The 18 Best Auto Repair Franchises in the USA (2024)
The U.S. auto repair industry is booming, generating $116 billion in revenue in 2023 and growing at a projected rate of 10.1% annually through 2032.
With the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads reaching 12.1 years, the demand for regular maintenance and repair services continues to rise.
As an entrepreneur, investing in an auto repair franchise offers a profitable opportunity in a highly fragmented industry, where independent operators dominate more than 70% of the market.
This post will explore some of the best auto repair franchises, providing you with insights into business models, initial investment costs, and average unit volumes to help you make an informed decision.
The 18 Best Auto Repair Franchises
| Franchise | Franchising Since | Locations* | Investment Range | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Pros | 1988 | 623 | $12,000 – $483,000 | Undisclosed |
| Meineke Car Care Centers | 1972 | 705 | $227,000 – $562,000 | $897,000 |
| Carstar | 1989 | 416 | $298,000 – $804,000 | $2,265,000 |
| Maaco | 1972 | 398 | $276,000 – $1,016,000 | $1,281,000 |
| Michelin Commercial Service Network | 1997 | 333 | $189,000 – $4,253,000 | Undisclosed |
| Christian Brothers Automotive | 1996 | 253 | $520,000 – $645,000 | $2,466,000 |
| SuperGlass Windshield Repair | 1993 | 180 | $38,000 – $113,000 | $67,000 |
| Fix Auto USA | 1998 | 178 | $170,000 – $3,090,000 | $2,391,000 |
| Bumper Man | 2008 | 131 | $73,000 – $105,000 | Undisclosed |
| Tuffy Tire and Auto Service | 1971 | 103 | $229,000 – $729,000 | $1,344,000 |
| Honest-1 Auto Care | 2003 | 62 | $223,000 – $998,000 | $1,149,000 |
| Abra Auto Body & Glass | 1987 | 57 | $264,000 – $4,569,000 | Undisclosed |
| Car-X | 2015 | 76 | $315,000 – $512,000 | $778,000 |
| Mr. Transmission | 1990 | 107 | $249,000 – $345,000 | $800,000 |
| Merlin Complete Auto Care | 1975 | 24 | $265,000 – $534,000 | $1,150,000 |
| Rad Air Complete Car Care | 1999 | 8 | $146,000 – $573,000 | $1,102,000 |
| GoMobile Tires | 2018 | 3 | $127,000 – $228,000 | Undisclosed |
| Auto-Lab Complete Car Care | 1992 | 1 | $61,000 – $527,000 | $874,000 |
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Abra Auto Body & Glass
Franchising Since: 1987
Franchised Units: 57
Initial Investment: $264,000 - $4,569,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 5.00%
Abra Auto Body & Glass is an auto body and glass franchise headquartered in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. It deals with damaged vehicle repairs, specializing in collision repair, paintless dent removal, and auto glass repair and replacement.
Abra Auto Body & Glass was founded in 1984 by Roland D. Benjamin as ABRA Auto Body. It began franchising in 1987 and currently has 92 franchises in the US.
Abra Auto Body & Glass is committed to taking care of customers’ auto repairs through quality workmanship, superior service, and dedication to detail and has continued to grow through a network of auto body repair shops across the country.
It became part of the Driven Brands family in 2019, positioning it firmly in the auto repair industry as a potential opportunity for franchise owners and entrepreneurs.
Bumper Man
Franchising Since: 2008
Franchised Units: 131
Initial Investment: $73,000 - $105,000
Franchise Fee: $50,000
Royalty Fee: 25.00%
Bumper Man is a mobile automotive repair service franchise headquartered in Mesquite, Texas. Its centers offer quick and convenient onsite bumper repair services to car dealerships and fleet companies.
Bumper Man was founded in 1993 by Jeff and Tanya Bramblett and has since served over 8,000 dealerships. It began franchising in 2000 and has grown to 125 franchises in 42 states in the US.
The company continues its growth driven by a dedication to quality, efficiency, and affordability and presents a solid opportunity to individuals, car rentals, body shops, and car dealerships to stand out in the industry by establishing and building potential auto repair businesses.
Car-X
Franchising Since: 2015
Franchised Units: 76
Initial Investment: $315,000 - $512,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 2.5% to 5%
Car-X is a chain of automotive repair shops headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois. It offers routine maintenance and auto repairs such as oil changes, tires, brakes, etc.
Car-X was founded in 1971 by a group of experienced muffler shop owners as an exhaust specialist. Today, it has grown into one of the leading automotive service experts in the country, with 95 franchised units and 57 company-owned locations as of 2020.
With a commitment to excellence and technological advancement, Car-X continues to position itself as a leading player in the growing automotive repair business. It is an ideal business opportunity that offers solid systems, a strong reputation, and outstanding customer-passionate entrepreneurs to build their business.
