Top 24 Auto Repair Franchises: AUV, Costs & Stats (2023)
If you’re considering getting into the automotive and car repair industry, buying a franchise can be a great option. Yet, which franchise should you choose? There are many auto repair franchises you can choose from, from full service repair to oil change, auto parts and more.
In this article we are giving you our top 18 picks of the best auto repair franchises in the US.
For each we’re giving you the key financials: the average initial investment cost and Average Unit Volume (AUV). Also, if you want to dig deeper, you’ll find the links to our complete review for each franchise below.
| Franchise | US franchised units | Investment | AUV | Net worth | Liquid capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiffy Lube | 1951 | 337,000 | 923,000 | 250,000 | 35,000 |
| Midas | 1031 | 470,000 | 1,098,000 | 75,000 | 75,000 |
| Valvoline Instant Oil Change | 794 | 300,000 | 1,420,000 | 600,000 | 600,000 |
| Meineke Car Care Centers | 736 | 384,000 | 853,000 | 110,000 | 110,000 |
| AAMCO Transmission | 549 | 277,000 | 713,000 | 65,000 | 65,000 |
| Big O Tires | 436 | 888,000 | 2,419,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Carstar | 419 | 551,000 | 1,754,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| Maaco | 411 | 461,000 | 1,313,000 | 420,000 | 420,000 |
| Christian Brothers Automotive | 247 | 580,000 | 1,009,000 | 85,000 | 85,000 |
| 1-800-Radiator | 194 | 852,000 | 1,460,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| Grease Monkey | 187 | 438,000 | 915,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 |
| Glass Doctor | 177 | 204,000 | 396,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Fix Auto USA | 170 | 1,618,000 | 1,418,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune Up | 148 | 504,000 | 1,057,000 | 250,000 | 250,000 |
| Take 5 Oil Change | 134 | 1,021,000 | 1,031,000 | 300,000 | 300,000 |
| Mr. Transmission | 116 | 252,000 | 613,000 | 70,000 | 70,000 |
| Ziebart | 89 | 491,000 | 1,037,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| Tint World | 84 | 330,000 | 896,000 | 120,000 | 120,000 |
Jiffy Lube
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1,951 | $337,000 | $962,000 |
Jiffy Lube is an American chain of automotive oil change specialty shops based in Houston, Texas.
The chain was founded in 1979 by W. James Hindman after purchasing all seven existing Jiffy Lube franchises from Edwin H. Washburn and establishing Jiffy Lube International.
Its franchises offer oil change and lubrication services for cars and light trucks, air conditioning maintenance, brake maintenance, cooling system maintenance, engine and fuel system cleaning, emissions and inspections, tire changes and more.
Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell, the brand began franchising in 1979 and has more than 2,100 locations globally.
Midas
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1,031 | $470,000 | $1,098,000 |
Midas is an American chain of automotive maintenance and service centers headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The chain was founded in 1954 by Nate H. Sherman in Macon, Georgia.
Its centers sell and install motor vehicle exhaust systems, brake components, suspension parts, heating and cooling system parts, tires, batteries and other motor vehicle parts. Also, they perform general and scheduled vehicle maintenance services.
Midas began franchising in 1956 and currently has over 1,900 locations, with 973 franchises in the US.
Valvoline Instant Oil Change
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 794 | $1,726,000 | $1,321,000 |
Valvoline Instant Oil Change is an American chain of preventive maintenance service centers based in Lexington, Kentucky.
It was founded in 1986 by the Valvoline Company.
The franchise operates quick-service engine oil change facilities, offering chassis lubrication, certain routine maintenance checks and other automotive services.
Valvoline Instant Oil Change began franchising in 1988 and now has 1,573 locations globally, with 817 units in the US.
Meineke Car Care Centers
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 736 | $384,000 | $853,000 |
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.
AAMCO Transmission
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 549 | $277,000 | $713,000 |
AAMCO Transmission is an American chain of transmission repair shops owned by the Icahn Automotive Group and based in Horsham, Pennsylvania.
The chain was founded in 1962 by Anthony A. Martino and Robert Morgan in Philadelphia.
It focuses on transmission services and total car care such as oil and filter changes, brake services, heating and cooling system service, tune-ups, steering and suspension, factory-recommended maintenance and related services on both retail and wholesale terms.
AAMCO Transmission began its franchising journey in 1963 and currently has nearly 600 locations nationwide.
Big O Tires
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 436 | $888,000 | $2,419,000 |
Big O Tires is an American retail tire franchise headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The franchise was founded in 1962 by Harold V. James when it split from OK Tires. It operates retail stores, selling and servicing tires and related automotive products as well as maintenance and replacement services such as lube, oil and filter changes engine, cabin air filters and brake service.
The Big O Tires’s franchising journey began in 1982 and now has over 465 locations in the US. It is a subsidiary of TBC Corp., along with Midas.
Carstar
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 419 | $551,000 | $1,754,000 |
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.Maaco
Carstar began franchising in 1989 and as of today has over 750 locations in the US and Canada.
Maaco
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 411 | $461,000 | $1,009,000 |
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.
Christian Brothers Automotive
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 247 | $580,000 | $2,097,000 |
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.
1-800-Radiator
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 247 | $580,000 | $2,097,000 |
1-800-Radiator is a leading auto parts distributor based in Benicia, California.
The company was founded in 1985 by Kalani Keala and Kyle Marshall and supplies auto parts, including radiators, mirrors, car lights, condensers, fuel pumps, fan assemblies, rebuild transmissions, bumpers, OEM rims, wheels and crate engines to clients in the US and beyond.
The auto parts distributor is a subsidiary of Driven Brands LLC and started franchising in 2001.
Today, 1-800-Radiator operates in more than 200 locations in the US.
