Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Comdata Corporation Joins Jiffy Lube Fleet Care Program

Media Contacts:
Jessica Anselmi, 617-939-8318 janselmi@coneinc.com
Virginia Sanchez, 713-546-6272 virginia.q.sanchez@shell.com
Pair Offering a Customized Approach to Fleet Preventive Maintenance
HOUSTON, September 21 2011 — Today, Jiffy Lube International – the company that pioneered the quick lube industry – announces the addition of Comdata Corporationto its roster of Jiffy Lube Fleet CareSM Program providers. By providing Comdata customers with a discount on maintenance services, Comdata is looking to Jiffy Lubeto help deliver value-added solutions in the preventive maintenance space and offer customers a broader variety and consistency of services.
“A relationship with Jiffy Lube delivers significant value to our customers,” said Steve Stevenson, president of Comdata. “As we expand our maintenance program for our fleet customers, Comdata looks to trusted brands like Jiffy Lube to provide top-notch, quality services to our fleets nationwide. It’s a natural fit and we are very excited about the relationship.”
Jiffy Lube makes it easy for Comdata’s fleet customers to service their vehicles. Comdata – a leader in corporate payment innovations and a subsidiary of Ceridian Corporation – will offer fleet customers participating in their maintenance program access to Jiffy Lube service centers across the country. By participating in Comdata’s program, customers will receive discounts at more than 2,000 Jiffy Lube service centers nationwide. This gives drivers convenient access to fast, professional preventive maintenance services for their vehicles, while providing cost-saving advantages to Comdata’s fleet customers.
“We’re continually working to make fleet care a seamless experience for our customers – and subsequently, their customers,” said Mike McFadden, fleet sales manager for Jiffy Lube International. “Our relationship with Comdata takes us one step further in that direction.”
The Jiffy Lube Fleet CareSM Program is a valuable resource for fleet preventive maintenance needs; visit JiffyLube.com for more information about the Jiffy Lube Fleet CareSM Program and to find oil change coupons and promotions, Jiffy Lube news articlescommunity involvement programs and events, franchise informationand employment opportunities. Also, anyone can visit the Jiffy Lube Facebook community, “Keeping My Ride Alive,” to view photos and stories from drivers committed to extending the life of their vehicles, as well as upload photos and stories of their own.
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.
About Comdata Corporation
Comdata Corporation is a leading business-to-business provider of innovative electronic payment solutions. As an issuer and a processor, the company provides fleet, corporate payment, virtual card, and prepaid solutions to over 30,000 customers. There are more than seven million Comdata Cards, enabling more than $31 billion in transactions annually. Comdata captures and reports detailed transaction data, giving customers unprecedented control over their expenses. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee with more than 1,000 employees in the United States and Canada, Comdata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ceridian Corporation. www.comdata.com.


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Keep Your Vehicle in Shape this winter.

Jiffy Lube Tips to Keep Your Vehicle in Shape and Improve Fuel Economy

 Vehicles were not intended to hibernate during the winter. Jiffy Lube® maintenance experts offer the following advice to get vehicles into shape for colder temperatures and to save money on fuel.
Keep the Juices Flowing
Replace vital fluids such as motor oil, differential fluid and transmission fluid according to the vehicle manufacturers' time and mileage recommendations.
Motor oil is an engine's lifeblood, reducing friction between moving parts and cleaning away harmful dirt and contaminants in the engine. Generally, drivers should use the lightest grade of oil their vehicle manufacturer recommends for the conditions they drive in. During the winter, this may mean an even lighter grade than usual. The right motor oil grade can save an average of three cents per gallon of gasoline.
Antifreeze and coolant are also important in colder temperatures to keep the engine from freezing.
Breathe Easy
The air filter is like a vehicle's lung, helping the engine breathe as it burns fuel. When the filter gets clogged with dirt, leaves or other contaminants the engine has to work harder to pull clean air into the cylinders, reducing fuel economy.
Air filters should be periodically inspected and changed. A new one can save an average of 11 cents per gallon of gasoline.
Amp Up the Energy
A weak battery is unreliable and may take longer to start on frigid winter mornings. According to the American Automobile Association, a battery can lose 35 percent of its power at 32 F and 60 percent of its power at 0 F.
Have the battery tested at the beginning of the season to make sure it has enough power to withstand the cold. To minimize strain, start the car with the heater, lights and window defrosters turned off.
Stay Pumped
Under-inflated or worn tires are common problems that can be dangerous on slick, icy roads. Under-inflated tires create extra friction where the rubber meets the road, making them wear faster and unevenly. This impacts the vehicle's traction and can possibly lead to dangerous blowouts. Properly inflated tires also provide better cushion between potholes and the tire rim, lessening the risk of wheel alignment damage.
Tire pressure should be checked regularly and filled to the recommended level. This information is usually located in the vehicle owner's manual or on a sticker in the doorjamb, trunk or glove box. Correct tire pressure is vehicle-specific, not tire-specific, so do not use the pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.
Correctly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by about three cents per gallon of gasoline.
Keep an Eye on the Prize
Windshield washer fluid is critical for good visibility since it helps clear away ice, road salt and dirt. Add more when the reservoir is low.
Wiper blades should glide smoothly across the windshield so they do not leave streaks or blind spots. If there are pits or rough patches on the part that touches the glass, the blade needs to be replaced.
Be Prepared
A properly packed emergency kit is essential during the winter. It should contain a flashlight, extra batteries, water, flares, blankets, a shovel, a snowbrush, an ice scraper and tire chains, where they are allowed by law. Kitty litter or sand can be spread under tires to get better traction when starting from an ice patch or in the snow.
Jiffy Lube service centers are conveniently located throughout North American and can help drivers get their vehicles in shape for the winter months. A Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change takes only minutes to perform and includes up to five quarts of fresh motor oil and a new oil filter. It also features a fuel efficiency review that includes an assessment of air filters and tire pressure, among other preventive maintenance services.
Jiffy Lube, with more than 2,200 service centers in North America, serves approximately 30 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 International is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell Oil Company.
Visit www.jiffylube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care.
* Savings estimates based on a $2.00 (USD) cost per gallon of gasoline and government and independent studies.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

400,000 miles? With Jiffy Lube, it's possible.

400,000 miles??
Drivers Determined to Achieve Higher Mileage
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 regular preventive 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/KeepingMyRideAliveto 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.
Transportation Statistics, 2008: http://www.bts.gov/publications/national_transportation_statistics/2008/html/table_01_25.html