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Meineke Car Care Centers

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Automotive
Auto Repair

Meineke Car Care Centers

Meineke Car Care Centers Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Automotive service franchise specializing in vehicle maintenance and repair, offering services such as oil changes, brake repairs, and exhaust system inspections.

Meineke Car Care Centers is a renowned automotive repair franchise that has been providing reliable services since its establishment in 1972 by Sam Meineke in San Antonio, Texas.

Originally focused on offering discount muffler services, the franchise quickly expanded its range of offerings, transforming into a comprehensive car care center by 1999.

Now part of Driven Brands, Inc., a global leader in the automotive aftermarket franchising sector, Meineke has experienced significant growth and widespread success.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the franchise has become a well-recognized name with more than 800 locations across the United States and internationally.

Meineke has been franchising since its inception, establishing itself as a trailblazer in the automotive service industry.

The franchise provides a wide array of automotive services, such as brake repair, oil changes, exhaust maintenance, and diagnostic solutions, ensuring vehicle owners have access to essential maintenance and care.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $45,000
Living Expenses During Initial Training $7,500 - $10,000
Real Estate Rent and Security Deposit $5,585 - $12,600
Opening Inventory $10,000 - $15,000
Equipment, Signs, Small Tools, Installation $35,000 - $175,000
Freight $3,500 - $7,500
Point of Sale Software and Computer Hardware $4,871 - $10,000
Center Supplies $4,318 - $6,318
Insurance $10,000 - $12,000
Initial Marketing $20,000
Legal and Accounting Expenses $1,000 - $12,400
Building Improvements and Building Design $30,000 - $180,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months $50,000 - $75,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $226,774 - $580,818
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $45,000
Living Expenses During Initial Training $7,500 - $10,000
Real Estate Rent and Security Deposit $5,585 - $12,600
Opening Inventory $10,000 - $15,000
Equipment, Signs, Small Tools, Installation $35,000 - $175,000
Freight $3,500 - $7,500
Point of Sale Software and Computer Hardware $4,871 - $10,000
Center Supplies $4,318 - $6,318
Insurance $10,000 - $12,000
Initial Marketing $20,000
Legal and Accounting Expenses $1,000 - $12,400
Building Improvements and Building Design $30,000 - $180,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months $50,000 - $75,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $226,774 - $580,818

Meineke Car Care Centers

2024

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Meineke's structured training program is designed to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their centers effectively. The components of the training program include:

  1. Initial Training:
    • Conducted at Meineke University in Charlotte, North Carolina, at a designated Meineke Center, and/or virtually.
    • Includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
    • Covers business systems, shop operations, sales skills, financial analysis, marketing, regulatory compliance, and daily operational procedures.
  2. Internet Training:
    • Mandatory for managers before the center's opening.
    • Focuses on Meineke's systems and operational requirements.
  3. Ongoing Training:
    • Retraining opportunities are available for franchisees and their teams throughout the term of the franchise agreement.
    • Conducted by Meineke's Franchise Business Consultants and operational staff, both onsite and virtually.
  4. Specialized Training:
    • Provided for new or updated products and services added to Meineke's offerings.
    • May include certifications such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) for specific service areas.

Territory Protection

Meineke provides territorial protection by designating a “Protected Area” of two miles around the approved franchise location, where no other Meineke Center can operate. Additionally, franchisees have the right of first refusal for new centers within a three-mile radius.

Meineke also limits franchise density, ensuring one center per 50,000 registered vehicles in the area. However, the franchisor retains the right to operate under different trademarks or co-branding arrangements outside these protections.

Competitors

Below are some of

Meineke Car Care Centers

key competitors in the

Auto Repair

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

702

New
+
-1%
-1%

$45,000

$227,000

$581,000

n.a.

$915,000

$xxx,xxx

76.1%

xx%

n.a.

18.6%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Summit Auto Calibration

Summit Auto Calibration is an automotive-services franchise offering ADAS camera and sensor calibration for modern vehicles, serving body shops, glass installers, and dealerships, and known for mobile and fixed operations, OEM-compliant procedures, and helping collision centers safely return vehicles.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$161,000 - $1,087,000

Black Optix Tint

Black Optix Tint is an automotive styling franchise offering window tinting, paint protection, ceramic coatings, and audio upgrades, serving car owners and enthusiasts, and known for bold branding, multi-service customization packages, and support from United Franchise Group’s wider franchising ecosystem.

Franchisees

?

24
+
700%
700%
Investment

?

$246,000 - $348,000

Purrfect Auto Service

Purrfect Auto Service is an automotive-service franchise offering full repair, maintenance, fast-lube and smog services, serving vehicle owners seeking trustworthy care, and known for ethical operations, returning parts to clients, and consistent franchisee support.

Franchisees

?

18
+
-5%
-5%
Investment

?

$149,000 - $378,000

Brake Masters

Brake Masters is an automotive repair franchise providing services including brake repair, oil changes, and general vehicle maintenance. Known for its ASE-certified technicians, the franchise emphasizes customer service and quality workmanship.

Franchisees

?

27
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$1,494,000 - $2,913,000

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists is an automotive franchise offering professional wheel repair and refinishing services, including curb rash removal, color changes, and structural repairs.

Franchisees

?

78
+
-11%
-11%
Investment

?

$99,000 - $639,000

Dentsmart

Dentsmart is an automotive service franchise specializing in paintless dent repair, providing fast, cost-effective solutions for hail damage and minor dents.

Franchisees

?

13
+
-13%
-13%
Investment

?

$79,000 - $111,000

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