Jason Kaehler Opens Mobile Oil Change

WAITSBURG – When Jason Kaehler hit on an idea he felt would teach his daughters responsibility, help the community, and bring in some extra money all at the same time, he knew he'd found a winner. Kaehler and Daughters Mobile Oil Change opened for business last week and is welcoming new customers.

Kaehler said he decided to start a business because he felt it was important to do something with his daughters that would teach them responsibility and life skills. Madison, age 10, and Peyton, age 6, excitedly jumped on board with the plan.

The trio landed on the idea of an oil change business after a joint brainstorming session. They knew they wanted to do something different than lawn service. Kaehler has a friend who operates a mobile tire service, Absolute Mobile Tire, in Walla Walla who told him there was also a high demand for mobile oil changes.

"It made sense. It will be so much easier for people in town who won't have to drive somewhere or wait in line at Walmart or Jiffy Lube. I can go to their work, house, shop, or anywhere they'll be for 45 minutes. I also dispose of the oil for them so they don't have to deal with that. Hopefully, this is something Waitsburg has needed," Kaehler said.

His Mobile Oil Change business operates out of his bright red '98 Dodge Ram pickup and a matching trailer he spent several weeks refurbishing. His set-up is outfitted with a floor jack, jack stands, air compressor, shop vacuum, funnels, filter wrenches, and an oil extractor.

Kaehler grew up in Prescott and later moved to Waitsburg where he graduated in 2003. Following graduation, he enlisted in the military as a tank crew member. He later moved back to the area and married.

"I wanted to raise my family here. I like the real small-town feel where we can let the kids ride bikes and have some freedom," he said. Kaehler is heavily involved in his kids' activities, and has coached soccer, basketball, and Little League.

He has worked at the Washington State Penitentiary as a prison guard for the last 10 years and was promoted to sergeant in December. Because he works the swing shift, he has time to operate the oil service business as well.

Kaehler will offer oil changes on Tues. – Sat., from 8 a.m. – noon and all day on Sunday and Monday. Customers can call, text, or email for an appointment. Once Kaehler knows what type of vehicle he'll be working on he can order the parts and filter and says he will generally have them the same day.

Kaehler and his crew have already performed a few oil changes and he was pleased to see his girls "getting dirty and helping out." Madison helps remove the oil and Peyton washes windshields and vacuums floors, at this point.

Kaehler and Daughters Mobile Oil Change charges $64.99 for a conventional oil change (less if the customer wants less expensive oil), $74.99 for a synthetic oil change and $69.99 for a high mileage oil change.

They currently service only gas vehicles, but plan to service diesel engines in the future. He will gladly check transmission, brake, radiator fluid and lube chassis on request. Kaehler said the business is licensed and insured and they accept cash, checks and credit cards. Interested parties can call or text Kaehler at (509) 200-1621 or email kaehlerjason@yahoo.com.

"Hopefully, this will be one of those things that will teach the kids life lessons and that they will look back on as pleasant memories of working with Dad," Kaehler said.