For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to switch gears and dive into the world of business ownership, franchising offers the opportunity to start off as part of a well-oiled machine. The automotive and truck services industry showcases a fleet of franchising opportunities including vehicle maintenance and repair services, tire and accessory sales, window tinting, styling, and more.
Domestic travel in Canada increased by 1.2 per cent in the final quarter of 2024, followed by an additional 0.8 per cent increase in the first quarter of 2025, translating to an increase in automotive use. In fact, the share of searches for car rentals in Canada’s coastal and mountain cities on the travel search engine, Kayak, for the January-to-March 2025 period jumped as much as 20 per cent over the previous year. And with more vehicle use comes the need for more upkeep. Additionally, Statistics Canada saw an 8 per cent increase in new vehicle registrations between 2023 and 2024. Thankfully, the automotive and truck services industry is here to keep these vehicles in top condition—and to provide exciting franchise opportunities.
Active Green + Ross
From Ottawa to London, and Barrie to Toronto, Active Green + Ross has seen more than 65 locations open across Southern Ontario. Since 1983, this brand has provided both tires and general automotive services on car and light truck models, emphasizing preventative maintenance repairs such as brakes, alignment, wheel balancing, and tune-up.
With commitment and drive, franchisees can thrive in this system regardless of their previous automotive experience. Additionally, those with an existing automotive operation can convert it into an Active Green + Ross franchise. An initial investment of $150,000 to $250,000 provides a personally tailored training program made up of courses and technical training. There’s ongoing support through the head office as well, alongside dealer meetings that connect franchisees with one another and the franchisor.
Master Mechanic
Equipped with 43 years of experience under their toolbelt, Master Mechanic has built a business specializing in full-range automotive repair and maintenance, and tire sales. These after-market automotive services are available for gas, diesel, electric, and hybrid vehicles across all makes and models, assisting customers regardless of what they drive.
For an investment of $293,000 to $647,000, prospective franchisees can join more than 50 other locations across Ontario in providing these necessary services with Master Mechanic. This investment comes with four to five weeks of initial training, ongoing operational support, local marketing and promotional support, site selection assistance, and a network of franchisees to lean on. Master Mechanic has locations available across Southern Ontario but is also open to more opportunities outside the province.
Mister Transmission
In 1963, the first Mister Transmission location parked itself in Richmond Hill, Ontario with three main operating principles fueling the new venture: quality workmanship, attractive pricing, and a strong nationwide warranty. Now, the brand offers its specialized transmission, technology, and related drive line repair services across Canada through more than 60 locations coast-to-coast.
Mister Transmission ushers its franchisees into the automotive industry with a comprehensive onboarding process that ensures the team is made up of experts and specialists. The initial onboarding combines one week of intensive in-class instruction with further in-store training to prepare each location with the company’s three “pillars of success”: sales and customer service, operations and profitability, plus technical and back-office support. This training, in tandem with ongoing assistance from head office, prepares franchisees to steer their $120,000 to $150,000 investment forward.
Mr Lube + Tires
Mr. Lube is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned franchise system supplying clients with fast, warranty-approved automotive maintenance. Launched by a father-son duo in 1976 with a simple goal to provide fast turnaround oil changes without hassle or mandatory appointments, Mr. Lube has grown to a complete automotive maintenance service with nearly 180 locations throughout Canada.
Aspiring entrepreneurs who are determined to lead a successful business, passionate about customer service, and interested in joining the automotive services industry can invest in a Mr. Lube franchise of their own for between $500,000 and $2.5 million. Franchisees benefit from increased brand awareness, access to established operating systems, onboarding and ongoing support, a three-week initial training program, and a system-wide network of other franchisees.
Snap-on Tools of Canada
Snap-on Tools of Canada designs, manufactures, and provides tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information, and systems solutions for a myriad of industries including automotive, aviation, marine, RV, and ATV. Franchisees operate mobile stores that allow them to go directly to their customers business locations and provide personalized services on the spot.
With a required investment between $204,181 and $528,807, Snap-on franchisees can join more than 4,600 others around the globe in benefitting from the brand’s business model. Not only does Snap-on provide incentives to veterans of the armed forces as part of the Military Veterans Program, but franchisees receive an extensive 10-day training program, additional hands-on training with the help of a Franchise Performance Team member, and ongoing learning opportunities through training sessions, conferences, and meetings. Franchisees even get a protected list of calls, allowing them a flexible work schedule with the chance to foster strong client relationships.
TINT WORLD Automotive Styling Centres
Since 1982, TINT WORLD has been styling the automotive industry with window tinting, protective films, accessories, detailing and ceramic coating, vehicle wraps, and more. They began franchising in 2007 and since then have grown to more than 150 locations across Canada and the U.S., with plans for many more.
An ideal TINT WORLD franchisee will embody the brand’s core values, demonstrating talent, passion, and a desire to work with the rest of the team towards collective success. Joining this system requires an investment of $239,000 to $449,000 (USD) and comes with three weeks of initial training at the corporate headquarters, real estate negotiation assistance, and ongoing support in operations, construction, marketing, and more. For those looking to steer their career into business ownership with a sense of style, TINT WORLD could provide the network to do so.
Kinetic Auto Service
Erin Vaughan started Kinetic Auto Service to create a culture in the automotive industry that values inclusivity, respect, and professional growth. Kinetic also strives to demonstrate the importance of quality, safety, and education regarding automotive services, which includes educating clients to ensure they can make informed decisions about their vehicle’s care.
Prospective franchisees can hop into the world of franchising with Kinetic Auto Service and benefit from a system that focuses on education and support. This brand offers initial training, ongoing coaching through monthly sessions and webinars, marketing support from the head office, and assistance with both recruitment and staff retention. Alignment isn’t just important for cars, but for business partnerships too, and those who recognize the value in Kinetics’ principles are the best candidates to grow this franchise system.
RNR Tire Express Canada
When it comes to automotive vehicles, wheels and tires are a necessary expense—and an important safety consideration. RNR Tire Express is a franchise retailer and installer of safe, quality tires and custom wheels, with the added benefit of flexible payment options for its customers. Since 2016, the brand has ranked first place five times in the Tires & Wheels category of Entrepreneur® magazine’s Franchise 500®. With more than 20 years behind the wheel and nearly 200 locations, RNR Tire Express is well-positioned for continued growth.
For an initial investment between $703,561 to $1,687,275, franchisees can join RNR’s network in providing safe tires and associated services to all who need them. Most of their franchisees start with no prior industry experience, but with the brand’s ongoing support more than 80 per cent go on to own multiple units. For aspiring entrepreneurs with an interest in the industry and an eye for expansion, RNR has a breadth of territories available.
Read this article in the Food Issue of Franchise Canada, 2025, titled “On the Road”