A mechanic in Norwalk, California with thousands of social media followers using the handle @menjicar recently posted about a Toyota owner. The woman had her nearly new car (we’re talking 19,000 miles on the odometer) serviced somewhere else. While Menjicar doesn’t name the Fast Lube chain, he shares what’s actually a common (and very preventable) oil change mistake across the maintenance industry.

“Customer states smoke coming out from under hood…”

When Menjicar opened the hood, he was taken aback at the mess he found. The tech at the other establishment failed to put the oil cap back on after the oil change. In turn, oil splashed all over the engine bay.

Leaks this massive can cause a fire.

Fortunately, the driver realized something was wrong with enough time to save the engine from bursting into flames or even being run low on critical lubricant. Either could cause catastrophic damage, let alone a huge safety issue.

After you get an oil change, be sure to check a few things before driving off:

• Confirm the oil type installed and make sure it matches your car’s spec
• Look under the parked car for oil spots on the ground
• Open the hood and check that the oil cap is securely installed
• Bonus point: Check the oil level

If you notice a missing oil cap, it could be nestled along the cowl somewhere. This is the most common spot mechanics store the cap until they’re ready to put it back on.

Everyone makes mistakes, but unfortunately, Quick Lube oil change facilities are notorious for working a bit too fast…and forgetting critical steps.