Grease Monkey
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 187 | $438,000 | $915,000 |
Grease Monkey is one of America’s largest independent franchisors of automotive oil change centers operating in the US, China, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
Founded in 1978, the company provides a wide range of preventive vehicle maintenance services and products, including air conditioning, air filters, alignments, battery, brakes, check engine lights, diagnostic services, diesel exhaust fluid, differential service, fuel & emission system cleaning, headlights and power steering.
Grease Monkey is headquartered in Colorado and operates as a subsidiary of FullSpeed Automotive.
The brand has been franchising since 1979. Today, Grease Monkey operates in more than 475 locations globally, with approximately 340 centers in the US.
Glass Doctor
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 177 | $204,000 | $396,000 |
Glass Doctor is a chain of full-service glass franchises headquartered in Waco, Texas.
Established in 1962, the company offers the best in glass repair, maintenance and replacement services, including auto glass care, full windshield replacement, windshield ding repair, window tinting, landscaping and cleaning and headline restoration.
The brand operates as a subsidiary of Neighborly, catering to the automotive, commercial and residential markets.
The private company has been franchising since 1977, offering two franchising opportunities: the auto glass and the home and business franchises.
As of 2022, Glass Doctor operates close to 190 units in the US and Canada of which 176 are franchised-owned.
Fix Auto USA
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | $1,618,000 | $1,418,000 |
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.
SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune Up
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 148 | $504,000 | $1,057,000 |
SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune Up is a quick lube and automotive tune-up service franchise based in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
It was founded in 1980 in Metairie, Louisiana, by Gary Copp and Kevin Bennett.
SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune Up offers smog checks, oil changes, tune-ups, major maintenance services, air conditioning and radiator service, transmission service and brake services.
Its franchising journey began in 1982 and today it has more than 150 locations and is part of FullSpeed Automotive, along with Grease Monkey and other brands.
Take 5 Oil Change
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 134 | $1,021,000 | $1,031,000 |
Take 5 Oil Change is an American quick lube service franchise featuring a unique drive-thru concept that allows customers to stay in their cars. Also, it offers vehicle inspections, coolant services and seasonal tire changes.
Take 5 Oil Change was established in 1984 in Metairie, Los Angeles, by Monty Montgomery. It is part of the Driven Brands family, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, alongside other brands such as Maaco, Carstar and Meineke.
It began franchising in 2016 and currently has 762 locations worldwide, including 173 franchises in the US and 558 company-owned franchises.
Mr. Transmission
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 116 | $252,000 | $613,000 |
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 and vehicle inspections, 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.
Mighty Auto Parts
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 95 | $357,000 | $1,049,000 |
Mighty Auto Parts is an American wholesale auto parts franchise headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.
The chain was founded in 1963 by Dallas Wallace in Washington, D.C.
Its franchises operate wholesale distribution warehouses in exclusive territories, offering preventive maintenance, common-use auto parts, shop supplies, oil, chemicals, lubricants for vehicles, tire retailers, quick lubes, car dealerships, general repair and service shops.
Mighty Auto Parts’ franchising journey started in 1970 and now has over 100 locations in the US.
Ziebart
| US franchised units | Investment | Average Unit Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 89 | $491,000 | $1,038,000 |
Ziebart is an American automotive aftermarket shop based in Troy, Michigan.
The brand was founded in 1954 by Kurt Ziebart in Detroit, Michigan.
Ziebart offers services such as rustproofing, paint sealant, paint protection film, automobile detailing, window tinting and the installation of various aftermarket accessories.
The franchise began franchising in 1963 and currently has 400 locations worldwide, with 78 franchises in the US.
Precision Tune Auto Care
Precision Tune Auto Care is a one-stop shop for auto maintenance, repair and servicing.
The company has over 40 years of proven experience in the automotive industry and is committed to provide top-quality auto care services, including comprehensive car care, scheduled maintenance, vehicle diagnostics and auto repairs.
The brand was founded by Bill Childs in 1976, with its first tune-up shop in Beaumont, Texas.
After two years of operation, Bill opened the first franchising doors in 1978, expanding the company to Orlando, Florida.
Today, Precision Tune Auto Care is headquartered in Leesburg, Virginia, and operates in 289 locations worldwide, with 198 franchise locations in the US.
Tuffy Tire and Auto Service
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.
Honest-1 Auto Care
Honest-1 Auto Care is a full-service, eco-friendly auto repair company specializing in top-quality vehicle repair and maintenance services, including brake and transmission repairs, tune-ups, preventative maintenance and oil changes.
The auto care chain was founded in 2003 and is committed to educating its clients on auto maintenance, repair and the services and systems needed to keep their vehicles in the best condition.
The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida and stands out with its customer-centric approach and unwavering commitment to integrity, honesty and quality.
Most centers also provide complimentary shuttle services with a unique, countrywide 3-year, 36 000-mile warranty on auto repairs.
Honest-1 Auto Care started franchising in 2003 and has built a solid reputation as one of the most trusted auto care chains, operating in over 60 locations throughout the US.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops
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, tires and more.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops started franchising in 1975 and now operates over 20 active stores franchised in the US.
Tire Pros
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 muffler, 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.
Smart Tires
Smart Tires is an innovative, web-based business that provides a set of brand-new, brand-name tires for minivans, SUVs, most automobiles and trucks with a flexible payment structure.
The company targets anyone who needs to purchase brand-new tires, but who is hesitant of the upfront costs. Smart Tires is therefore committed to give everyone equal access to its services.
The business was established in 2018 by Brian Yennie and Earl Cole as a streamlined method for purchasing and selling tires without a physical, brick-and-mortar storefront.
Smart Tires started franchising in 2020 and is now placed among the best online automotive franchises, operating 3 active stores in the US.
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