Car franchises can really rev up your income. After all, Americans spend billions of dollars on auto products and services each year. Car franchise opportunities allow you to tap into this ever-growing market with a proven business model and a wealth of resources to help get your business into high gear quickly.

Car franchise opportunities span a wide variety of fields within the auto industry, and you don’t need to be a grease monkey to get in on the action. In fact, many car franchises don’t require you to have any specialized training.

Car franchise opportunities you may want to consider include:

1. Car wash franchises.
2. Car rental franchises.
3. Auto part franchises.
4. Auto repair franchises.
5. Low-cost car franchises.
6. Existing car franchises.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Car wash franchises

More than half of all Americans have their cars professionally washed on a regular basis. That's good news for owners of car wash franchises. Car wash franchises aren't cheap with start-up costs for full-service and self-service car washes running approximately $500,000 to more than $2 million. Mobile operations are usually less expensive.

I recommend: Find listings of car wash franchises at Entrepreneur’s Franchise Zone or at Gaebler Ventures. Cactus Car Wash positions itself as a high-end, full-service operation. Super Wash has about 350 self-serve and automatic car washes nationwide. ProntoWash is an environmentally friendly mobile car washing service.

Car rental franchises

You may be surprised to learn that there are still car franchise opportunities in the car rental industry.

I recommend: Big names in car rental franchises that have car franchise opportunities include Thrifty and National. One of the fastest-growing companies in the car rental market, Payless Car Rental, is actively seeking franchisees. Affiliated Car Rental is an affordable car rental franchise.

Auto part franchises

Batteries, tires, tools - auto parts are big business. With auto part franchises, you can get in on this billion-dollar industry.

I recommend: Check out a variety of auto part franchises at Franchise Gator or search for “automotive products and services” at the International Franchise Association for a list of car franchise opportunities. One of the biggest names in the industry is Big O Tires, the No. 1 tire retailer in the nation. DRIVE N STYLE is a mobile installation operation that offers aftermarket products, such as stainless dash kits, stainless grills and rear deck spoilers.

Auto maintenance and auto repair franchises

Many auto repair franchises specialize in a certain type of repair, such as oil changes, transmission repairs, muffler repair or wheel repair.

I recommend: At Franchising.com and Franchise Direct, you can find information on car franchises that offer auto maintenance and auto repair. Franchises, such as LubePro’s and Oil Can Henry’s provide oil change services. For wheel repair businesses, try Kwicksilver Wheel Repair Pros, which focuses on repairing and reconditioning aluminum rims, or Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists, a fully mobile service. In the painting and auto repair field, MAACO boasts a 47 percent share of the U.S. market.

Low-cost car franchises

Some car franchise opportunities require a hefty investment, but low-cost car franchises are available, too.

I recommend: For a listing of low-cost car franchises, visit America’s Best Franchises. Low-cost car franchises include NOVUS windshield repair and automotive appearance service providers M.A.R.S. International and Colors on Parade.

Buy existing car franchises

Buying a turnkey operation, such as an existing car franchise, can get your business up and running quickly.

I recommend: At FranchiseAdvantage.com, you can find all types of car franchise opportunities listed for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider how much ongoing support and training is offered by car franchises.
• •  Mobile car franchise opportunities often have a lower initial investment than permanent locations.
• •  A car franchise that offers customers self-service options may be attractive to you if you plan to run your franchise as a side business.
• •  Look for car franchises that have a proven track record.
• •  Any car franchise you purchase will likely require you to pay a royalty to the franchisor based on your revenue - usually in the 3 to 7 percent range.