With more than 300 million vehicles on the road today, motor oil is the lifeblood of any engine and can help protect and prolong its life, whether you’re driving a compact car, pickup truck or SUV. However, not just any motor oil will ensure the healthy life of an engine and, unfortunately, discounted deals for an oil change may not be such a deal after all.

With consumers looking to reduce their automotive maintenance costs, service locations can be quick to offer discounted services to capitalize on value seekers. How can a consumer be sure he or she is getting a quality motor oil and filter as part of the deal? A promise of “up to five quarts conventional oil” doesn’t really tell the consumer much about the quality of the oil being installed.

“I can’t stress how important it is to be ‘in the know’ when it comes to motor oil changes and to understand that there is a big difference between a value and just a cheaper deal,” says automotive expert Lauren Fix, or the “Car Coach” as she’s known around the nation. “If drivers choose to have a professionally installed motor oil in their vehicle, it’s a must for them to confirm what that shop is actually pouring into their car.”

Motor Oil Matters (MOM), a new consumer education and industry watchdog program by the American Petroleum Institute, has been established to stress the benefits of quality licensed motor oils and call onto the carpet those who engage in deceptive practices.

MOM and Fix recommend consumers arm themselves with a simple checklist of questions to help them make informed decisions about motor oil:

Question: Time for a change?

Answer: The bottom line: Follow the oil change recommendations in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Pay close attention to the oil life monitor if a vehicle has it. When the monitor says it’s time for a change, it’s time. Drivers need to pay close attention to their vehicle usage because vehicle manufacturers sometimes recommend oil drain intervals based on driving habits.

Q: Do you know what you’re getting?

A: Your service provider should be happy to supply you with the brand, viscosity grade and performance level of the oil they use before it is poured into your vehicle. It’s also important to ask for that information in writing or on the receipt. Drive away from locations that don’t know or won’t confirm in writing what they’re pouring into your vehicle.

Q: Who can you trust?

A: The American Petroleum Institute certifies oil change locations under the MOM program. Service providers that are MOM-certified have had their quality control procedures independently audited and have made the commitment to always tell their customers exactly what oil is going into their cars.

Q: Does the oil meet the performance level recommended for my car?

A: Motor oil matters. Any motor oil poured into a vehicle should meet the level of performance recommended by the vehicle manufacturer in the owner’s manual. For many vehicles, manufacturers recommend oils that comply with the latest ILSAC (International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee) or American Petroleum Institute standards. The American Petroleum Institute independently audits and licenses motor oils that meet its standards. Licensed oils carry the American Petroleum Institute’s Starburst or Donut certification marks as a representation and warranty that these oils meet the institute’s standards.

Q: Getting a full change?

A: Make sure the oil change includes a fresh filter. Your owner’s manual likely recommends a particular type of oil filter, so make sure the right one is included with your oil change.

Q: Not sure how to find an MOM-certified oil change location in your area?

A: Consumers can find a MOM licensed location near them by visiting www.MotorOilMatters.org or looking for the MOM mark. This website is a great resource to find more information about quality motor oil and how it helps protect your vehicle. MOM is also watching out for the “bad guys” and consumers are encouraged to confidentially report any oil marketer, distributor or service location that they suspect is misrepresenting the quality of the oil being marketed, supplied or installed. Just go to the MOM website and click on the Report Abuse button. Be sure to also check them out on Facebook and Twitter (@motoroilmatters) for the most recent updates and news.