Bring the MOM Checklist to Your Next Oil Change

Thank you to Motor Oil Matters for providing information on their program and a gift card for an oil change. 

Way back in August, I introduced you to Motor Oil Matters (MOM), which is the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) new program for licensing motor oil distributors and oil change locations.  Well, I’m finally back to report on my oil change experience.  Yes, I know it seems like a long time to go without an oil change, but because of my accident (are you tired of hearing about that yet?), I was unable to drive.  Once I was cleared to be on the road again, one of the first things I did was show the car some love with a full-service oil change.

My original intention was to take the car to a MOM-licensed oil change location, but according to the MOM web site, there aren’t any in my area.  So, armed with the knowledge of what oil viscosity is recommended for our Honda and the MOM Checklist, off to Jiffy Lube we went.

Before any services were performed, the folks at Jiffy Lube went over everything we were getting as part of the oil change.  All the necessary info is presented to you on a screen at the register so you can agree to it in advance, thus avoiding any confusion about what kind of treatment your beloved vehicle is receiving.  (Really, it’s such a clear and simple approach, I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t do it that way.)  After the oil change, we received a detailed receipt showing exactly what was done, what other services are recommended, and when the next oil change is due.

Even though we were unable to visit a MOM-licensed installer, we were happy with the service we received.  Having MOM’s oil change checklist was helpful and made me feel a lot more confident that we weren’t being taken advantage of.  I will definitely be referring to it for future oil changes.

The American Petroleum Institute’s Motor Oil Matters Program has uncovered that 1 in 5 samples of bulk motor oil purchased from the marketplace in each of the last 5 years have failed to meet API motor oil performance standards.  Consumers are being victimized, as oil change locations are installing the wrong motor oil for their cars, resulting in engine damage and voided vehicle warranties.  For more information on MOM’s committment to making sure consumers understand the importance of using quality motor oils, ensuring these quality oils are installed in cars and trucks, and verifying the oils are properly identified on invoices and receipt, head to MotorOilMatters.org.