1-800-Radiator & A/C is a leading wholesale distributor of hard-to-stock automotive cooling and air conditioning parts to automotive repair shops nationwide. With a strong distribution network and a focus on quality and efficiency, this franchise provides entrepreneurs with a lucrative opportunity in the automotive aftermarket industry.

1-800-Radiator & A/C offers a structured business model for individuals looking to enter the automotive parts distribution sector. Franchisees benefit from extensive training, operational support, and a well-established national brand.

• Established in 2001 in San Francisco; franchising began in 2004.
• Sells radiators, air conditioning components, and cooling system parts.
• Targets independent repair shops, dealerships, and other B2B consumers.
• Franchise opportunities available nationwide.

1-800 Radiator is owned by Driven Brands, the world’s leading automotive aftermarket franchise company. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company’s growing portfolio of brands includes Meineke Car Care Centers, MAACO Collision Repair and Auto Painting, 1-800 Radiator, and CARSTAR.

The automotive aftermarket industry consists of parts distributors and repair shops and is one of the largest industries in the United States. Here’s a quick look at the industry, by the numbers:

• 280 million+ — light trucks and passenger cars on the road, according to the Auto Care Association.
• $392 billion — total sales for the aftermarket parts and service industry in 2018, according to automotiveaftermarket.org.
• $86 billion — total sales for automotive aftermarket parts, according to McKinsey & Company, 2015.
• 536,000+ — the number of individual businesses in the space according to the Auto Care Factbook 2019.
• 1,100 — the approximate number of businesses served, on average, from a 1-800-Radiator & AC location.

1-800-Radiator & A/C has built a strong reputation for fast delivery, high-quality parts, and exceptional customer service. The brand differentiates itself through its extensive inventory, proprietary distribution system, and competitive pricing.

• Offers a wide range of radiators, condensers, compressors, and cooling system parts.
• Provides same-day delivery and exceptional product availability.
• Supports franchisees with a dedicated supply chain and operational guidance.
• Focuses on quality assurance and industry-leading customer service.
• Currently a dominant player within the $392 billion automotive aftermarket parts and service industry.

Customers are auto repair shops and other automotive businesses that need to complete repairs as quickly as possible. Drivers don’t like being without their cars. Fleet managers don’t like having a revenue-producing vehicle sitting idle. But to get vehicles back on the road, mechanics need access to the right parts — fast.

Customers ultimately rely on 1-800-Radiator & A/C for four things:

• Superior inventory that enables same-day availability of hard-to-get parts.
• Quality control processes that favor parts that are durable.
• An accurate catalog that ensures great fit between the aftermarket part and the vehicle being repaired.
• Competitive prices.

Investing in 1-800-Radiator & A/C includes startup costs covering franchise fees, warehouse setup, training, and marketing.

1-800-Radiator & A/C is expanding across multiple regions, targeting areas with strong demand for automotive cooling and air conditioning parts.

• Exclusive territories provided to franchisees.
• Ideal locations include industrial areas, commercial districts, and auto repair hubs.
• Growth opportunities in regions with high vehicle ownership rates.

Resales

Concord, CA | Delmarva, MD | Everett, WA | Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, Wilson, NC | Huntsville, AL | Little Rock, AR | Oakland, CA | Quad Cities, IA | Rochester, NY | St. Louis, MO | State College, PA | Tacoma, WA | Walled Lakes (southeast MI), MI | Wichita, KS | Yakima, WA

Startups

Akron, OH | Albany, NY | Albuquerque, NM | Anchorage, AK | Augusta, GA | Binghamton, NY | Burlington, VT | Burnaby, BC | Charleston, SC | Des Moines, IA | Erie, PA | Flint, MI | Gary, IN | Grand Rapids, MI | Honolulu, HI | Johnson City, TN | Kalamazoo, MI | Knoxville, TN | Langley, BC | Los Angeles, CA | Macon, GA | Manchester, NH | New Bedford, MA | Newburgh, NY | Odessa, TX | Palm Springs, CA | Portland, ME | Reno, NV | San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA | Scranton, PA | Seattle, WA | Sioux Falls, SD | South Bend, IN | Tallahassee, FL | Toledo, OH | Vancouver, BC | Victoria, BC 

1-800-Radiator & A/C provides extensive training and support to ensure franchisee success.

