My Oil Change with MOM's Oil Change Checklist

Disclosure:  The Motor Oil Matters information and gift cards have been provided by Motor Oil Matters.  Any opinions are honest and are my own.

I recently got my oil changed and took along the MOM's Oil Change Checklist to ensure that the oil change met the Motor Oil Matters standards.  My mechanic at Chief Transmission Automotive was very cooperative and was happy to go through the checklist with me.  

We went through the checklist item by item.  I have added my mechanic's talking points and my own thoughts.

• Time for a change?  In addition to checking your vehicle's owner's manual and if your vehicle has an oil-life monitor, paying attention to it, you can check for a window sticker placed by your mechanic at your last oil change.  

• Are you getting the right viscosity?  Use the viscosity recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.  Also, use a mechanic that is highly recommended and that you can trust.  

• Is it API-licensed?  Check the packaging to see if it is certified as meeting the API standards to ensure good quality.  

• Do you know what you're getting?  Confirm the motor oil's brand, performance level and viscosity before it's poured into your vehicle and then ask for all three to be included on your receipt.  Also, use a mechanic that is highly recommended and that you can trust.  

• Getting a full change?  Make sure the oil change includes a fresh filter and make sure it is the filter recommended in your owner's manual.  Again, use a trusted mechanic.  My mechanic said this should be the norm.  

• Going to a MOM-licensed installer?  Look for the Motor Oil Matters logo and check out the MOM website MotorOilMatters.org to find a trusted location near you.  I went to the MOM website and looked for a MOM-licensed installer, but there aren't any in my area, so I used my trusted mechanic who does all of our automotive work. 

• Did you get a receipt?  Make sure to get a receipt before leaving that includes all work done and that the mechanic used the correct oil.  My mechanic of course said that this should be standard.  Make sure you have a good mechanic.  

• When's your next oil change?  You can write down your mileage.  In addition, you can check the window sticker or your receipt.

I had a great experience getting my oil changed with MOM's Oil Change Checklist and my trusted mechanic.  When it's time for you to get your oil changed, make sure you take along MOM's Oil Change Checklist.  

For more information visit Motor Oil Matters.
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