Most people get their oil changed every 3,000 miles. While many car manufacturers recommend oil changes every 5,000 or 10,000 miles. Until now, chains like Jiffy Lube have been sticking to the 3,000 mile rule.
Jiffy Lube, the largest quick-lube chain, is using a new approach. They are promising a customized schedule by combining information on your driving habits with recommendations from your car's owner's manual.
However, the vast majority of car owners will fall into Jiffy Lube's "severe" driving category, for which the company sticks to the old 3,000 mile rule.
In other news, for the first time, Apple is now selling "unlocked" iPhones in the United States. What this means is that owners of these iPhones can switch carriers.
The unlocked iPhone 4s can be found on Apple's website for $649 and $749. They are identical to the version sold for use on AT&T's network but they do not require a two-year contract.
If you buy one, you can put in your own SIM card, which ties your phone to a network. However, aside from AT&T, the only national carrier that's compatible with the iPhone is T-Mobile USA. Unfortunately it provides only phone calls and it has low data speeds.
On the plus side, many overseas carriers are compatible which means that international travelers can switch to a SIM card from another country to avoid AT&T's international roaming fees.
In other Smartphone news, it's hard to imagine a world without checkout lines. However, that's exactly what AisleBuyer, has in mind.
After downloading the new app, customers can use their Smartphone to scan product barcodes and pay, when shopping in a participating store. The store gets your checkout information instantly and a digital receipt is sent to your phone.
Right now the only store to sign up with AisleBuyer is Magic Beans in Boston.