Carstar
Franchising Since: 1989
Franchised Units: 416
Initial Investment: $298,000 - $804,000
Franchise Fee: $10,000
Royalty Fee: 5.50%
Carstar is a chain of collision repair centers owned by Driven Brands and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
It was founded in 1989 by Lirel Holt.
The franchises offer auto body repair services such as paintless dent repair, storm damage repair, vehicle detailing, accident assistance, and financing options.
Carstar began franchising in 1989 and, as of today, has over 750 locations in the US and Canada.
Christian Brothers Automotive
Franchising Since: 1996
Franchised Units: 253
Initial Investment: $520,000 - $645,000
Franchise Fee: $135,000
Royalty Fee: 50% of profit
Christian Brothers Automotive is an American full-service auto repair franchise based in Houston, Texas.
The chain was founded in 1982 by Mark Carr. It operates vehicle service centers, offering services such as AC services, brakes, oil and filter changes, scheduled maintenance, and tune-ups.
Christian Brothers Automotive began franchising in 1996 and currently has over 250 locations in the US.
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Fix Auto USA
Franchising Since: 1998
Franchised Units: 178
Initial Investment: $170,000 - $3,090,000
Franchise Fee: $10,000
Royalty Fee: 3% to 6%
Fix Auto USA is a chain of franchised-owned body shops offering auto collision repair services to vehicle owners in the US.
The automotive company was established in 1997 by collision repair experts Erick and Shelly Bickett and is based in California.
Fix Auto USA is a subsidiary of Driven Brands and provides a full range of services, including collision repair, fender repair, dent repair, paint repair, windshield repair, and bumper repair.
The company launched its franchise system in 2011. Today, Fix Auto USA operates 170 franchises in the US.
GoMobile Tires
Franchising Since: 2018
Franchised Units: 3
Initial Investment: $127,000 - $228,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 5.00%
GoMobile Tires is a chain of full-service mobile tire shops headquartered in Portland, Oregon. It offers a variety of services, such as tire purchases, installations, TPMS, flat repairs, and tire rotations, to clients at their homes, workplaces, or places they play.
GoMobile Tires was founded in 2018 and began franchising in 2019. By 2022, it had representation in over 16 states in the US, with plans to expand its fleet of mobile vans.
The GoMobile Tires franchise is a promising business that provides flexible and customer-oriented business opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking a modern approach to tire services in the multi-billion-dollar tire industry.
Honest-1 Auto Care
Franchising Since: 2003
Franchised Units: 62
Initial Investment: $223,000 - $998,000
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
Honest-1 Auto Care is an automotive repair and maintenance chain headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. It offers a wide range of automotive repair and maintenance services, such as tune-ups, brake and engine repairs, transmission service, oil changes, air conditioning, and preventative maintenance, among others.
Honest-1 Auto Care was founded in 2003 and began franchising in the same year and by the end of 2022, it had opened over 60 locations with 62 franchises in the US. Through the years, Honest-1 Auto Care has emerged as a one-stop repair shop for full automotive service and repairs, which gives customers better service in family-friendly facilities.
Maaco
Franchising Since: 1972
Franchised Units: 398
Initial Investment: $276,000 - $1,016,000
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Royalty Fee: 4% to 9%
Maaco is an American franchisor of auto paint and collision repair centers owned by Driven Brands, with its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The chain was founded in 1972 by Anthony A. Martino and Daniel Rhode after selling the rights to AAMCO Transmission Inc.
Its franchises offer a variety of services, such as offering relief from dents, dings, and chips to individual vehicles and vehicle fleet operators.
Maaco’s franchising journey began in 1972, and it now has 425 locations in the US and Canada.
Meineke Car Care Centers
Franchising Since: 1972
Franchised Units: 705
Initial Investment: $227,000 - $562,000
Franchise Fee: $45,000
Royalty Fee: 5% to 7%
Meineke Car Care Centers is a chain of franchised auto repair shops headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
It was founded in 1972 by Sam Meineke in San Antonio, Texas.
The Meineke Car Care Centers offer oil changes, exhaust & muffler services, brake repair, tire service, A/C services, steering & suspension, batteries, and CV joint installation.
The chain began franchising in 1972, and it now has over 900 locations in the US. It is a subsidiary of Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.
Merlin Complete Auto Care
Franchising Since: 1975
Franchised Units: 24
Initial Investment: $265,000 - $534,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 6.90%
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops is an auto care company founded in 1975 as Merlin’s Muffler & Brake.
The Illinois-based automotive company changed its name to Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops in 2006 to emphasize its goal to help car owners keep their vehicles on the road for 200,000 miles or more.
The brand has dedicated mechanics to fix brakes, mufflers, and any potential problems car owners may face during their ownership journey.
The company’s service menu includes wheel alignment, changing belts and hoses, cleaning fuel injection, repairing suspension systems and tires, and more.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops started franchising in 1975 and now operates over 20 active stores franchised in the US.
