'MOM’ Expansion: Strengthening the Motor Oil ‘Chain of Custody’

Mark Green
Posted October 31, 2012

A recent expansion of API’s “Motor Oil Matters” campaign is good news for everyone up and down the motor oil supply chain – consumers as much as anyone else. The “MOM” campaign is designed to make sure drivers get the right motor oil for their cars and trucks every time, and the campaign’s expansion to include distributors and oil-change locations reinforces that effort.

For many years API has licensed motor oils that meet API performance standards while also sampling and testing them in the marketplace. The expanded MOM campaign will help ensure a secure “chain of custody” for bulk motor oil from manufacturers and marketers all the way to the vehicle:

• API will certify motor oil distributors and oil-change locations, identifying them as businesses committed to delivering quality oils.
• API-certified distributors and locations will be able to advertise themselves as having successfully implemented API’s chain-of-custody standard.

API:

"As a consumer advocate, MOM will help reaffirm the confidence and trust the motoring public places in oil change locations. As an educator, ongoing efforts will be made to enlighten consumers about the benefits of using quality motor oils through online, social media and industry events. MOM will also identify MOM-licensed distributors and oil change locations. At the same time, API has expanded its monitoring system to better evaluate bulk oils."

Consumers can find oils meeting API requirements by looking for the API Starburst. These oils are recommended by vehicle manufacturers. They also can look for MOM certification marks that signify quality installers and distributors.

API now is accepting licensing applications from distributors and oil-change locations. Visit www.MotorOilMatters.org to join Motor Oil Matters and to find information on the benefits of using quality motor oil.