FRAM-R- Develops First Oil Change Breakthrough in Years; FRAM-R- SureDRAIN-TM- Fast Access Oil Change System Delivers Ease and Convenience to Car Care

    DANBURY, Conn.--March 25, 2002--FRAM(R) is redefining the oil change as we know it with the introduction of the FRAM(R) SureDRAIN(TM) fast access oil change system, the better way to change your oil. The SureDRAIN oil change system offers an instant, safer, no-tools oil change with a simple turn of the wrist.
    The FRAM SureDRAIN oil change system represents the latest in the company's long-term strategy to deliver ease and convenience to the 45.4 million do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) who change or add their own oil every year, a group equal to 23% of the American adult population (MRI Spring 2001 Study).
    In research conducted with DIYers around the country, FRAM learned that the frustrations inherent in an oil change were nearly universal. Eighty-one percent of surveyed DIYers complain of dropping the drain plug into the oil pan. Another 46% had difficulty removing the drain plug and 37% mentioned stripping the drain plug when trying to remove it with a wrench as a barrier. Getting burned by the oil, perhaps the most serious issue, was a factor for 34% but many avoid the problem all together by changing the oil with a less than optimal cold engine.
    FRAM, the oil filter leader and champion of car-loving do-it-yourselfers, addressed these concerns by challenging its engineers to rethink the traditional oil change and help develop a better way. Their innovation, the FRAM SureDRAIN oil change system, is based on a simple valve system that has radical implications for improving the process.
    "For years people have changed their oil the same old way and put up with the frustrations that have been an inevitable part of the process. With the FRAM SureDRAIN oil change system, we're able to offer an easier, safer and more complete oil change for the do-it-yourselfers," said Jim Brown, Director of Marketing for FRAM.
    The defining element of the SureDRAIN oil change system is its leak-proof actuator valve that serves as a permanent replacement for the standard non-functioning drain plug. With the turn of the wrist, the drain hose - in FRAM's signature orange color - activates the actuator valve, starting the flow of oil. Once the draining is complete, the drain hose is removed and a twist-on dust cover protects the actuator valve from dirt and road debris. No tools are needed and the flow of oil is controlled from start to finish.
    An added appeal of the SureDRAIN oil change system is that by helping to safely control the flow of oil, DIYers can warm the car's engine for a hot oil change without running the risk of burning themselves.
    "The hot oil change is preferred because it is more complete, but many of our customers choose the cold change to avoid burns as the oil flows from the drain pan," said Gary Bilski, Manager of Filter Engineering at FRAM. "Particles and impurities in the oil that can damage engine parts become suspended and drain out when the oil is hot. If the oil is cold, those particles will settle on the bottom of the drain pan and remain in the engine. The SureDRAIN oil change system offers a safer approach to the more complete hot oil change."
    The Honeywell Consumer Products Group manufactures and markets FRAM(R) oil, air, transmission and fuel filters; Prestone(R) antifreeze/coolant and car care products; Autolite(R) spark plugs; and Holts(R) car care products. Information about FRAM products is available on our web site at www.fram.com.