Update 2/13/21: Healthcare workers that did this offer last time it was available should keep an eye out for the same offer being sent out via snail mail. Contains two vouchers that are valid until 3/31/21. Hat tip to Roman M
Update 5/5/20: This has been extended until June 1st. Hat tip to reader RM
The Offer
- Mazda has announced it will be providing free standard oil changes and vehicle cleaning for U.S. healthcare workers at participating dealers. This includes most makes and models and is not limited to Mazda cars.
The Fine Print
- The Essential Car Care is available from April 16 – May 4, 2020.
- Eligible participants are all active healthcare workers in eligible U.S. medical facilities (defined
below). Medical Facilities for the purpose of this program include:- Hospitals, Urgent Care, Surgical Centers, Birth Centers
- Healthcare Providers, Doctor Offices, Medical Clinics, Medical Offices, Medical Centers,
Medical Facilities, Health Systems - Mental Health Providers and Addiction Treatment Centers
- Medical Testing Facilities, Imaging and Radiology Centers
- Assisted Living, Long-Term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes, Hospice Homes, Adult Care
Homes, Home Health Agencies - Public Health Agencies
- Medical Laboratory and Research Centers
- Medical Equipment Providers
- Orthopedic and other Rehabilitation Centers (Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, etc.)
- Blood Banks
- Telehealth Providers
- Most standard make/model passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs are eligible. The program excludes certain vehicles, including exotic vehicles, classic car vehicles, offroad vehicles, vehicles with greater than 8-quart engine oil capacity or any other vehicles with special manufacturer requirements. To ensure we can service as many healthcare workers as possible, the program allows for each worker receive the service on one car, per program period.
Our Verdict
At first I thought this was just for Mazda cars and thought it was a nice gesture, but this is fantastic that it’s for most makes and models. This will be added to the full list of freebies for healthcare workers.
According to one of our local dealers, implementation has been a bit of a mess due to the fact that Mazda dealers do not stock non-Mazda oil filters, which have to be ordered in advance. If you are going to try to take advantage of this offer, make sure that you make a phone appointment (not an internet one) at least a week in advance to give the dealer time to order the oil filter for your particular car. Also, in my area, dealers are restricting appointments for this service to less busy times of the day (i.e., early morning), so plan accordingly.
This was actually the most useful freebie because I was due around now anyway and I’ve been stressing about it since the light has been on every time I drive to work. The local dealer just needed a copy of my drivers license and hospital ID badge to bill to corporate. I got synthetic oil and a new filter that was appropriate for my Honda.
Here in SoCal, they said you must do the free oil change with the car wash. I just wanted a car wash since I have an electric car and they said they won’t do it. The car wash is a basic outside wash with cleaning of the dashboard. If you need a basic oil change it would only be worth it. The car wash is not worth it.
I’ve called three in Kansas City (my significant other works at a hospital) and the south KC dealership didn’t know anything about it; the North KC dealership wanted an actual paycheck stub (not a DD paycheck stub copy and told me to contact my employer to get an actual paycheck stub mailed to my house), copy of driver’s license, AND a copy of one’s medical license; and the Olathe dealership told me at first it wasn’t a free oil change it was a $40 off coupon but while I was on the phone he was told that their dealership wasn’t even participating in it.
In synopsis, no one knows anything or are not willing to provide any incentives for healthcare workers in Kansas City at Mazda.
That is deplorable.
Is the car cleaning a car wash? Or something else?
Nice gesture!
“Standard oil change” makes it sound like synthetic oil changes may be excluded. Many newer cars require synthetic oil.
Bring your own oil/filter. This is a nice gesture. I don’t know that I’ll partake, but I do appreciate it.
How to show that one are active “healthcare” worker?
“Eligibility for the program is simple. Healthcare workers will be asked to share proof of occupation, such as a valid employment ID badge or a pay stub. The offer is not transferable to others.”
Includes medical equipment providers but not EMS lol
I would think that EMS falls under “Healthcare Provider”
I would certainly hope so.
We found $2 million worth of problems issues with your car be it your brand new 2020 models or your old 2000 year old models after we did free multi point inspection with your oil change. Standard trick and scam of dealer service shops!
It is easy to scam people for $$$ at the dealer.
dealer = stealer
its better to give them the benefit of doubt until someone reports a scam.
“This car is so unsafe I can’t let you drive it off the lot for liability reasons.”