When it comes to cars, I am dumbfounded by them. I got my first car at the age of 18, then ended up spending 300 dollars getting it fixed (which was all I had at the time), and a few months later it blew up. I was driving along and then all of a sudden there was this loud knocking noise; the whole car started shaking and I was stuck in the middle of no where so I began walking home. This was before the time when everyone owned a cell phone, ok maybe they owned one but I sure didn't. Semis were blazing by honking their horns, and I was sobbing uncontrollably. Tears were streaming down my face and I was barely able to see. Thankfully, this lady was nice enough to pull over and ask if I needed help. I was so glad to see her and guess what? She owned a cell phone. It turns out that she knew my step dad so all was well.
Later that week we went back to my car and they told me I had a oil seal that busted and the oil drained out causing me to throw a rod. All I knew was that I was now car-less and it had to do with my oil. Ever since then I have been afraid of putting oil in my cars. I new how to locate the dip stick even how to pull it out. I knew most people wiped it and reinserted it only to pull it out again for a final reading. I could do this and make people think I knew what I was doing, and I could even tell that I might needed, but I could never tell how much, nor would I even attempt to fill it up without someone looking over my shoulder.
I have never really fixed this problem, I would just get my oil changed every now and again. Which I know was not changed enough as it should be. My husband has tried very hard to teach me how to check the oil but I never really understand the whole if this much is gone this much is needed on that little dipstick. I'm always afraid of not putting in enough oil or worse putting to much in and ruining my car.
I was recently introduced to a website called:
MotorOilMatters.org
It was created by industry-leading brands Pennzoil, Quaker State and Shell Rotella. This site has a fun fact game and a lot of information about your oil. I checked it out and it seems I knew more about oil than I thought. It has facts and myths about oil and will even talk to you about what the weight of the oil means for your car. I found it very interesting that they say the 'W' in 5W30 means winter not weight. It also tells you what the 5 and the 30 mean. I found it very interesting to read.
So does this change my mind about checking my oil? Do I feel more at ease adding some to my car? NO, in no way shape or form do I feel more comfortable about adding oil in my car. I'm not sure I'll ever get over that, but it did help me understand what type of oil to buy when I do need some. But for now I would much rather go to
jiffy lube!
I have been to Jiffy Lube a few times and loved it. I pull up, park my car and walk in. From there they ask what I would like and take my keys. The waiting room is nice; it has a little t.v. and they offer free popcorn for their customers.. They even show me my air filter and recommend it being changed, if needed, but only do so if I say it's o.k. They also ask if I would like them to change my wiper blades. I usually get my filter changed but I hold off on the wipers. They check all my fluids and level them off. They then check my tire's air pressure and then vacuum the floor boards and wash the windows. It's a full service relief for me. I hate worrying about all that stuff, and they do it all super fast and I don't deal with the headache. Once, they even noticed that my tire was already going low again and aired it back up and told me I should have that repaired. They also told me if I ever planned to go anywhere long distance or need to have my fluids checked to come by anytime and they will do it for free in between my oil changes.
What about you?
Do you change your own oil? Do you know how much to place in a car if the dipstick is low? Or are you like me and take your car for an oil change instead of making a judgment call.
How about a free gift card? MyBlogSpark provided me with a gift card and is providing an additional $35 Jiffy Lube gift card to giveaway to one of my readers.
Here is how to enter:
First please make sure you have a Jiffy lube near you:
Jiffy Lube Locator
- MAIN RULE – Please go to Motor Oil Matters Website and answer ONE of the following questions: (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
- What you found most interesting on the Motor Oil Matters site?
- What motor oil misconception did you have that was put to rest through the site’s info?
- What was your scored on the M.O.M. Knows Best game?
Now for the extra entries:
- 1 Extra Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment
- 1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste – @ChaoticKristy is giving away a $35 gift card to Jiffy Lube! Check it out here: http://bit.ly/MotorOil Please leave the direct link to your tweet in your comment (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago. Copy the URL at the top)
- 2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog.
This giveaway will run through midnight on January 4th. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have
48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen.
Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Discloser: Shell Lubricants and MotorOilMatters.org provided me with a gift card and information through MyBlogSpark. They also provided with another gift card to giveaway. This post was written by me and the opinions are my own. I was not paid to write this post. If you have any question please contact me chaotickristy {at} Gmail {dot} com.
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