Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Higher Mileage is Achievable with Jiffy Lube Preventive Maintenance!


Drivers Determined to Achieve Higher Mileage

Contact:
Nicholle Connolly, 617-939-8378
nconnolly@coneinc.com
Virginia Sanchez, 713-546-6272
Virginia.q.sanchez@shell.com

Nearly Unanimous, National Survey Reveals Drivers View Oil Changes as Key to Vehicle Longevity
HOUSTON – Roy Lindahl has been driving his white Jeep® Cherokee since the day they drove off the lot together seventeen years ago. He and his vehicle, affectionately nicknamed "Jeepy," recently reached a major milestone when the odometer hit 400,000 miles. It was a proud moment for Lindahl, who has kept Jeepy on a regularpreventive maintenance schedule for years to ensure his reliable companion takes him where he wants to go for years to come. It's been a habit well practiced for Lindahl, who has surprised even maintenance technicians with his Jeep's impressive condition and mileage.
An auto mechanic as a teen, and engineer by trade, Lindahl has seen the impact that neglect can have on a vehicle first hand and he has passed the importance of proper maintenance on to the next generation. His son, who has inherited his passion for vehicles, recently showcased his own restored vehicle in a hometown parade and practices the same dedication to maintenance. It's no surprise that Lindahl and his son are not the only drivers looking to hold onto their vehicles as long as possible. A recent survey conducted by Jiffy Lube International (JLI) reveals that more than half of U.S. drivers hope to have more than 150,000 miles on their vehicle before replacing it, and more than a quarter aspire to clock 250,000 miles or more.
"It just goes to show that regular care of your vehicle pays off – you get out what you put in," said Lindahl who regularly visits the Jiffy Lube service center in his hometown of Lafayette, CA for maintenance. "I must be doing something right because Jeepy just keeps on going. I'm hoping that one day we'll hit the million-mile mark together."
Drivers Want More
The impact of more difficult economic times can be seen in many places including on the road. The average age of a vehicle on the road continues to rise year after year. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average automobile in operation has aged almost three years since 1990. In addition, the majority of vehicles on the road (at nine years old) have logged 110,000 miles, according to NPD's Car Care Trac.
As drivers hold onto their vehicles longer, they are looking for better and easier ways to help protect their vehicle's life. The JLI survey reveals that though drivers universally acknowledge that regular maintenance can help extend the life of their vehicle, many are looking for more out of their maintenance experience. In their desire to extend the life and value of their vehicle, drivers are seeking convenient ways to help them maintain it. More services and convenience are top priorities, with nine out of 10 people surveyed agreeing that having other key vehicle parts and fluids checked during their regular oil change is the most convenient way for them to help preserve their vehicle's value.
While most drivers know what they want out of their maintenance experience, many aren't getting everything they're looking for. In fact:
- 99% of those surveyed would like their tire pressure checked during an oil change visit, but only 78% actually receive the service;
- 99% would like their windshield washer fluid filled, but only 74% leave with it filled;
- 86% are looking for vehicle essentials, including brake fluids, belts, exterior lights and wiper blades to be inspected, however only three-quarters leave with these services actually performed.
Nearly one in five Americans believe the most important thing when having their oil changed is being able to have multiple services performed in a single visit, and more than half (59%) want to have their oil changed in 30 minutes or less. For drivers seeking a convenient way to help extend their vehicle's life, a regular preventive maintenance regiment is essential. Jiffy Lube offers the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change to address these needs, providing drivers with much more than just an oil and filter change. The service includes changing, inspecting, checking/filling and cleaning key vehicle parts and fluids and offers drivers a quick and convenient way to maintain their vehicle. The Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change is a convenient solution that can help drivers preserve the value and longevity of their vehicle.
Keeping My Ride Alive
Keeping a vehicle alive and running beyond its years has long been a source of pride for vehicle owners – particularly in tough economic times. Whether the odometer is sporting double or triple digits, like-minded enthusiasts now have a place to pound their chests and celebrate their high-mileage accomplishments at a new Facebook community, "Keeping My Ride Alive." Visitors can cruise the site to browse photos and stories from other high-mileage drivers, or share their own photos and stories. Newbies to the road, high-mileage heroes and everyone in between are welcome to join the community by "liking" the page and uploading their vehicle's image and story. Visit www.Facebook.com/KeepingMyRideAlive to share your story and read about others.
To find a Jiffy Lube service center in your area, please visithttp://Locations.JiffyLube.com. Visit JiffyLube.com to find oil change coupons and promotions, Jiffy Lube news articles, community involvement programs and events,franchise information and employment opportunities.
Survey Methodology:
The Jiffy Lube International survey was conducted via telephone interviews during the period of April 8-11, 2010. The survey included a national probability sample of 1,013 adults comprising 507 men, 506 women 18 years of age or older, living in the Continental United States. The survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.
About Jiffy Lube®
Jiffy Lube International Inc. ("Jiffy Lube"), with more than 2,000 franchised service centers in North America, serves approximately 24 million customers each year. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company. Visit www.JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care.
Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit www.shell.com.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Get Your Car Ready for Autumn!


