rental for the day...a 2005 Chrysler Sebring Touring Convertible. I loved having a convertible for the day, but other than that the car was a piece of junk. Reminds me why my last 4 vehicles have been Toyota, 2 Hondas, and the Mazda. Owned a Chrysler, Dodge, Buick, and Ford before that. Been there, done that, never again.

 

Next time you bring the car in why don't you stand there and watch the 12 point inspection. They might as well just pass a magic wand over it.

If they actually check the brake pads it is purely visual.

 

Correct, the brake calipers have a small cutout in the top to visually inspect the pads. There is no reason to remove them for inspection. There is also no reason to think any dealership would bleed your brake system during an oil change. Bleeding the brake lines is the only thing they could do that would make them feel firmer.