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Motor Oil Matters: Mom’s Oil Change Checklist {Plus a $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

Motor Oil Matters

True confession. The last time I hopped into our Mountaineer to drive somewhere I realized we were overdue for an oil change. And not just a tiny bit overdue. We’re talking MONTHS overdue. Months and months. Like almost a year kinda months.

Our van gets better gas mileage, so we don’t drive the truck much. When we divide and conquer, I usually end up taking the van, and my husband drives the truck. The problem? I’m usually the one who keeps tabs on the little oil change reminder sticker in the window.

But the actual act of getting the oil changed? Not usually my gig. You start talking viscosity and filters, and my head starts to spin a bit.

Fortunately, I was contacted by the people from Motor Oil Matters about helping people get the best oil change possible. (Do you think they KNEW how overdue for an oil change we were?) Motor Oil Matters (MOM) is a new consumer education and industry watchdog program created by the American Petroleum Institute. They want to teach us all how important it is to use quality licensed motor oils. Plus they want to call on the carpet service providers who aren’t being up front about the quality of the oil they’re using.

Did you know:

  • AAA expects to help over 8 million drivers between Memorial Day and Labor Day? That’s a lot of broken down vehicles this summer! Maintenance is the key to making sure you’re not one of those people who need help. And using quality oil in your car goes a long way to preventing problems.
  • Many service-locators are quick to offer discounts if you’re trying to save a few bucks on your car maintenance. (And who doesn’t want to save a few bucks?) Just make sure that your local provider is pouring quality motor oil in your car before you decide on a cheaper deal. You don’t want to end up paying more in the long run.

So how’s a girl supposed to know what’s best for her vehicle?

Glad you asked. 😉 The folks over at Motor Oil Matters have created an oil change checklist just for us.

MOM's Oil Change ChecklistClick here to enlarge

I’ll be taking this checklist along with me the next time I get my oil changed. I might even sound like I know what I’m talking about! At least I’ll know what I should be looking for in a quality oil change.

Find an Oil Change Location

They’ve also made it easy to find a MOM approved oil change location. Just use the oil change locator on the MOM website. Or if you know of an oil change location that meets the MOM standards, encourage them to become a MOM member.

For more car maintenance tips, be sure to follow MOM on Facebook and Twitter.

I’m printing my checklist and heading out to get the oil changed. I’ll be back to share my Mom’s-in-charge-of-the-oil-change experience with you. 🙂

The Giveaway

So who wants to join me for an oil change? Well, you won’t actually be hanging out in the Mountaineer when I get the oil changed. Instead MOM will send you a $50 Visa gift card that you can use toward your next oil change. (Just promise me you’ll take along the checklist so you KNOW you’re getting it done right!)

To enter, leave a comment on this post. Tell us if your oil change is up-to-date or if you’re like me… WAY overdue!

Want an extra entry? Check out the MOM Oil Change Checklist and leave a comment sharing one thing you learned.

** If you’re reading in an RSS reader or via email, you may need to click here to leave a comment. **

Entries will remain open until Friday, July 12 at 9 p.m. EST. One winner will be randomly chosen (US addresses only please). The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:The Motor Oil Matters information and gift cards have been provided by Motor Oil Matters. All opinions (especially the one about my truck being WAY overdue for an oil change) are honest and my own.

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Comments

  1. I learned that my oil might need to be changed more often than I thought b/c I don’t drive the car very often and it may be based on the amount of *time* since the last change! D’oh.

  3. Getting the receipt is a good lesson in the MOM Oil Change Checklist. Or at least looking at it to make sure they put the right kind in. >.<

  6. I learned to make sure the oil change includes a fresh filter. Owner’s manual probably recommends a specific type of oil filter, so make sure the right one is included with the oil change.

  8. I learned SAE 5W-20 and 5W-30 viscosity are often recommended for today’s cars.

  10. I learned that you should double-check the receipt to confirm that the service provider gave you the oil you asked for and the oil meets your manufacturer’s recommendation.

  11. My oil changes are always up to date – my husband does them.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

  12. I learned: be sure to use the right viscosity for your vehicle, it is very important for your engine.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

  14. I learned that when choosing oil for your vehicle, you should always look or ask for API-licensed oil.

  16. Making sure you get a receipt and checking it is a good idea from the checklist. You would expect someone changing your oil to use what the manufacturer calls for, but you never know.

  17. Mine is up to date, I have always tried to stay on top of this, but the gift card would sure help next time it’s due (which is soon!) And I love the checklist

  21. I just got my done but it was way over due. We had a wedding that was a thousand miles away and back, and then an unexpected funeral that same week.

  24. One of our vehicles has a message that pops up on the display when it’s been 3,000 miles since the last oil change. Since it just popped up last week, I guess it’s time.

  25. I learned from the checklist that motor oils can be certified if they meet certain standards.

  26. Ours is up to date. Luckily, I have a display that tells me when I need to have it done (a percentage that dwindles periodically). That’s been super helpful!!!

  32. Oh what a great checklist! I learned about the API licensed Donut and Starburst symbols!

  33. Right now our oil change is current and up to date

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  34. I learned that you should make sure the your oil change includes a new filter

  37. One of the great tips on the list is to check your receipt to make sure the oil you requested was used

  39. My oil change is currently up to date. I try not to let it get over 1,000 miles past due.

  40. From the check list I was reminded to change the oil filter at every oil change!