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Michelin Commercial Service Network
Franchising Since: 1997
Franchised Units: 333
Initial Investment: $189,000 - $4,253,000
Franchise Fee: $2,500
Royalty Fee: n.a.
Michelin Commercial Service Network is a franchise network of commercial tire dealers headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. Its dealers provide a consistent supply of new tires and retreads, 24/7/365 service, and highly trained service technicians for truck fleets.
Part of Michelin Americas Truck Tires, Michelin Commercial Service Network was founded in 1997 and began franchising in 2010.
With a commitment to establishing a new standard for consistent, high-quality service across the U.S., the Michelin Commercial Service Network family has more than 600 locations across the country and is a promising business opportunity for entrepreneurs in the tire industry as trucking fleets look to help fleets reduce operating expenses and manage their assets.
Mr. Transmission
Franchising Since: 1990
Franchised Units: 107
Initial Investment: $249,000 - $345,000
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Royalty Fee: 7.00%
Mr. Transmission is an automotive transmission repair franchise based in Orland Park, Illinois.
It was founded in 1956, and currently, it is owned by the Moran Family of Brands alongside other brands such as Milex Complete Auto Care, Alta Mere Automotive Outfitters, and Smartview Window Solutions, to name a few.
The franchise offers transmission maintenance and repair, diagnostic services, vehicle inspections, and maintenance and repairs on all parts of a vehicle’s drive train, plus clutch maintenance and repairs for manual transmissions.
The chain began franchising in 1976, and now it has 120 locations worldwide, with 116 in the US.
Rad Air Complete Car Care
Franchising Since: 1999
Franchised Units: 8
Initial Investment: $146,000 - $573,000
Franchise Fee: $49,500
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
Rad Air Complete Car Care is an automotive repair and tire care franchise headquartered in North Royalton, Ohio. Its centers offer tire repair and/or car repair services such as brake repair, electrical repairs, engine and transmission repair, cooling and radiator system repairs, fluid services, and much more.
Rad Air Complete Car Care was founded in 1975 and began franchising in 1999. As of 2023, it had opened 10 franchises in the US.
With a commitment to improving the auto repair industry through honest, fair, and green business practices, Rad Air Complete Car Care has established itself as a leader in automotive repair and maintenance services.
Today, the Rad Air Complete Car Care franchise is a promising opportunity with a client care model that ensures repeat business and high client retention for its franchise owners.
SuperGlass Windshield Repair
Franchising Since: 1993
Franchised Units: 180
Initial Investment: $38,000 - $113,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 6.00%
SuperGlass Windshield Repair is a windshield repair-only franchise headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Its outlets offer mobile windshield damage repairs, scratch removal, headlight restoration services, etc.
SuperGlass Windshield Repair was established in 1992 and began franchising in 1993. Currently, the company has over 350 franchises worldwide and 271 franchises in the US.
With a mission to be the largest repair-only franchise worldwide, SuperGlass Windshield Repair offers promising business opportunities to potential franchise owners looking for a scalable business with low overhead costs.
The SuperGlass Windshield Repair franchise presents a dynamic business to franchise owners in a market primarily dominated by auto dealerships, insurance companies, or commercial fleets by providing solid knowledge, system support, and franchise management resources to build a strong network of dealers to deliver its success across the country and more communities worldwide.
Tire Pros
Franchising Since: 1988
Franchised Units: 623
Initial Investment: $12,000 - $483,000
Franchise Fee: $7,000
Royalty Fee: $695 per month
Tire Pros is a fast-growing auto service center offering full-range auto repair and preventative maintenance services, vehicle accessories, and a vast inventory of custom tires and wheels.
The North Carolina-based automotive company opened its first store in 1988 as the place to find the best in automotive care and maintenance.
While Tire Pros is all about tire maintenance, many stores also service brakes, batteries and electrical systems, exhaust and mufflers, air conditioning, and more.
The brand started franchising in 1988, spreading its branches to various US locations, and today, Tire Pros has cemented its name in the automotive industry with 610 franchised locations operating across the US.
Tuffy Tire and Auto Service
Franchising Since: 1971
Franchised Units: 103
Initial Investment: $229,000 - $729,000
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty Fee: 2.5% to 5%
Tuffy Tire and Auto Service is one of the leading automotive repair chains in the US, headquartered in Toledo, Ohio.
The auto care chain was founded in 1970 by Charles Amy and specializes in full-service automotive repair and maintenance with genuine parts.
The company’s comprehensive automotive care services include oil changes, tire and brake services, alignments, heating and cooling, preventative maintenance, batteries, and more.
Initially a muffler shop, the company started franchising in 1971 after identifying lucrative opportunities in the automotive industry. It expanded its services to include breaks, springs, shocks, alignments, and other auto repair and maintenance services.
Today, Tuffy Tire and Auto Service is proudly owned by Mavis Tire Express and has grown to 163 locations across the US.
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