In the automotive maintenance industry, great service isn’t the only thing customers look for. It isn’t just women, either, who appreciate a well maintained oil change shop. It all matters, from the landscaping, to the chairs in the waiting room to the layout of the bays. All of these aspects make for a shop customers want to visit. That’s why each year we hold the Best Looking Lube contest to provide readers with photos and descriptions of the shops that go above and beyond to appeal to their customers and their employees.
First Place
Kwik Kar Marsh
Carrollton, Texas
This is a larger location with five pristine bays and a waiting room that has windows for days. There is so much natural light coming through these near floor to ceiling windows, which brings a bright, happy vibe to the shop. Oversized, comfortable, leather chairs can’t be beat, especially when they are accompanied by a flat-screen TV, magazines galore and a great kid friendly area. The landscaping is nice and helps accentuate the clean look that this shop offers.
“It’s plain to see this Kwik Kar location takes great pride in their location and maintaining it,” one judge said. “If they keep their shop this clean and spotless, I know my vehicle will be in great hands.”
Another judge commented, “Not only would I enjoying going to this location, but I think my kids would look forward to it also.”
Second Place
Kwik Kar Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
This Kwik Kar location recently underwent a remodel, and spent extra time and money on their landscaping which won over the judges. There is also a great enclosed outdoor seating area for customers in addition to the nice indoor waiting area. The bays are massive with a great color scheme and patriotic flags hanging from the ceiling to give the work area extra character. Our judges simply couldn’t stop talking about the landscaping here.
One judge summed up this location by saying, “The lush green grass, pampered trees and flowers, along with the overall landscape are very inviting to customers, plus the U.S. flag is an extra special touch.”
Third Place
Valvoline Express Care
Tyler, Texas
This Valvoline location is beautiful inside and out. The bright lights on both the interior and exterior give the shop a glowing look that none of the other entries had. The waiting room is nice and organized and the surrounding plants and trees off in the distance provide a great setting and a nice view. This shop is extremely clean and organized, and any customer would be happy to have their car serviced at this location.
“For me, Valvoline Express Care just stood out among the rest,” commented one judge who fought hard for this location to win. “I like the clean, overall look of the shop. The color scheme really stands out, and the curb appeal is fantastic.”
Honorable Mention
Jiffy Lube
Augusta, Georgia
This Jiffy Lube location stands out for a few reasons. The waiting area provides customers with multiple places to sit, depending on what they need to accomplish while they wait. The beverage station is very complete, and the red lighting that reflects off of the ceiling gives this location a cool, modern, edgy feel.
“It’s a waiting room that feels more like a lounge area of a nice hotel,” boasted one judge. “It has a lot of natural light that comes through the windows, so it doesn’t feel like a cramped little room.”
Another judge commented, “The layout seems very functional and comfortable.”
Honorable Mention
Premier Oil Change
Eureka, California
Premier Oil Change really takes the cake when it comes to design. This shop is so modern, and the layout is great. This shop looks very clean, and the architecture of the building is really a sight to see. The lighting on the outside of the buildings at night give this location a real classy, next-level, look.
“I love the neon lights and the overall parking lot layout,” commented one judge. “This location has done a great job utilizing their space.”
“I’d love to have such a cool looking shop in my city,” said another judge. “I’d want to find a way to drive by a location like this on my way home from work daily to look at the lights.”
This year’s contest yielded some great results. Our judges were highly impressed with the quality of the entries received. We have all enjoyed watching as so many quick oil change locations have stepped it up to create an atmosphere customers enjoy being in. We’re certain many more locations will follow suit in years to come.