• Initial training covers product knowledge, inventory management, and customer service.
• Ongoing support includes marketing assistance, operational coaching, and supplier partnerships.
• Access to proprietary distribution software and logistics management tools.
• Continued education on advancements in automotive cooling technology.

Before starting the business, franchisees and their staff receive one week of remote webinar training. This is followed by a week of hands-on training at the corporate office and at the corporate-owned location in Sacramento, California.

The hands-on training accomplishes three key objectives:

• You’ll meet the franchisor staff who are available to advise and support you as you grow your business.
• You’ll learn the essentials about the software and tools for running your business.
• You’ll see and experience a high-volume location that serves as a model for how the business performs when all the systems are being used to their potential.

1-800-Radiator & A/C franchisees benefit from strong earnings potential due to the consistent demand for replacement automotive cooling parts.

• Revenue generated from wholesale and retail sales of radiators and A/C components.
• High profit margins due to low overhead and direct supplier relationships.
• Opportunities for additional revenue through expanded product offerings and service contracts.
• Profitability depends on location, customer base, and inventory management.

Core capabilities are built on a data and technology platform that harnesses massive amounts of industry, government, and customer data to create efficient supply chains that help franchisees make money. When the company started in 2001, the market for radiators and specialty automotive parts was highly fragmented. Over the past two decades, franchisees have consolidated the market by providing superior service to customers.

Franchisees choose 1-800-Radiator & A/C because of the sophisticated systems and support in place that help them:

• Anticipate which parts will be needed in their community.
• Manage inventory.
• Win and keep customers.
• Market effectively and maintain strong margins.

The ideal 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchisee is a business-minded entrepreneur with a focus on logistics and customer service. No prior automotive experience is required.

• Passion for the automotive industry and distribution business.
• Strong leadership and business management skills.
• Willingness to follow the franchise's structured business model.
• Interest in creating an efficient and customer-focused supply chain operation.

On average, franchisees serve 1,000 businesses in their communities, including parts stores, repair shops, body/collision shops, new and used car dealers, junk yards, and radiator repair shops.

1-800-Radiator & A/C offers franchisees numerous benefits, making it a leading choice in the automotive parts distribution industry.

• Recognized brand with a strong reputation for reliability and super fast delivery.
• Proven business model with supply chain integration and technology-driven logistics.
• High-demand industry with consistent needs for automotive replacement parts.
• Scalable business model with opportunities for expansion and territory growth.
• Running the business is simple due to the systems and tech put in place from Day 1.
• Franchisees receive hands-on guidance and ongoing support designed to help them establish and grow their business.

Automotive businesses often choose 1-800-Radiator & A/C for its ability to source and deliver hard-to-find parts within 1–2 hours, helping accelerate repairs and reduce vehicle downtime.

While 1-800-Radiator & A/C provides strong brand support, franchisees should be aware of potential challenges.

• Success depends on efficient inventory management and logistics coordination.
• Requires ongoing customer acquisition and relationship building.
• Initial investment costs may vary based on warehouse size and operational needs.
• Competition from independent automotive parts suppliers, national retailers, and emerging online retailers slowly entering the industry.

1-800-Radiator & A/C presents a scalable and profitable opportunity for entrepreneurs in the automotive distribution industry. With a strong brand identity, a proven business model, and increasing demand for high-quality replacement parts, franchisees are well-positioned for long-term success. This franchise is ideal for individuals passionate about business operations, supply chain efficiency, and customer service excellence.