Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers: Your One-Stop Solution for Complete Automotive Care

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, few service providers offer the comprehensive care and expertise of Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers. With over four decades of experience and more than 300 locations across 19 states, this company has established itself as a leader in the automotive service industry. What began as a specialized oil change business in 1979 has evolved into a full-service automotive maintenance provider, offering everything from their signature 10-minute oil changes to complex mechanical repairs and tire services. This article will explore the complete range of services, company history, and unique advantages that make Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers the ideal choice for vehicle owners seeking quality, convenience, and trustworthy automotive care 1,2.

Company History and Growth: From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader

Express Oil Change was founded in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1979 by Jim Lunceford, who opened the first location with a vision for providing quick, quality automotive service. The company's initial focus was perfecting the efficient oil change process that would become their signature service. Within just five years, Lunceford had expanded to four locations and began franchising the concept in 1984. The company's early growth strategy focused on perfecting their specialized service before expanding their service offerings 1.

The company underwent a significant ownership transition in 1996 when Ricky Brooks and Joe Watson, who were already the largest franchisees with 14 locations, purchased the business from Lunceford. This acquisition gave them control of 25 of the chain's 48 stores and marked the beginning of a new era of expansion. Under their leadership, the company began a strategic growth plan that included both organic expansion and acquisitions 1.

A major milestone in the company's expansion occurred in 1998 with the purchase of Tune-Up Clinics, a 28-store chain based in Atlanta, Georgia. Twenty-five of these locations were immediately rebranded as Express Oil Change, significantly increasing their footprint in the Southeastern United States. This acquisition demonstrated the company's commitment to growth through strategic market expansion 1.

The private equity era began in 2005 when Carousel Capital, a private investment firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, purchased a majority stake in Express Oil Change. Despite the ownership change, Brooks and Watson remained as CEO and COO, respectively, ensuring leadership continuity. By this time, the company and its franchisees operated 149 centers across six states 1.

After several additional ownership transitions, the company made one of its most significant strategic moves in 2013 with the acquisition of Birmingham-based Tire Engineers, a company with seven locations at the time. This acquisition led to the co-branding of 20 corporate stores as Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers by February 2014, with plans to rebrand remaining locations. This merger combined Express Oil Change's quick service expertise with Tire Engineers' specialized tire knowledge, creating a more comprehensive service provider 1.

In 2017, San Francisco-based private equity firm Golden Gate Capital acquired the company, and shortly thereafter, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers acquired Brakes Plus of Denver, Colorado, as a continued growth platform. The most significant recent development came in 2018 when Golden Gate announced a merger of Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers and Brakes Plus with newly-acquired Mavis Discount Tire of Millwood, New York, creating one of the largest automotive maintenance providers in the United States with over 885 locations across 24 states 1.

Today, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers operates as part of Mavis Tire Express Services Corp., maintaining its brand identity while benefiting from the expanded resources of a larger organization. The company now consists of 264 corporate-owned and 58 franchise-owned locations spanning 19 states, with estimated annual revenues of $328 million as of 2021. This growth trajectory demonstrates the company's successful adaptation to market changes while maintaining its commitment to quality service 2.

Comprehensive Services Offered: Far More Than Just Oil Changes

While Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers built its reputation on quick, reliable oil changes, the company now offers an extensive range of automotive services that address virtually every aspect of vehicle maintenance and repair. This expansion of services has transformed the company from a specialized quick-lube provider to a complete automotive care destination 3,4.

Signature Oil and Fluid Services

The foundation of their service repertoire remains their ​signature 10-minute oil change, which continues to draw customers seeking convenience without compromising quality. This service includes replacing the engine oil and filter with premium products, followed by a comprehensive fluid check and top-off of other essential fluids including transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. The technicians also perform a front-end lubrication when needed, ensuring that all chassis points are properly maintained. This attention to detail extends the life of vehicle components and improves safety 7,8.

Tire Services and Expertise

As the "Tire Engineers" portion of their name suggests, the company offers extensive tire-related services including installation, repair, rotation, and balance. They provide ​professional tire care​ using state-of-the-art equipment, addressing everything from simple punctures to complete tire replacements. Their inventory includes all major tire brands such as Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Firestone, BF Goodrich, Yokohama, and Hankook, ensuring customers have access to products for any budget and vehicle requirement. Their technicians are trained in run-flat tire services, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) service and repair, and seasonal tire installation, making them a comprehensive solution for all tire needs 3,4.

Brake Services

With the acquisition of Brakes Plus, the company significantly enhanced its brake service capabilities. Their brake services include comprehensive inspections, pad and rotor replacements, caliper services, and complete brake system overhauls. The technicians are trained to identify wear patterns that might suggest additional suspension or steering issues, providing a proactive approach to vehicle safety. This service category represents one of the most critical safety aspects of vehicle maintenance, and the company's expertise in this area gives customers confidence in their recommendations and repairs 1.

Mechanical Services

Beyond maintenance items, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers provides sophisticated mechanical services including wheel alignment, suspension system repairs (shocks and struts), front-end work, air conditioning services, and headlight/taillight services. Their certified technicians perform ​advanced diagnostics​ to identify complex issues, followed by quality repairs using premium parts. This comprehensive approach means customers can address multiple vehicle needs at a single trusted location, saving time and ensuring consistency in the quality of repairs 3,4.

