Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 62% of automotive oil change and lubrication shops businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 9.1%.

62%
5-Year Survival Rate
+3.4%
Net Growth Rate
135,684
Total Firms
12,052
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops a Good Business to Start?

With a 62% five-year survival rate, automotive oil change and lubrication shops has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.

The annual exit rate of 9.1% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)10.4%
Exit Rate (closures)9.1%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+1.3 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

17.3%
Job Creation Rate
13.9%
Job Destruction Rate
+3.4%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 994,983 workers across 135,684 firms.

Want to know how much automotive oil change and lubrication shops businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of automotive oil change and lubrication shops businesses fail?
Approximately 38% of automotive oil change and lubrication shops businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 9.1%, with 12,052 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the automotive oil change and lubrication shops industry growing or shrinking?
The automotive oil change and lubrication shops industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +3.4% per year. New businesses are entering at 10.4% while 9.1% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.