The SMART-O story……
We, the inventors of the SMART-O plug have a combined 54 years experience and formal education in the automotive repair industry. With degrees in Engineering Design Technology, an AS degree in pre-electrical engineering and a Applied Science Certificate in Tooling and Machining, Manufacturing Certified Master Technician, ASE Certified Master Technician, 8 Years of NADA, Membership and training.
 
Whilst working in various job roles in the automotive and fast lube industry (Technician, Service Advisor, Service Manager, Parts Counterman, and Fixed Operations Director) we witnessed many failures to engines, due to catastrophic loss of oils and lubricants - not to mention the litigation related to these incidents.
 
We took notice that aftermarket shops were the cause of a high frequency of these failures, but our own highly trained technicians made these same mistakes too. For instance; at the time we were working for a new car dealership that sold one make of vehicle. That particular vehicle held a 4% market share nationally. We would see this issue several times in a year period of time on that make alone. Our mind set was if we are only covering 4 % of the market, and this particular make shares 3 other outlets in the same market, this problem must be wide spread across the entire market, an even more so the entire US market. After many months of research we found this to be not only the case, but much worse than we thought. One search engine alone turned up 68,000 pages of complaints. Now we had a wide spread problem worth solving A a problem we could combine our automotive experience and education together to solve.
 
After learning how wide spread this problem is, we designed the SMART-O plug. In summary, the SMART-O incorporates an O-ring within a recessed groove along the drain plugs threaded system, which creates an interference or frictional fit between the oil-plug and the oil pan outlet prior to reaching OEM torque requirements.
 
In 2008 we realized we needed further assistance to develop the plugs oring to satisfy the highest OEM requirements. Through various channels we joined forces with Rapidfix Group who offered highly customized industrial solutions - among other things – R&D and ISO / TS 16949 certified manufacturing of fasteners for special applications. After the connection with Rapidfix we also enrolled the support of recognized testing institutes, research centers and special material technology manufacturers.
 
And the rest is history :-)
May the SMART-O be with you!