Additional Vehicle Services

The company further expands their service catalog to include battery installation and testing, wiper blade replacements, air filter changes, smog checks, and state inspections (at select locations). Some locations also offer windshield services, addressing minor chips and cracks before they require complete windshield replacement. This wide array of services establishes Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers as a true one-stop shop for automotive maintenance and repair needs 3,5.

The Express Oil Change Difference: What Sets Them Apart

In a competitive automotive service market, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers has distinguished itself through several key advantages that keep customers returning and referring others to their locations 3,4,5.

Speed and Quality Combination

The company's founding principle was delivering quality service quickly, and this remains central to their operational philosophy. While many providers either offer quick service with limited quality or quality service with extended timelines, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers has mastered the balance between efficiency and thoroughness. Their ​refined processes​ enable them to complete oil changes in approximately 10 minutes while still performing a multi-point inspection that might identify potential issues before they become major problems. This efficiency does not come at the expense of quality, as they use premium parts and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure repairs meet or manufacturer specifications 1,7.

Certified Technicians

The company employs experienced, certified technicians trained to provide premium total-car care. While specific certifications vary by location and technician, many hold ASE certifications or other professional credentials. The company invests in continuous training to keep technicians updated on the rapidly changing automotive technology, ensuring they can properly service everything from traditional combustion engines to the latest hybrid and electric vehicles. This commitment to technical education means customers benefit from current knowledge and techniques 6,9.

Customer-Centric Approach

Multiple customer reviews highlight the company's emphasis on ​transparent communication​ and respectful customer treatment. As one reviewer noted: "Every single one of the employees here is transparent and happy to explain the work they do. Prices are fair and itemized/straight forward. As a young woman, with many unpleasant mechanic experiences, I would recommend this shop to other women. They will not insult your intelligence or try to make an extra buck with made-up problems" 5. This approach builds trust and long-term relationships with customers who appreciate honest assessments and clear explanations of necessary services.

Comprehensive Inspections

Each service includes a thorough vehicle inspection following a detailed checklist of potential trouble spots such as belts, hoses, brakes, and other critical components. This proactive approach helps customers identify issues early, potentially saving significant repair costs down the road. The inspections are conducted with the same systematic approach across all locations, ensuring consistency in the customer experience regardless of which location they visit 7,10.

Quality Products

The company uses premium parts and fluids from trusted brands, ensuring the longevity and reliability of their repairs. This commitment to quality components provides customers with peace of mind that their vehicles are receiving the same quality parts they might find at dealerships, often at more competitive prices. The extensive brand partnerships mean technicians can recommend the optimal product for each vehicle's specific requirements and the customer's budget 3,4.

National Presence with Local Management

With hundreds of locations across 19 states, the company benefits from economies of scale while typically maintaining local management that understands community needs. This structure allows individual locations to adapt to local market conditions while still adhering to the company's core standards and values. Customers benefit from both the consistency of a national brand and the personalized service of a locally-operated business 1,2.

Core Values and Company Culture: The Foundation of Their Success

The consistent customer experience at Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers locations stems from a clearly defined set of core values that guide every action and decision within the organization. These values include ​integrity, pride of workmanship, quality, teamwork, enthusiasm, friendliness, and continuous improvement​ 3,4.

Integrity forms the foundation of their operations, with an emphasis on honest recommendations and transparent pricing. This value is repeatedly highlighted in customer reviews that praise the company for not recommending unnecessary services—a common concern among automotive service customers. The commitment to integrity means technicians are trained to show customers actual worn parts and explain why replacement is necessary, creating an educational rather than purely transactional experience 5.

The value of quality manifests in their attention to detail and use of premium parts. Rather than cutting corners to maximize short-term profits, the company focuses on building long-term customer relationships through reliable repairs that stand the test of time. This quality focus extends to their hiring practices, as they seek technicians with not just technical skills but also a customer-focused attitude that aligns with their service philosophy 7,8.

Teamwork is essential in their service bay environment, where multiple technicians often collaborate on vehicles to ensure efficient yet thorough service. This collaborative approach enables them to maintain their signature speed while preserving quality control through peer verification of work. The company culture emphasizes that every team member plays a role in customer satisfaction, from the technician performing the service to the service advisor communicating with the customer 8.

Continuous improvement ensures that the company stays current with evolving automotive technology and service techniques. This forward-looking value means that technicians receive ongoing training, and locations are regularly updated with new equipment to handle the latest vehicle systems. It also reflects in their business model evolution, as they have expanded services to meet changing customer needs 3,7.

Career Opportunities and Workplace Environment

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers offers various career paths for automotive professionals, from entry-level positions to experienced technician roles. The company's growth has created opportunities for individuals interested in developing their skills within a structured, supportive environment 6,7,10.

