Presently, in the United Kingdom, there are more cars on the road than ever before and since these vehicles are being driven further and kept for longer, the need for automotive services is growing. Born in the 1970s and established in the 1980s, the quick oil change industry has proven to be not just a viable business, but an industry with huge growth potentials.
There are so many options for entrepreneurs entering this sector. Franchisees can choose from stationary oil change franchises to mobile ones, and franchises that offer other automotive services such as brake repair, tire rotation and belt replacement, as well as a simple oil change.
If you are keen on being part of this lucrative industry, you can either choose to create an independent start-up business or buy into a franchise. If you choose the latter, you can look forward to working under an established brand with a proven business model.
When customers are looking for an automotive service provider, they usually prefer to choose a company they can trust. Therefore, if they recognize a business’s brand name or have seen its van parked outside their neighbor’s house, they are more likely to choose its services.
Franchisees investing in oil change franchises are not required to have previous experience, since most parent companies will offer full training in all aspects of running the business. But the fact remains that certain skills and abilities will make what is already a challenging job a little bit easier. Also, previous experience managing a small team, as well as some knowledge of accounts and other business operations will be extremely helpful, and a genuine interest in the motor services industry would be a great asset.
The quick oil change industry offers some excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to be their own boss and turn a passion for cars into a successful career. Indeed, choosing the right franchise can help shrewd business people to run a successful, profitable company that will feed the demand of motorists across the country. Here are top options to consider;
7 Quick Oil Change Franchise Opportunities in UK and Their Cost
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Express Oil: £1,211,429 – £2,381,116
Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers is an American automotive company, with one of its major offerings being its famous 10-minute oil change. The brand is looking to expand its franchise network around the world through motivated, business-minded entrepreneurs. It isn’t necessary to have prior experience in mechanics, as franchisees will take a managerial role and hire highly skilled technicians.
Franchisees can look forward to an exceptional eight-week training program that covers all aspects of operating the franchise. They will also be assigned a Franchise Support and Training Officer who will oversee the training and be there on the launch day.
Cost
- Franchise Investment: £1,211,429 and £2,381,116.
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Meineke: £98,911 – £467,826
Sam Meineke began with a single store in Houston, TX in 1972. The initial concept of providing exhaust service at discount prices has expanded to include complete brake service, oil and lube service, front-end alignment, shock and strut service, and Catalytic converters. Meineke Car Care Centres also provide franchise opportunities. As of 2018, the company operated 798 franchises in the United States and 81 outside the country including the United Kingdom.
Cost
- Franchise investments: £98,911 – £467,826
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Hometyre: £40,000
Hometyre is a nationally celebrated mobile tire service company that has impressive revenue of around £5 million. As a keen innovator that is highly respected in the industry, the brand has made partnerships with huge global businesses such as Michelin and Dunlop. Franchisees will take part in a three-week training program that covers the business’ technicalities, hands-on training, and a summary of what’s been learned.
Cost
- Franchise Investment: £40,000.
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Valvoline Inc: £129,500 – £1,960,500
This company manufactures and markets engine and automotive maintenance products and services. The company was established in 1866 and is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Notably, the company operates Valvoline instant oil change service centers.
As of October 08, 2018, it operated approximately 1,150 Valvoline Instant Oil Change SM centers in the United States; and approximately 70 Great Canadian Oil Change locations in Canada. The company also serves car dealers, general repair shops, and third-party quick lube locations in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Cost
- Franchise investments: £129,500 – £1,960,500
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Optic-Kleer: £15,000
Optic-Kleer remains UK’s largest windscreen repair company. The car franchise has been in business since 1991 and has since expanded to the UK too. The brand has set up in various supermarkets and DIY hardware stores and provides customers with a trusted windscreen repair service that should help prevent further damage. Note that before launch day, franchisees undergo initial training at their head office in Lincolnshire.
This is on top of one-to-one mentoring with an experienced technician who will help get your business up and running. It doesn’t stop there though – Optic-Kleer will carry on supporting franchisees with sales, marketing, and any problems that occur.
Cost
- Franchise Investment: £15,000
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Midas: £148,782 – £391,092
This company offers repair and maintenance services on shock absorbers, brakes, tires, batteries, radiators, heating, and cooling systems, etc. The company was established in 1956 in Macon, Georgia by Nate Sherman. As of 2018, Midas operates more than 2000 franchised locations globally.
Cost
- Franchise Investment: £148,782 – £391,092
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SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service: £143,710 – £497,211
This American company offers oil changes, preventative maintenance, and other car care services. First SpeeDee Oil Change opened in December 1980 in Metairie, Louisiana. They also provide franchise opportunities. As of 2018, the company operates 53 franchises in the United States and 32 in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Cost
- Franchise investments: £143,710 – £497,211
There are many businesses in the UK that are either dedicated to oil changing or that offer it as part of their services. Savvy entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industry could choose to invest in a standard oil change business or go for a mobile oil change franchise. You might want to dedicate your entire offering to oil changes, or you could offer other services like tire fitting and brake repairs.