Car owners are increasingly abandoning traditional dealerships for basic maintenance, prioritizing speed and affordability as repair costs climb. According to the newly released J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers has secured the top position as the highest-ranked quick oil change chain in America for the fourth consecutive year. The data reveals a stark contrast in efficiency: fewer than 17% of dealer service centers can complete basic servicing within an hour, whereas 49% of aftermarket shops deliver a full-service oil change in the exact same timeframe.
The study highlights a growing consumer sensitivity to price and convenience. Founded in 1979 in Birmingham, Alabama, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers built its reputation on a 10-minute drive-in oil change model, expanding to 429 facilities across 19 states. This low-friction approach directly aligns with current consumer demands, allowing the franchise to dominate the quick lube segment.
The 2026 Aftermarket Service Rankings
The J.D. Power ASI Study evaluates aftermarket facilities across three distinct segments: quick oil change, tire and wheel maintenance, and full-service repairs. The rankings are determined by combining consumer scores across seven critical factors: ease of scheduling, fair pricing, advisor courtesy, advisor performance, service facilities, time to finish the service, and overall work quality.
- Quick Oil Change: Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers took first place. Take 5 secured second place with its "stay in your car" 10-minute model, while Jiffy Lube and Valvoline Instant Oil Change tied for third.
- Tire and Wheel Maintenance: Despite its name, Express Oil Change did not lead this category. Meineke Car Care Centers ranked highest for tire replacements, followed by Pep Boys in second and Discount Tire in third.
- Full-Service Maintenance and Repair: A significant shift occurred in this segment. Goodyear Auto Service claimed the top spot, displacing Christian Brothers Automotive, which held the lead in 2024 and 2025 but dropped to third place this year. Tuffy Tire and Auto Service Centers took second.
The Dealership Bottleneck Drives Aftermarket Growth
The dominance of the 10-minute, stay-in-your-car service model highlights a fundamental shift in how Americans approach vehicle upkeep. As modern vehicles become more complex and heavily reliant on software, dealership service centers are increasingly bogged down by intricate warranty work, sensor calibrations, and EV diagnostics. This bottleneck makes it nearly impossible for dealerships to compete on speed for routine maintenance, effectively handing the lucrative basic service market over to agile aftermarket chains.
Furthermore, the rise of Goodyear Auto Service to the top of the full-service segment indicates that consumers are seeking established, nationwide networks when they need more than just fluid changes. With inflation driving up the cost of parts and labor, car owners are heavily weighing fair pricing and ease of scheduling over brand loyalty to the dealership where they originally purchased their vehicle. For quick-lube chains, the challenge moving forward will be maintaining that 10-minute promise as they attempt to upsell more complex, time-consuming services.