Available Positions

The company hires for several key positions including ​General Service Technicians​ responsible for basic maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid inspections; ​Hood Technicians​ who perform multi-point inspections and light maintenance; and ​Automotive Technicians​ who handle more advanced diagnostics and repairs. Entry-level positions typically require a high school diploma or GED, valid driver's license, and willingness to work Saturdays, with prior experience helpful but not always necessary. For advanced technician roles, the company prefers candidates with at least two years of professional experience and ASE certifications, though they will often provide training for promising candidates with the right attitude and basic skills 7,9,10.

Workplace Culture

Employee reviews suggest a supportive team environment where collaboration is emphasized. The company focuses on developing technical skills while also strengthening customer service abilities. Technicians typically work in well-equipped service bays with modern tools and equipment, enhancing both efficiency and job satisfaction. The physical demands include prolonged standing, stooping, bending, and handling objects weighing up to 100 pounds occasionally, with the requirement to work at a production pace 7,9.

Training and Development

For those new to the industry, the company provides on-the-job training to develop essential skills. The structured approach to service procedures helps entry-level employees build confidence through clearly defined checklists and processes. As technicians advance, they have opportunities to gain certifications and specialize in specific service areas. This commitment to development makes the company an attractive employer for those seeking long-term careers in the automotive industry 8,10.

Customer Experience: What to Expect When You Visit

Understanding the customer journey helps illustrate why Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers has maintained such strong customer loyalty and positive reviews across their locations 3,4,5.

Scheduling and Arrival

Most locations operate on a Monday-Friday schedule of 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with Saturday hours typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. While appointments are often available, many locations accommodate walk-in customers throughout the day. Upon arrival, customers are greeted by a service advisor who consults on needed services and reviews any specific concerns the customer has noticed with their vehicle. This initial interaction sets the tone for transparent communication throughout the service process 3,4.

Service Process

For oil changes and basic maintenance, customers may have the option to wait in comfortable waiting areas equipped with Wi-Fi, television, and refreshments. The actual service begins with a thorough inspection following the company's established checklist. Throughout the process, technicians keep the service advisor informed of any additional issues discovered, who then communicates with the customer before proceeding with any unapproved work. This process ensures ​customer authorization​ before additional services are performed 5,10.

Communication and Transparency

A consistent theme in positive customer reviews is the quality of communication throughout the service experience. As one customer noted: "Jason P. was very professional in explaining all options, and helpful team of 3 got me all squared away in less than 15 minutes; even on a Saturday AM. I usually dread/avoid oil changes because it seems to take hours of waits and hassles, but this group totally changed my perception" 5. This emphasis on clear explanations and respectful communication distinguishes the company from competitors who may use more technical jargon or pressure tactics.

Follow-up and Ongoing Relationship

After service completion, customers receive a summary of work performed and any recommendations for future attention. Many locations implement follow-up systems to ensure customer satisfaction and remind customers of upcoming service needs based on mileage or time intervals. This ongoing relationship management contributes to high customer retention rates and generates the positive word-of-mouth that has driven much of the company's growth 5.

The Future of Automotive Service and Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers' Role

As vehicles become increasingly complex with advanced driver assistance systems, electric powertrains, and connected car technology, the automotive service industry faces significant evolution. Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers is positioned to adapt to these changes through their commitment to technician training and investment in new technologies 6,9.

The company's merger with Mavis Discount Tire has created one of the largest automotive service providers in the United States, providing economies of scale that support investments in specialized equipment and training programs for emerging vehicle technologies. This scale allows them to maintain competitive pricing while continuing to use premium parts, addressing a key concern for cost-conscious consumers facing economic pressures 1,2.

Their business model aligns with growing consumer preferences for providers that can address multiple vehicle needs in a single visit. As time becomes an increasingly precious commodity for many consumers, the ability to efficiently handle everything from basic maintenance to complex repairs at a trusted location provides a significant competitive advantage. The company's expansion of services positions them well against both specialized quick-lube operators and dealership service departments 3,4,5.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers' commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation suggests they will remain a relevant and trusted choice for consumers seeking quality automotive service from a provider with the expertise to handle both traditional and emerging vehicle technologies 1,2.

Conclusion: Why Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers Should Be Your Automotive Service Choice

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers has successfully transformed from a specialized oil change provider to a comprehensive automotive service solution without sacrificing the efficiency and convenience that built their original reputation. With ​over 300 locations​ across 19 states, certified technicians, transparent pricing, and a wide array of services, they offer vehicle owners a trusted partner for maintaining their vehicles' safety, reliability, and performance 1,2.

The company's core values of integrity, quality, and continuous improvement resonate throughout the customer experience, from the initial greeting to the quality of the repairs themselves. As automotive technology advances, their commitment to technician training and equipment updates ensures they remain capable of servicing the latest vehicle systems while still providing expert care for older models 3,7,9.

For vehicle owners seeking a combination of speed, quality, and comprehensive services from a provider with a established reputation, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers represents an outstanding choice. Their ability to evolve with changing market conditions while maintaining their customer-focused approach suggests they will continue to be a leader in the automotive service industry for years to come. Whether you need a quick oil change, new tires, or more complex mechanical repairs, their locations stand ready to provide the expert service that has defined their brand for over four decades 1,2,5.