Would a fast fit oil change business model work over here?
Discussion
The Americans have it drummed into their heads that if they don't change their oil every 3,000 miles or so, their engines will blow up. There are a plethora of fast fit oil change places such as Jiffy Lube over there that will do a drive in / drive out oil change service at very cheap prices.
Given that a lot of non petrol heads seem to skimp on servicing, I was wondering if a business model such as Jiffy Lube would work over here. Straight forward oil changes at cheap prices done while people wait.
I'm not looking at entering into the market, was just wondering what people's views were.
Given that a lot of non petrol heads seem to skimp on servicing, I was wondering if a business model such as Jiffy Lube would work over here. Straight forward oil changes at cheap prices done while people wait.
I'm not looking at entering into the market, was just wondering what people's views were.
I thought Americans on the whole were tight as a-holes when it comes to car maintenance? They're even more into disposable cars than the UK is last I heard. You should see the utter neglect on some of the cars on US car repair channels on YT.
They get treated a lot better than us with warranties too. For example, MK5 Golf GTI powertrain warranty in the US = 10 years. In the UK, it's 3 years.
They get treated a lot better than us with warranties too. For example, MK5 Golf GTI powertrain warranty in the US = 10 years. In the UK, it's 3 years.
I doubt this would work in UK, in UK everyone wants a 101 point service which basically is a glorified oil change where they charge £100 minimum for it..
If someone would open it, people would say , pfff- if it's too good to be true it must be,we are not fools to fall for something like that, just an oil change isn't a proper car service, the guys must take a look if my windshield wipers are still good and If I still got enough washer fluid inside..
The rest of the people, just don't care about their car, they drive it as long as it keeps running without changing oil ,when it starts to give problems, time for a new car, let me part exchange it and give it away to dealer for £200 because they are such a good guys, brb 5years down the line time to part exchange my car I bought for £10k for £200 and the cycle goes on...
If someone would open it, people would say , pfff- if it's too good to be true it must be,we are not fools to fall for something like that, just an oil change isn't a proper car service, the guys must take a look if my windshield wipers are still good and If I still got enough washer fluid inside..
The rest of the people, just don't care about their car, they drive it as long as it keeps running without changing oil ,when it starts to give problems, time for a new car, let me part exchange it and give it away to dealer for £200 because they are such a good guys, brb 5years down the line time to part exchange my car I bought for £10k for £200 and the cycle goes on...
Personally, I wouldn't change my oil that quick..
I like to let it completely drain, and even a little slosh of fresh with the sump plug still out..
30 minute oil change in the UK may work though.. most people wouldn't care..
Don't think that will get them a stamp or a 'digital service record' though..
I like to let it completely drain, and even a little slosh of fresh with the sump plug still out..
30 minute oil change in the UK may work though.. most people wouldn't care..
Don't think that will get them a stamp or a 'digital service record' though..
The American quick oil change outfits do a lot of up-selling to make their payola and are well know on consumer affairs complaints to do lots of unnecessary work.
I see them as rather like the quick fit places here for tyres and exhausts who try upselling via their free safety checks.
I see them as rather like the quick fit places here for tyres and exhausts who try upselling via their free safety checks.
dme123 said:
We sort of do - Kwik Fit / National / Others do an oil and filter change using the manufacturers specified oil and often work out no more expensive than buying the materials yourself.
Very true.It's often not worth the bother of doing it yourself, when these fast fit places will do it so cheaply. Have mine done at ATS Euromaster who use Shell for an oil change on my Z4
I guess it helps in the US that there are 3 major brands of cars. GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Probably quite easy to stock filters and fluids for the majority of models.
Would not be as simple here.
I also suspect with min wage being quite high here and this type of outfit would probably need I would have thought at least 5 or 6 employees, you would probably have to do 5-10 cars an hour just to cover wages let alone rent, rates etc.
Probably quite easy to stock filters and fluids for the majority of models.
Would not be as simple here.
I also suspect with min wage being quite high here and this type of outfit would probably need I would have thought at least 5 or 6 employees, you would probably have to do 5-10 cars an hour just to cover wages let alone rent, rates etc.
SuperchargedVR6 said:
I thought Americans on the whole were tight as a-holes when it comes to car maintenance? They're even more into disposable cars than the UK is last I heard. You should see the utter neglect on some of the cars on US car repair channels on YT.
Yep take a look at www.reddit.com/r/justrolledintotheshop scary doesn't cover it.OP as another idea have you looked in to a "hire a ramp" type set up ? You have a workshop with ramps, people pay to use a ramp, bringing their own tools / spares etc.
Possibly you have some specialist tools (spring compressors, maybe a press to put bearings in etc) and qualified mechanics on hand to lend advice/help (chargeable?)
With the increasing number of properties without garages or even driveways and our wonderful British weather you can imagine that someone who needs to change a set of brakes, replace a broken coil spring for an MOT etc would be quite happy to pay for a dry/safe place to work.
Same as this place: http://www.pitstartgarage.com/self_service.html
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