A Texas man’s routine oil change turned into a potential safety nightmare when he discovered something flammable embedded in his brake system after he said he visited a Take 5 Oil Change location.
TikTok creator James (@cjames_tx702) shared his alarming discovery in a 26-second video that has racked up more than 15,900 views since he posted it on November 5.
The 6,100-subscriber channel, which typically features episodes from the creator’s life along with some political content, took a robotic turn when he documented what he found after experiencing brake problems following an oil change service.
A dangerous discovery
In the video, James shows viewers his car’s wheel before revealing an oil-soaked cloth that he pulled from his brake system. His reaction was immediate and intense.
“Change the 5 (expletive) oil. You better count your days,” he says in the video. “I’m driving. It’s windy. I’m hearing noises. My brakes aren’t working right. Stopped at the gas station. Pull those (expletive) brake pads out here. Since I changed the oil the other day. It’s crazy. Stuck in the (expletive) between my rotor and the brake pads.”
This discovery came after he noticed that his car was not operating normally while driving, with unusual noises and poor brake performance, which led him to investigate a gas station.
Safety implications
The presence of rag in the brake system represents a serious safety hazard that can lead to serious consequences. Brake systems operate under extreme heat and pressure, and foreign objects can interfere with the friction between brake pads and rotors, which is essential for stopping power.
Under normal circumstances, Brake components They reach temperatures of 250°F to 300°F, but during heavy braking or when overheating occurs, temperatures can rise to 600°F to 700°F. In light of these high temperatures, Brake systems can Experience brake fade – a temporary reduction or complete loss of braking efficiency due to excessive heat buildup that can cause brake pads, rotors, and calipers to lose their ability to generate friction.
In the comments, James explained the potential dangers: “Having a rag in the brakes could be a death sentence. My car could have caught fire with my baby in there.”
Oil-impregnated material can pose multiple hazards, including reduced braking efficiency, overheating of brake components, and, in extreme cases, a fire hazard due to the flammable nature of oil-impregnated fabric exposed to the high temperatures generated during braking.
While motor oil itself is not subject to spontaneous combustion like vegetable oil, rags soaked in the oil are Highly flammable They pose a fire hazard when exposed to external heat sources. Brake fluid is moderately flammable and can ignite at temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which brake systems can reach during normal operation.
How did that happen?
One particularly revealing comment came from user MG_Z71, who identified the origin of the cloth: “It’s a hospital cloth also from Cintas lol and it’s not even supposed to be in this store.” This observation indicates that the store may have been using inappropriate cleaning materials during service.
James confirmed these details, writing: “Yes, the district manager said when I got back that he knew it happened that day because they had just gotten those rags that morning.”
This timeline indicates that the cloth was likely introduced into his car during an oil change service, when technicians were cleaning components or their hands and inadvertently left the cloth in the brake area.
The store responded
The TikTok creator did not let the incident pass without confronting the company. He returned to Take 5 the same day to address the issue with management.
“Yes, I went back to the store the same day. The area manager was great. The store manager didn’t seem to care one bit, and I’ve already filed a claim with them. So let’s see if they actually do anything about it,” he wrote in response to a concerned viewer.
He also explained the contradictory responses from management: “I came back the same day. The district manager happened to be there and was professional about the situation and the possibility of it becoming a bigger problem. The store manager’s kid on this matter didn’t seem to give a (expletive) that my car was on fire with my kids in there etc., which is very unprofessional.”
The community shares similar experiences
The video struck a chord with viewers, many of whom shared their negative experiences with Take 5 and other quick lube chains. The comments section has become a repository of cautionary tales about the dangers of express oil change services.
“Take 5 was never the place to go,” user Amelia Alcocer wrote, garnering 10 likes from viewers who apparently agreed.
User Q shared a particularly expensive mistake: “They had to pay my son $5,000 because they forgot to put the oil cap back on.”
Several commenters reported issues in various locations in Texas. “Take 5 in Round Rock put a hole in my daughter’s oil pan,” Trina444 wrote, while Iris added: “Take 5 in Hutto and completely destroyed my engine.”
The problems were not limited to one series, as users shared horror stories from other hotfix services.
Engine1 Email Take 5 to comment. We will update this article if they respond.
DIY alternative
Many commenters have advocated self-service as the safest option. “That’s why I change the oil and brakes myself,” Ricardo Rodriguez wrote.
James replied, “Fair enough. I usually do that but my schedule was crazy and I had to get it done.” He later added: “I’ve been working 18-hour days lately and I’ve had time to get this done. Last time I’ll take it anywhere.”
For VW owners specifically, commentator Allison Moffett emphasized the importance of proper service: “First and foremost. You have a VW and you’re taking it to Take 5??? This towel will be the least of your problems on the road. Liquimoly or OEM VW spec oil only, and you need a new disposable drain plug.”
The creator responded that he was aware of the specific requirements for his car: “I’ve owned 9 VWs. I made sure they used Euro spec oil. Mobil 1 makes great oil for VW. He’s going to VW this week anyway for a 75k maintenance, so we’ll see.”
Industry-wide concerns
The incident highlights broader concerns about the quick lube industry, where speed and volume can sometimes compromise attention to detail. Many commenters shared their experiences about tools being left in engine compartments, improperly tightened drain plugs, and other mistakes that can lead to expensive repairs or safety hazards. Industry analysis He explains that quick lube shops prioritize speed and quantity over comprehensive service, with a business model built on getting as many vehicles in and out of service bays as quickly as possible.
according to Automotive industry sourcesMany quick lube technicians have little automotive experience, with some entering this field from completely unrelated industries, which can lead to problems such as stripped drain plugs and blown engines. Common faults with quick lubrication facilities include: Forget about oil filler capsimproperly rotating drain plugs, and leaving engine compartments without proper inspection.
User Dresdeadngone shared a particularly costly experience: “I changed the oil 5 times at porches, forgot to put the radiator cap on after checking the fluids and caused thousands of dollars in damage to our car. We were heading out of town and had to rent a car because we were stranded on the side of the road.”
Search for alternatives
Several Texas-based commenters made recommendations for more reliable providers. Many users endorsed Pfast Lube locations in the area, while others suggested specific independent stores.
“Longhorn Castrol in Pflugerville is awesome! The guy who ran Groovy’s live stream before it shut down started it with his kids and I’ve always known him as an honest and straightforward guy,” recommended user Smoothsan.
This incident serves as a reminder to vehicle owners that they should carefully inspect their vehicles after any maintenance work and search for service providers carefully. As James’s experience shows, even routine maintenance can become dangerous when proper procedures are not followed.
Engine1 I reached out to James via TikTok direct message for additional comment. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds.