Visit the experts at www.icarumba.com for timely tips on your car.  http://www.icarumba.com/cobrands/contentmodules/resourcecenter/articles/icar_resourcecenter_articles_readyautumn.asp

Follow these driving and maintenance tips for safer fall driving

By Peter D. duPre

Shorter fall days and cooler weather may have brought relief from summer heat but they are also a signal that it is time for some extra driving caution. As we go through fall and head into winter, the days will get shorter yet, and many of us will start and end our commutes in total darkness. Visibility in the dark is never all that good, and when you throw in an autumn rain, sleet or snow storm, it can drop to almost nothing. 
All of which means that autumn requires a change in your driving habits. Follow these tips for safer driving this fall:
  • School's in session -- With the fall semester in full swing, children are out on the streets earlier than during the summer. Some almost never look for traffic and have a bad habit of bolting out from between parked cars. Keep your eyes peeled and slow down. School zones have reduced speed limits and most police won't allow any speed leeway in these areas.
  • Allow more travel time -- You should always drive slower when it is dark and visibility is reduced. That means your traveling time is increased, especially during inclement weather. Leave a few minutes earlier in the morning and increase your following distance by about a second. 
  • Inclement weather -- Indian summers, clear skies and cooler weather may lull you into a false sense of security but fall weather conditions can change abruptly. Thunder storms, sleet, hail and even snow are not that unusual. Roads covered with a summer's worth of grease become slick when wet or covered with early morning frost, so anticipate those conditions.
  • Check the lights -- In Sweden, Norway and Canada, where fall driving conditions are similar to much of the U.S., there are mandatory-lights laws -- and not coincidentally, a lower accident rate. See and be seen. Drive with your headlamps on, even if it's not dark. Before starting out on any trip, walk around the car and make sure your taillights, parking lights, stop lights, directionals, emergency flashers and headlights are all working properly. Have your mechanic aim and adjust your headlights. New cars are equipped with bright-burning halogen headlights that increase visibility. If you own an older vehicle with standard sealed-beam headlamps, consider converting to halogen lamps. The cost is more than offset by improved visibility and safety.
  • Change the wiper blades -- Safety experts say wiper blades should be changed every 5,000 to 6,000 miles, or twice a year. Most of us don't change the blades even once a year. Check front and rear wipers. Examine the rubber; it should be flexible, without any missing chunks and should clear the glass without leaving any streaks. If the blades aren't performing perfectly, replace them.
  • Check the brakes and tires -- If tires and brakes aren't in good condition, you won't be able to stop on slick roadways. Tires should have plenty of tread on them; if the wear bars are showing, it's time for new rubber. Most tire and brake shops will inspect your tires and brakes for free.  
  • Heater and defroster check -- Fogged-up windows limit visibility and are a safety hazard. Make sure both front and rear defrosters are working properly. Front blower hoses sometimes get knocked off the defroster vents and the electric wire in the rear defogger can break. Most auto parts stores sell special kits to repair these breaks. While you are at it, have your heating system inspected. A cold car is uncomfortable, and a distraction to safe driving.
  • Look under the hood -- Don't get stranded in the dark. Have your mechanic check the condition of the coolant, belts and hoses. Get the chassis lubed, air filter replaced, oil and filter changed and battery inspected. A little work now can save a big towing bill later. You can make an appointment for a fall vehicle inspection right now with iCARumba's Find a Shop tool.
  • Wash and wax -- A vehicle's first line of defense against the elements is a good wash and wax job to protect the metal surfaces from pitting and corroding, and keeps your car looking its best. Get rid of that summer grime and apply a thick coat of protective wax.
  • Relax -- This may seem like a lot to get done before the Monday morning commute, but it really adds up to just a few minutes for the self-inspection, and to make an appointment with your shop if needed. For safety sake, check lights first, then do the tires, brakes, and wiper blades. And in general, simply begin your day 10 minutes earlier, have that second cup of coffee (decaf, please!) and start your commute in a relaxed a state as possible -- good advice at any time of year.
Peter du Pre is iCARumba content editor.




Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Congratulations, Team Herriman!!

Congrats to the Herriman Jiffy Lube team for earning the title of District Champions in the 2011 J-Team All Starts Competition!  Another reason to believe in your local Jiffy Lube technicians.  We hire only the best of the best, and their training and experience is incomparable.  Preventive maintenance and extending the life of your car is our goal.  

Left to right: Jake Thomas, customer service advisor, Jimmy Bernardo, courtesy technician, Neil Barrio, lower bay technician, Anthony Thompson, upper bay technician and Stephen Poulsen, team leader and manager.



Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Jiffy Lube Gift Card--Perfect for Any Occasion!


Jiffy Lube Gift Cards® are a great choice for giving to family, friends or just for you! Birthdays, Anniversaries and Holidays are just a few ideas for giving this one of a kind gift card.
Benefits of the Jiffy Lube Gift Card® Include:
No expiration date or fees
The gift card can be set for any monetary denomination ($5 - $300)
Redeemable toward goods or services at any participating Jiffy Lube location

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Back To School Season has arrived. Time for an SSOC!

Back-To-School season has already arrived again! Time to get an SSOC so you're car is running smoothly for carpools. Preventive maintenance is critical, especially with precious cargo onboard.  Jiffy Lube wants to help you get the most out of your car and the most for your money.  Use this coupon for valuable savings exclusively in Utah!