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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FallForPennzoil #CollectiveBias

I have a running list of things I need to do: schedule a doctor appointment, get the dogs groomed, go for a teeth cleaning, return those things I bought that I thought I couldn’t live without but it turns out I can. And that includes all the car maintenance stuff like get the oil changed, add more windshield washer fluid, GET GAS.

I swear when it comes to that last one, I wait until the coldest, windiest, and/or rainiest day on record to do that. Because I loathe getting gas.

Fun fact: Enacted in 1949, the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act and Regulations banned drivers from pumping their own gas in New Jersey for health and safety reasons. So it’s okay for the gas station attendants to put their life in jeopardy but not you.

Luckily, I married a mechanic. Well, he’s not technically a mechanic. He’s mechanically inclined and he takes care of almost everything automotive for me. He tops off the fluids (I do, however, know how to do this on my own). He usually puts air in my tires. And he changes my oil. I still haven’t convinced him to clean my car for me.

Getting Ready for Road Trips

I do actually clean my car before any trips and try to schedule as many things to overlap as possible. In other words, I try to get shopping out of the way while I’m waiting for something else. This is the secret to keeping it together over the holidays. I also rely on my husband a lot.

Whenever we get ready for a long car trip, he goes into maintenance mode. He makes sure everything has been done so we can travel safely on the road and that includes oil changes, when I’m due.

Why does he do this? Is he too cheap to pay someone to change my oil for me? Does he have spare hours and hours to spend under my car letting the old oil drip its way free? Not at all. He’s a total control freak, at least when it comes to automotive stuff. He insists on high quality oil filters (some of the cheaper brands might as well be made of cardboard, ready to let your oil slowly drip through) and he insists on synthetic oil, like Pennzoil® Platinum Full Synthetic.

I used to joke that if I have trouble sleeping, all I had to do was ask him to start explaining his thought about motor oil. One mention of the word viscosity and my eyes would shut. But the guy knows his stuff and his knowledge has rubbed off on me.

Why Synthetic Oil instead Regular Oil?

If you’ve ever gone somewhere to get your oil changed, they might have asked up if you wanted to “upgrade” to the synthetic oil. And if you’re a natural born skeptic, like me, you probably likened the offer to someone asking you if you want the extended warranty on your new vacuum cleaner. NO WAY! Just put the oil in and be done with it!

But there are some totally legit reasons you should switch to synthetic oil on your very next oil change.

Synthetic oil lasts longer.

I could babble on about long chain hydrocarbons and your eyes would glaze over (unless you’re a chemistry geek). So I’ll simplify it by saying there’s a stronger chemical structure making it hard to break down in your engine. That’s a GOOD THING.

Synthetic oil burns cleaner.

Not does a longer lasting oil keep your engine lubricated better but it also keeps it cleaner by keeping out dirt and deposits that your engine generates. In fact, Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil uses PurePlus™ Technology keeps pistons up to 20% cleaner than required by the toughest industry standard and keeps your engine cleaner than any leading synthetic oil.

Synthetic oil performs better in temperature extremes.

Because it’s got a more stable structure, it doesn’t get runny or gooey like traditional oils can when the outside temperatures are too hot or too cold. It keeps your engine better lubricated which in turn makes your car happier.

Synthetic oil is cheaper.

Wait, WHAT? That’s not been your experience? You’re right. The upfront cost is initially more but the way in which is keeps your engine running better can reduce overall maintenance costs. And some people will even tell you that you don’t have to change your oil as often (typically every 5000-10,000 miles as opposed to 3000 miles – be sure to check your car’s maintenance guide).

Pennzoil® Platinum Full Synthetic Oil Change at Walmart Automotive Center

At this point, I know how you must be feeling.

Oh my gosh, Fadra. I never knew so much about motor oil. Thanks!

We’re getting ready to travel for the holidays and we probably need to focus more on car maintenance.

You know, I’m due for an oil change and I’ve heard that it’s easy to make the switch to synthetic oil.

I only wish I knew a reputable place that would offer me a great deal on synthetic oil.

I anticipated that all of these feelings would be running through your mind so I’ve got you covered.

Find your nearest Walmart Automotive Center and stop in for your next oil change. It’s perfect because you can get all of your shopping done while you’re getting your car serviced. And from now until December 27th, the price for Pennzoil® Platinum Full Synthetic Oil Change has been rolled back from $49.88 to $44.88.

Good news if you live in the Southeast! If you live in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee you can now benefit from oil changes with Pennzoil® Platinum Full Synthetic at your local Walmart Automotive Care Center, along with the rest of the nation.

And if you’re picky with your oil filter, no worries. You can also pay a little extra for a premium oil filter.

Ready to go?

Here’s your checklist before you head off on any road trip this holiday season.

⇒ Check your tire pressure. Air contracts when it’s cold so your fully inflated tires in the summer probably need a little extra air for the winter.

⇒ Top off all your fluids, using a winter formula windshield washer fluid (no freezing please!)

⇒ Stop by Walmart for the Pennzoil® Platinum Full Synthetic Oil Change (make sure you do it before December 27, 2016 for the rollback price of $44.88)

⇒ Pack something for the inevitable headache you’ll get from your kids asking you, “are we there YET?”

And my best piece of advice is keep your eyes on the road and take your time. There will still be plenty of turkey when you get there!