Love Cars and Want to Own a Business? Start With These 10 Automotive Brands. Whether you're interested in tool distribution, car washes or quick-lube service, these 10 automotive franchises are the top performers of 2025, based on the Franchise 500 Rankings. \n\nBy Carl Stoffers Edited by Jessica Thomas Jul 15, 2025\n\nShare \n\nKey Takeaways \n\nAutomotive franchises continue to thrive by blending convenience, technology and strong brand recognition. Mobile tool businesses and quick-service concepts dominate the top rankings in 2025. Several top franchises offer relatively low barriers to entry, making them accessible options for first-time owners.\n\nThe automotive industry continues to evolve, driven by innovation, convenience and consumer demand for faster, more efficient service. In 2025, the top-performing automotive franchises aren't just changing oil or replacing tires — they're streamlining operations, leveraging mobile platforms and building strong brand loyalty. Whether it's tool trucks that double as mobile showrooms or quick-lube stations that let customers stay in their cars, these franchises offer scalable, proven models for entrepreneurs looking to shift into high gear.\n\nThis year's top 10 standouts combine brand recognition, unit growth and franchisee support, making them strong contenders for anyone eyeing a business in the automotive space. From legacy brands with decades of history to up-and-comers shaking up the car-care scene, here are the automotive franchises driving results in 2025 based on the Franchise 500 ranking.\n\n1. Snap-On Tools\n\nSnap-On Tools, the #16 franchise on the 2025 Franchise 500, is a mobile tool franchise that serves automotive professionals directly at their place of work. Founded in 1920 and franchising since 1991, the company equips franchisees with fully stocked vans to sell high-quality tools, equipment and diagnostics to mechanics and technicians. Known for durability and brand loyalty, Snap-on offers in-house financing, extensive training and strong franchisor support. Its model focuses on relationship-based sales and exclusive customer routes, making it a popular choice in the automotive sector.\n\n2. Valvoline Instant Oil Change\n\nValvoline Instant Oil Change offers a streamlined business model built around speed, convenience and brand trust. Launched in 1986 and franchising since 1988, it allows franchisees to deliver quick oil changes and preventative maintenance without customers ever leaving their cars. Backed by one of the most recognizable names in motor oil, franchisees benefit from national advertising, strong training programs and a scalable operational model. It's a turnkey opportunity in the fast-paced world of automotive service.\n\n3. Tommy's Express Car Wash\n\nTommy's Express Car Wash is a high-tech, high-throughput tunnel car wash franchise known for its sleek design and efficient operations. Originating in 1969 and franchising since 2016, the brand offers a turnkey model that includes site selection, construction support and training through its dedicated Tommy University. Each location is equipped with advanced technology like license plate recognition and app-based memberships. With a focus on speed, consistency and customer experience, it's built for volume and scalability.\n\n4. Matco Tools\n\nMatco Tools is a mobile tool franchise that delivers high-quality tools and equipment directly to automotive professionals. Founded in 1946 and franchising since 1993, Matco equips franchisees with a customized truck that serves as a mobile store, operating within an exclusive territory of about 325 customers. The brand offers in-house financing, comprehensive training and ongoing support. With no royalty fees and a focus on relationship-driven sales, Matco appeals to hands-on entrepreneurs seeking independence and consistent demand in the automotive industry.\n\n5. Midas\n\nMidas is one of the most recognized names in automotive repair, offering services ranging from oil changes and brake repair to tires and exhaust work. Founded in 1956 and franchising since 1959, Midas combines decades of brand trust with modern systems and support. Franchisees benefit from national advertising, strong training programs and a wide menu of services that drive repeat business. Its flexible shop model allows owners to serve both everyday drivers and fleet customers alike.\n\n6. Mac Tools\n\nMac Tools is a mobile tool distribution franchise known for delivering professional-grade tools directly to mechanics and technicians. Established in 1938 and franchising since 2011, the brand is part of the Stanley Black & Decker family and supports over 1,000 franchisees across North America. Franchise owners operate fully stocked trucks within protected territories and receive extensive training, business support and marketing resources. Designed for driven, hands-on entrepreneurs, Mac Tools offers a low-overhead, relationship-based business model.\n\n7. Cornwell Quality Tools\n\nCornwell Quality Tools, founded in 1919, is the oldest mobile tool franchise in the United States. Known for delivering professional-grade tools directly to automotive technicians, the brand empowers franchisees — called tool dealers — to operate fully stocked trucks within exclusive territories. There are no upfront franchise fees or royalty payments, making it a lower-cost entry point compared to competitors. With comprehensive training, in-house financing options and strong support systems, Cornwell offers a hands-on business built on trust, quality and customer relationships.\n\n8. Jiffy Lube\n\nJiffy Lube is one of the most recognizable names in quick oil changes and automotive maintenance. Founded in 1971, the brand has grown to over 2,000 locations across North America, offering services like oil changes, tire rotations, brake work and fluid exchanges. Backed by the strength of its parent company, Shell, Jiffy Lube provides franchisees with comprehensive training, marketing support and a well-established customer base. It's a trusted, high-volume model built for entrepreneurs seeking steady, recurring business.\n\n9. Take 5 Oil Change\n\nTake 5 Oil Change is a fast-growing automotive franchise known for its stay-in-your-car oil change model emphasizing speed, convenience and customer service. Founded in 1984 and franchising since 2016, Take 5 has expanded rapidly across the U.S. with a simple, scalable system. Franchisees benefit from strong corporate support, national marketing and a streamlined service offering that minimizes complexity. The brand's modern approach to car care appeals to busy drivers and provides consistent, high-volume revenue opportunities for owners.\n\n10. Big O Tires\n\nBig O Tires is a well-established tire and automotive service franchise that's been serving drivers since 1962. Known for more than just tires, the brand offers services like oil changes, brake repairs, alignments and battery replacements. Franchising since the early 1980s, Big O operates under the TBC Corporation umbrella and supports franchisees with training, marketing and operational tools. With strong brand recognition and a full-service model, it's a solid option for entrepreneurs seeking a high-volume, customer-focused business.

These Are the Top 10 Automotive Franchises in 2025

The article highlights the top 10 automotive franchises in 2025 based on the Franchise 500 Rankings. These franchises emphasize convenience, technology, and brand recognition, offering scalable business models for entrepreneurs. Key franchises include Snap-On Tools, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Tommy's Express Car Wash, and others, each with unique features like mobile operations, app-based services, and strong franchisee support.