Top 10 Auto Repair and Maintenance Franchises of 2022 (Updated Ranking) (2023)

This annual list of the best auto repair and maintenance franchises was revised and updated on January 5, 2022.

When Henry Ford introduced the Model T, part of his business model was to build a car that people could repair themselves. As cars have become more complicated, this has become impossible for most people, which is why we rely on repair and maintenance companies. At the same time, the number of vehicles on the road has increased.280 million cars, trucks and SUVs are registered in the US.🇧🇷 This makes car repair and maintenance a reliable business that remains relevant regardless of economic changes.

The job has become more complex for repair and maintenance companies as vehicles become increasingly high-tech. However, many of the basic principles remain the same, allowing entrepreneurs to reap the benefits of a proven business model. The details of repairs and maintenance are often different than they were a generation ago, as cars are increasingly controlled by computers that can diagnose other faults or develop problems of their own. But the way of business around these repairs is the same, and customers are still looking for the same result: a fully functional car.

The age of cars on the road has been increasing for more than a decade, and now the average American carmore than 12 years🇧🇷 This number is expected to continue to rise as rising vehicle prices, more durable vehicles, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic mean people are taking longer to replace their cars. Now at the average price of a new car38.225 $After years of high prices, many people have no choice but to buy used cars or stick with an older vehicle. Even when they buy something new, it often works alongside the old car instead of replacing it. As a result, more cars are out of warranty and showing signs of wear and tear, causing maintenance and repair companies to lose work. The auto manufacturers' loss is the auto mechanics' gain.

After the demise of full-service stations, chains began to spring up to meet consumer demand for auto maintenance and repair, presenting a huge opportunity for franchises. Many focused on a specific service, such as oil changes, brakes, alignments, adjustments, mufflers, tires, etc. Over the past few decades, most of these specialty chains have expanded their repair and service offerings beyond their original niche, transforming auto repair and maintenance into a multifaceted business. Providing a variety of services in one place makes things more convenient for the customer and more profitable for the company. Customers want all their problems resolved in one visit, and this provides more work for flexible, full-service auto companies.

Car maintenance and repair deductibles are worth aestimated $9.6 billion in the US🇧🇷 This broadcast9,000 companies with more than 67,000 employees in 2021🇧🇷 The industry has seen annualized growth in the size of1.6% per year since 2017🇧🇷 In the early years this was driven by economic growth as unemployment fell and people used their cars to get to work more frequently. These trends ended in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now the recovery is taking the industry to new heights as predicted.Annual growth rate of 4.7% in 2022🇧🇷 As per capita income increases, people can afford to have their cars serviced more frequently and repaired faster, leading to more sales.

Auto repair and maintenance businesses do not require much face-to-face interaction and are considered an essential service, which is why they have been able to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, even in areas with severe restrictions. But the reduction in contacts to combat the pandemic took its toll on the automotive business. Some non-essential or non-urgent jobs have been postponed by customers. With fewer travelers, vehicle wear and tear and the number of accidents requiring repair decreased. The disruption to manufacturing and distribution has affected component supply chains.

Car owners are more likely to put off non-essential or non-urgent work when money is tight, but cars are such an integral part of American life that this work can only be put off for so long.64.5% of auto mechanic customers are single-family families, many of whom depend on their cars to get to work, shop, take their children to school and participate in leisure activities. Delaying service can result in more expensive repairs later, which is why some customers have continued to use this service contract during the pandemic, and many car owners have had to perform emergency repairs.

Mechanics brought in better hygiene facilities and customer contact procedures, for example through changes to delivery and collection procedures. However, these changes were less expensive than for high-touch franchises, such as hair salons or coffee shops. While the global automotive repair and maintenance industry has seen someDecrease thanks to COVID, has done much better than many industries.

In the US, the industry lost about500 companies from 2020 to 2021, and with them several thousand jobs. the industry lostWorth half a trillion dollars in 2020, but has since bounced back and is worth more than ever in 2022.

Some effects of the pandemic persist. Sanitation costs continue to rise and disruption to supply chains has pushed up prices for many components. But the pent-up demand for vehicle maintenance is likely to drive additional business as people get vaccinated, feel more confident when traveling or lose patience with their restricted lifestyles.

El mantenimiento y reparación de automóviles es un negocio intensivo en mano de obra. ediciones de franquicia27% of your income in the form of wagesand franchisees must be willing to hire and manage a workforce whose skills and experience are essential to running the business. But franchises help reduce costs in other areas for auto companies, as a brand's buying power can lead to supplier contracts that lower equipment and parts costs.

