HOUSTON — Jiffy Lube, which helped establish the fast-lube category more than 30 years ago, is officially introducing a new approach to oil changes this week.

This new approach -- called Oil Change Schedule (OCS) -- enables customers to choose when they will return to Jiffy Lube for their next oil change based on vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for their individual driving habits and conditions.

“Jiffy Lube helped shape the industry, and being a leader means continually re-examining how we serve our customers,” explained Stu Crum, president of Jiffy Lube International. “We’re committed to arming drivers with the information they need to make informed decisions and create a personalized maintenance plan to help extend the life and value of their vehicles.”

According to Jiffy Lube, the new OCS approach directly engages customers in the preventive maintenance process by helping them understand what their vehicle manufacturer recommends for oil changes. This includes sharing how their driving style and conditions – whether normal or severe – affect their vehicle, so they can determine when to return for their next oil change.

OCS has been implemented in more than 70 percent of all Jiffy Lube service centers, with plans for 100 percent system participation by the end of 2011, the company says.

When customers visit a participating Jiffy Lube service center for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change, they will be given three choices for their new schedule:

• Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for severe driving conditions,
• Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for normal driving conditions, or
• Select an oil change schedule of their own choosing.

These options are defined by vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, and the selection process is quick and easy: a Jiffy Lube customer service adviser reviews the options with the customer and the customer then selects their schedule. Customers will continue to receive a Jiffy Lube window sticker reminding them when to come back for their next oil change, based on the schedule they select.

Drivers who are unsure what constitutes normal and severe driving conditions, or who want to assess their own driving style before their next oil change, can visit JiffyLube.com/education/normalvsseveredriving.aspx to learn about the differences, or they can review their owner’s manual.

Jiffy Lube added that the OCS approach was driven by the company's commitment to provide the optimal service experience for customers. Since the roll-out began in August 2009, reaction to the approach has been very positive, the company says.