AIBU or am I just thick ?

[daffodillament]

Car journey.. 4 hr round trip on motorway the other day. My oil light starts flashing. Didn't think much of it at first but thought I'd better get it checked out at some services I happened to pass. There was a Co-Op shop with all the usual oils and car maintenance stuff outside. Me, scratching head, didn't have a clue. Popped in and asked person behind the counter which oil would be recommended for my type of car..explained make, age and model etc.. she listened then said.."sorry, I am not allowed to tell you, it's not part of policy, would be liable if anything went wrong..bla bla " FFS, comes to something if they can't help you out at a services ! Stropped out and tried to look on google..was none the wiser. Drove off, on way home found a little garage (mot/car service type place )off the beaten track, popped in and what do you know... sorted thanks to lovely helpful people ! The end. But am I a bit thick for not having a clue about oil ? (and it took me ages to find the leaver thing that opens the bonnet)

specialsubject that's great. changing wheels might be a step too far

it is for me, I know the technique and have an old car with a spare, but if it was needed I no longer have the strength. with breakdown cover £50 a year it isnt an issue.

I have worked in a petrol station, that sold engine oil. Staff are not allowed to tell you which oil to buy, apparently that would make us liable for any damage to your car. It may be ridiculous, but it's standard policy. Don't blame the staff!

A garage on the other hand, where MOTs are carried out etc, would have qualified mechanics and other staff trained in the various specifications, so would be able to help.

But yes, answers to many such questions can be found in the manual or on google thankfully, as I continually forget what my tyre pressures are supposed to be

special subject
Wash it occasionally so you can see out of the windows

Sorry OP but yabu regarding the shop assistant, especially if you 'stropped off'. I hope you werent rude to them. I can tell you categorically that employee will have received no training on customers vehicles or vehicle maintenance at all, any more than they can tell you on demand what bottle of wine your neighbours would like or not (since they will know nothing about that either unless they drink it). It's a retail store, on a petrol premises not a garage and they are customer service operatives and not mechanics. The rate of pay is not in line with the specialist advice you seem to require either.
I don't think the garage are any 'nicer' just because they were able to perform a basic function within their specialism, if selecting a bottle of oil can be called that at all frankly.
Sounds like she tried her best and gave you the correct response.
That said- no you aren't 'thick' because you dont know which oil the car takes, just leave your owners manual in the glove compartment for next time as the info is in there, or write down the details now you know them if you have just paid for some.

buffy car washing is either unnecessary because it will rain, or at the moment a waste of precious water!

specialsubject
Like your style I think power washing my car would cause her to disintegrate tbh. The dirt is holding her together

I went on euro car parts and put my number plate in. It brought up what I needed. I wouldn't have had a clue other wise!

I'm not good at this stuff either op but I try. Topped up the screenwash in my car on Sunday and took me ages. Couldn't remember how to open bonnet, then make sure it was the correct bit I was pouring it in to, then couldn't open the bottle, then realised I needed a funnel or it would go everywhere. Got there in the end though and was pleased with myself! Just hope no one was watching.

Yabvu to expect a co op assistant to know what oil your car needed though, that's just a bit weird. That is what the manual is for. Or at least just google it.

Actually, in an emergency, any kind of oil would do-as long as it was only a litre or so. Don't stress about it.
Get home and ask your husband!

any car will suffer with a power wash - hose, bucket, sponge.

dirt is good. just clean windows, lights, plates.