As the pandemic recedes and people move more, there will be a lot of work to keep these franchisees busy and plenty of opportunities to capitalize on them.

Top Auto Repair and Maintenance Franchises 2022

1.Midas International

Midas Internationalspecialized in mufflers and exhaust systems in the 1950s, added shock absorbers in the 1960s, and brake services in the 1970s, for both private and corporate clients and full fleet management services (including an application based on the Web). The company is constantly running a wide range of promotions, coupons, and discount offers that keep customers coming back for more. It also offers a credit card program.

Midas was named the Best Auto Repair Brand in America's Best Customer Service 2019, compiled by Newsweek after a survey of more than 20,000 consumers.

Midas was purchased by TBC Corporation in 2012. Founded in 1954 by Nate Sherman in Macon, Georgia and franchised since 1956, the number of locations has declined in recent years from 2,291 in 2011 to the current total in 2010 (compared to the reported total previously). . 2017), none of which are owned by the company and 1,033 of which are based outside of the United States.

2. Meineke car service center

Autopflegecenter Meinekestarted with exhaust services in the early 1970s and expanded into a full range of automotive maintenance and repair services in 2003. Parent company Driven Brands owns a variety of automotive businesses including Maaco (paint and collision repair ), CARSTAR (direct repair program and collision jobs), Econo Lube N' Tune & Brakes, 1-800-Radiator & A/C, and Take 5 (oil changes). Like Midas, Meineke offers a credit card program and fleet management services for corporate clients.

In Newsweek's America's Best Customer Service 2019 study, Midas won Best Auto Repair Brand, but Meineke won Best Auto Repair Chain.

Founded in 1972 by Sam Meineke in Houston, Texas and franchised since the same year, the number of locations has declined in recent years from 980 in 2014 to the current total of 806 (of 807 previously reported), none of which exist. company-owned and 87 are located outside of the United States.

3. CARSTAR franchise system

CARSTAR franchise systemis a chain of independent collision repair shops offering auto body repairs, paintless dent repairs, storm damage repairs (including hail damage), and 24-hour assistance. hours a day, 7 days a week. Like Midas and Meineke, the company offers a credit card program and fleet management services.

CARSTAR derives much of its business from the strong partnerships it has developed with insurers for its DRP direct repair program. The company focuses on training franchisees on how to meet the repair standards required by insurers. The company offers a nationwide warranty that stays with the owner no matter where they are in the US, as well as a service guarantee.

Founded in 1989 and franchised since the same year, the number of locations has increased in recent years from 395 in 2011 to the current total of 719 (of 702 previously reported), of which two are owned and 322 are outside the STATES. UNITED.

4. AAMCO transfers and full support

AAMCO gearbox and full supporthas a similar mix of services to the other companies on this list, including a full line of auto repair and maintenance services, a credit card program, and fleet management services for corporate and government clients. Instead of offering a single warranty that covers all of its work, AAMCO offers nine different warranties that vary in length depending on the services the customer requires.

The company name is an acronym for the founder, Anthony A. Martino Company, which was ranked #1 in the Yellow Pages phone books in the automotive repair category. The company originally specialized in transmission work, but has since expanded its range of services to include all types of automotive repair and maintenance.

Founded in 1957 by Anthony A. Martino in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and franchised since 1963, the number of locations has steadily decreased in recent years, from 865 in 2011 to the current total of 568 (vs. previously reported total of 569). 13 are owned and six are located outside of the United States.

5. Automatic precision adjustment

Automatic fine tuning setup, as the name suggests, initially specialized in providing tuning services, but has since expanded into the usual full range of auto maintenance and repair services like the other companies on this list. It also offers its own credit card program and fleet management services to corporate clients and government agencies.

The company's work was backed by a 12-month/12,000-mile national warranty, which was upgraded to a 24/24 national warranty in 2011, but the company's website currently only mentions the 12/12 warranty. There are certain localization sites that even mention a 24/24 guarantee.

Precision Tune was acquired in 2017 by Icahn Automotive, which also owns Pep Boys (retail and aftermarket services) and Auto Plus (aftermarket parts distributor). Founded in 1975 by Bill Childs in Beaumont, Texas and franchised since 1978, the company currently has 289 locations (up from a previously reported total of 326), of which 48 are company-owned and 52 are outside the United States .

