Motor Oil Matters Because MOM Knows Best!

Disclosure:  The Motor Oil Matters information and gift cards have been provided by Motor Oil Matters.

Honestly anything car related scares me.  I am totally clueless about it and I never know what to say when a car place says I need this or that.  I remember one time I took my car to the dealership and they gave me a laundry list of stuff that should be replaced or fixed to the tune of over $3000.  I had the mechanic talk to my dad and suddenly the bill was brought down to under $1000, huge difference!  They were charging me for stuff either my dad could do or stuff that wasn’t really necessary at the time.  An oil change though I can handle but still I prefer my husband to take my van in if possible.

I never gave much thought into getting an oil change other than I need it when a little light in my car tells me so.  I especially never gave a second thought to motor oil.  I mean I don’t think I’ve ever been asked about motor oil before and I just assume the mechanic will add some and I’ll be off.  Motor oil though provides much-needed lubrication and protection against causes of engine stress, and I know that is a bad thing since the engine is the heart of the car!  Motor oil is available in a variety of grades and API performance levels with SAE 5W-20 and 5W-30 are the most common viscosity grades for gasoline engine cars and trucks, and 15W-40 is the typical grade for diesel trucks.  Manufacturers recommend oils licensed by API as these oils have been rigorously tested to ensure they meet API’s engine oil standards.

Motor Oil Matters (MOM) is a new consumer education and industry watchdog program by the American Petroleum Institute that wants consumers to understand the importance of using the right oil in your engine, while also trying to ensure oil quality from the marketer all the way down to the consumer.  MOM has introduced licensing programs for motor oil distributors and oil change locations, which locations have to demonstrate to API that they meet an API chain-of-custody standard.  They also have to submit to an auditing process to ensure the motor oils they use and install are the right oils.

I love that there is someone checking on these auto places to ensure that quality motor oils are used and deceptive practices are not be used.  AAA expects to aid over eight million motorists between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and cautions drivers that auto maintenance is the key to avoiding summertime travel breakdowns.   Quality motor oil is one way to prevent road trip problems.  Finally, beware of discounted services as you want to make sure your mechanic is using quality motor oil and not a substitution that is cheaper.

MOM has come out with a Motor Oil Checklist to look at before you go in for an oil change (click the image to print it out):

Stay Connected with Motor Oil Matters (MOM):

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

VISIT:  Check out the Motor Oil Matters website to learn more about motor oil and find a MOM licensed oil change location.

WIN IT:  (1) US winner will receieve a $50 Visa Gift Card (to use towards your next oil change!)

Need help entering a giveaway?  Check out my blog post for some help!

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