National Oil & Lube News

In the quick lube business, we spend a lot of time measuring what just happened. We track car count, average ticket, service time, and many other performance metrics. Those numbers do matter but they all share the same blind spot. All of these metrics measure a single visit, not the ongoing guest relationship. And the automotive services business isn’t built on the first visit. It’s built on the second. Almost every service center can generate a first visit.

Leadership training expert David Rogers, co-founder of Auto Profit Masters and Shop4D, joins the NOLN Podcast to share insights on “the management triangle,” how his military background and time spent working in the fine dining industry helped to shape his outlook on management in the automotive maintenance industry, management best practices, and lessons he has learned throughout his career. *** Subscribe to The NOLN Podcast on your platform of choice: Apple Podcasts iHeart Radio Spotify

As the average age of passenger vehicles in the U.S. continues to climb, a switch to high-mileage oil can help keep drivers on the road and their cars running smoothly. But at what point should such a change be considered, and what else should drivers know when deciding if making the switch is right for their vehicle? Recently, National Oil and Lube News caught up with Sean Nguyen, a Pennzoil technical scientist and automotive lubricant specialist.

NIMBY, which stands for “Not in My Back Yard,” is a phrase common in bedroom communities and in quaint towns. It can even appear in population centers with a busier main street. It’s when residents oppose the development of institutions or businesses in their community. Support or opposition, in many cases, is in the eye of the beholder. One resident might be opposed to a chain or big-box store moving into town because of the excess traffic it will bring or the increased demand on resources.

Nestor Gutierrez, CEO of Rancho Express Lube in Rancho Cucamonga, California, says retaining customers comes down to how you treat them and their vehicles. Gutierrez explains how personalized interactions, community involvement, and added perks can foster customer loyalty and differentiate quick lube shops from their competition. This article originally appeared on NOLN.net on Feb. 23, 2026.

In this episode of the Endeavor to Discover series, Louie Sharp, owner of Sharp Auto Body in Chicago, joins hosts Chris Messer and Mike Jones for a discussion about giving up what you don’t need. Sharp shares his journey of building his business and why it was important to let go of negativity, emotional baggage, and limiting beliefs.

The quick lube industry is maturing, and so is its workforce—especially at the managerial level. Participants in the 2025 NOLN Operator Survey were asked about the average tenure for their shops’ managers and lube technicians. About 70% of respondents said the average tenure of their managers is at least six years.

Premium Guard Inc. announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire key intellectual property and related assets from First Brands Group in a recent press release. The transaction is subject to bankruptcy court approval, among other closing conditions, and is expected to close in early April. The acquisition supports PGI’s expansion into additional maintenance categories, including ignition and spark plugs.

The quick lube industry is one of the most dynamic sectors of automotive service, built on speed, efficiency, and trust. Unlike full-service repair shops, quick lube centers specialize in performing high-volume maintenance tasks like oil changes, fluid exchanges, and filter replacements in under 30 minutes. Behind that efficiency, however, lies an essential foundation: skilled technicians who know how to balance technical accuracy, safety, customer service, and time management.

NOLN News Quiz: How Much are Drivers Spending on Auto Maintenance Per Year? Think you know the annual cost to keep a vehicle on the road? Take our quiz, and see if your guess is closer than participants in a recent Synchrony survey.