6. Automotive Christian Brothers

Automotive Christian Brothersis a religious chain of auto repair shops that explicitly shape their business practices with Christian values. The workshops work with vehicles of all makes and models and offer a 24-hour national warranty, 24 hours a day (24 months/24,000 miles), valid in all company units.

It is also known for providing great care and attention to the customer experience, including clean and spacious lounges, free drinks, free Wi-Fi, free shuttle service, and most importantly, being treated with courtesy and respect.

Founded in 1986 by Mark Carr in Mission Bend, Texas and franchised since 1996, the number of locations has steadily increased over the past 10 years, from 86 in 2011 to the current total of 242 (vs. previously reported total). of 217), four of which are owned by the company and all of which are located in the United States.

7. Tuffy Tire and car service

Tuffy Tire and car serviceinitially specialized in mufflers but expanded from there into a body shop that also did brakes, shocks, struts, springs, alignment, front end, oil changes, tires, air conditioning, batteries, starting and charging, washing and filling , etc. Homokinetic joints.

Customers are automatically entitled to a free full year of ToYourRESCUE roadside assistance (lockouts, punctures, jump starts, towing and more), and the company backs its work with a 12/12 nationwide warranty on parts and labor. Customers also receive a free inspection to ensure tires, brakes, fluids, exhaust system, battery, belts and more are in good condition. Like the other companies on this list, it has a credit card program and fleet management services for corporate clients.

Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1970 by Charles Amy and franchised since 1971, the number of locations has declined in recent years from 214 in 2011 to the current total of 165 (out of a previously reported total of 168), of which 21 are in They are owned by corporations and are all located in the US.

8. Milex/Mr. Current

Milex Complete Car Care/Mr. streamare two of the companies that belong to the Moran family of brands, a company that is also a franchisee for AltaMere Automotive Outfitters, Multistate Transmission, Dr. Nick's Transmissions, and SmartView Window Solutions (window film options for homes and offices). Franchisees may have a stand-alone MilexComplete store, a Mr. Gear, or a Milex Complete/Mr. Gear Combination Shop.

The company offers a full range of auto repair and maintenance services, seven different warranties depending on the type of work performed, and fleet management services. Unlike most of the other companies on this list, it doesn't appear to have a credit card service for financing.

Founded in 1956 and franchised since 1976, the company currently has 88 locations (one fewer than the previously reported total of 89), of which two are company-owned and one is outside of the United States.

9. Ehrlich-1 Car Care

Honest Car Care-1it has three differentiators that set it apart from all the other companies on this list. First, it is the only one founded since the beginning of the new millennium. Second, it is the only one that highlights the different ways in which it is a green car maintenance business. The Honest-1 Auto Care ESA (Environmentally Sustainable Actions) program focuses on preventing pollution, recycling, conserving resources, and promoting environmentally friendly automotive maintenance services. Third, your national warranty is good for 36 months or 36,000 miles.

Customers enjoy clean, comfortable, and attractive waiting areas suitable for women and families with leather sofas, big-screen TVs, workstations and free Wi-Fi, an indoor children's play area, stylish restrooms, and complimentary refreshments .

Founded in 2003 in Scottsdale, Arizona and franchised since the same year, the number of locations has grown steadily from 23 in 2011 to 73 in 2019, but has since fallen to its current total of 65 (from a previously reported total of 69). . ). , two of which are owned by the company and all of which are located in the United States.

10. Merlin saves 200,000 miles

Merlin Stores 200,000 Milesit has a name that speaks to its mission: helping car owners rack up more than 200,000 miles on their vehicles. A lot of people still think anything over 100,000 is great, but cars are made so much better these days. In other words, Merlin wants people to know and act as if they could and should reach the 200,000 kilometer milestone.

The company offers a full range of auto repair and maintenance services, including oil changes, brake services, fluid changes, tire changes, mufflers and exhausts, shocks/mounts/springs, and 18 other general services. Their warranty on most repairs is 24/24, but they offer a 200,000-mile warranty on mufflers, brake pads and shoes, and certain brands of tires. It also offers a credit card program, but doesn't appear to have fleet management services.

Founded in 1975 and franchised ever since, the number of locations has declined in recent years from 57 in 2011 to the current total of 29 (out of a previously reported 26 total), none of which are company-owned and all of which are residents in the USA

An important note about our methodology

The franchises on this list have been ordered by the number of units in the franchise system. if you are a...future franchiseeFind franchise opportunities that meet or exceed specific performance benchmarksSales, profits and return on investmenttake a look at this listAmerica's Most Profitable Franchise.