A Texas man’s routine oil change turned into a potential safety nightmare when he discovered something flammable lodged in his brake system after he says he visited a Take 5 Oil Change location.
TikTok creator James (@cjames_tx702) shared his alarming discovery in a 26-second video that has garnered over 15,900 views since being posted on Nov. 5.
The 6,100-subscriber channel, which typically features episodes from the creator’s life along with some political content, took a decidedly automotive turn when he documented what he found after experiencing brake problems following his oil change service.
A Dangerous Discovery
In the video, James shows viewers the wheel of his car before revealing an oil-soaked rag that he pulled from his brake system. His reaction was immediate and intense.
“Take 5 [expletive] Oil Changes. You better count your days,” he says in the video. “I’m driving. It’s all windy. I hear noises. My brakes aren’t working that great. Stop at the gas station. Pull that [expletive] out of my [expletive] brake pads in here. From when I got my oil change done the other day. It’s crazy. Stuck in my [expletive] between my rotor and my brake pads.”
The discovery came after he noticed his vehicle wasn’t performing normally while driving, with unusual noises and compromised brake performance prompting him to investigate at a gas station.
The Safety Implications
The presence of a rag in the brake system represents a serious safety hazard that could have had catastrophic 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.Â
Under normal conditions, brake components reach temperatures between 250°F to 300°F, but during heavy braking or when overheating occurs, temperatures can soar to 600°F to 700°F. At these elevated 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 elaborated on the potential dangers: “Having a rag in your brakes can be a death sentence. Could’ve caught my car on fire with my kid in there.”
The oil-soaked material could pose multiple risks, including reduced braking efficiency, overheating of brake components, and, in extreme cases, a fire hazard due to the flammable nature of oil-soaked fabric exposed to the high temperatures generated during braking.Â
While motor oil itself doesn’t undergo spontaneous combustion like vegetable-based oils, oil-soaked rags are highly flammable and pose a fire risk when exposed to external heat sources. Brake fluid is moderately flammable and can ignite at temperatures above 500°F, which brake systems can reach during normal operation.
How Did It Happen?
One particularly revealing comment came from user MG_Z71, who identified the rag’s origin: “That’s a hospital rag too from Cintas lol not even supposed to be in that shop.” This observation suggests the shop may have been using inappropriate cleaning materials during service.
James confirmed this detail, writing, “Yea the area manager when I went back even said he knew it happened that day cuz they just got those rags in that morning.”
This timeline indicates the rag was likely introduced to his vehicle during the oil change service, when technicians may have been cleaning components or their hands and inadvertently left the rag in the brake area.
The Shop’s Response
The TikTok creator didn’t let the incident slide without confronting the business. He returned to the Take 5 location the same day to address the issue with management.
“Yeah I went back to the store the same day. The area manager was great. The store manager didn’t seem to care one bit I 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 further elaborated on the contrasting responses from management: “I went back the same day. The area manager happened to be there and was professional about the situation and the potential of it becoming a bigger problem. The store manager kid for that matter didn’t seem to give a [expletive] that my car could have caught on fire with my kids in there etc. highly unprofessional.”
Community Shares Similar Experiences
The video struck a nerve with viewers, many of whom shared their own negative experiences with Take 5 and other quick-lube chains. The comment section became a repository of cautionary tales about the dangers of rapid oil change services.
“Take 5 has NEVER been the place to go,” wrote user Amelia Alcocer, earning 10 likes from viewers who apparently agreed.
User Q shared a particularly expensive mistake: “they had to Pay my son 5000 because they forgot to put oil cap back.”
Multiple commenters reported issues at various locations in Texas. “Take 5 in Round Rock put a hole in my daughter’s oil pan,” wrote Trina444, while Iris added, “Take 5 in Hutto completely ruined my engine.”
The problems weren’t limited to one chain, with users sharing horror stories from other quick-lube services.
Motor1 emailed Take 5 for comment. We’ll update this article if it responds.
The DIY Alternative
Many commenters advocated for self-service as the safest option. “That’s why I do my own oil changes & brakes,” wrote Ricardo Rodriguez.
James replied, “That’s fair. Normally do but my schedule has been crazy and had to get it done.” He later added, “Been working 18hr days lately and had a window of time to get it done. Last time I’ll be taking it anywhere.”
For Volkswagen owners specifically, commenter Allison V. Moffett emphasized the importance of proper service: “First of all. You have a VW and you’re taking it to Take 5??? That towel will be the least of your problems down the road. Liquimoly or OEM VW spec oil only, and you need the new single use drain plug.”
The creator responded that he was aware of his vehicle’s specific requirements: “I’ve owned 9 VWs. I made sure they used European spec oil. Mobil 1 makes great oil for VW. It’s going to VW this week anyway for 75k maintenance so we shall see.”
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Industry-Wide Concerns
The incident highlights broader concerns about the quick-lube industry, where speed and volume can sometimes compromise attention to detail. Several commenters shared experiences of tools being left in engine bays, improperly tightened drain plugs, and other oversights that can lead to expensive repairs or safety hazards. Industry analysis shows that quick-lube shops prioritize speed and quantity over thorough service, with a business model built on getting as many vehicles in and out of service bays as quickly as possible.Â
According to automotive industry sources, many quick-lube technicians have minimal automotive experience, with some entering the field from completely unrelated industries, which can result in problems such as stripped drain plugs and blown engines. Common mistakes at quick-lube facilities include forgetting oil filler caps, improperly torquing drain plugs, and leaving engine bays without proper inspection.
User Dresdeadngone shared a particularly costly experience: “Take 5 Oil Change on balcones drive forgot to devote my radiator cap after checking the fluids and caused thousands of dollars of damage to our car. We were heading out of town and had to rent a car because we were left stranded on the side of the road.”
Looking for Alternatives
Several Texas-based commenters offered recommendations for more reliable service providers. Multiple users endorsed Pfast Lube locations in the area, while others suggested specific independent shops.
“Longhorn Castrol in Pflugerville is great! The guy that used to run Groovy’s live before it shut down started it up with his kids and I’ve always known him as an honest and straightforward man,” recommended user Smoothsan.
The incident serves as a reminder for vehicle owners to thoroughly inspect their cars after any service work and to research service providers carefully. As James’ experience shows, even routine maintenance can become dangerous when proper procedures aren’t followed.
Motor1 reached out to James via TikTok direct message for additional comment. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds.
