Winter can be tough on cars; it’s no picnic for the quick lube shops that service them, either.
Challenges include everything from thickening oil and frozen equipment to a rush of drivers needing weather-related maintenance. The good news? Every one of these issues is an opportunity to boost your revenue by educating and expanding your customer base, creating loyal clients who’ll stick with you through thick and thin.
To become the cold weather oil change specialist in your area, it’s all about understanding how winter impacts vehicles, following best practices, knowing how to conquer the elements, and effectively promoting your services.
How Winter Affects Vehicles & Service
When temperatures drop, oil gets thicker, which increases its viscosity and makes it more difficult to keep the engine lubricated. This can lead to harder starts, bad fuel economy, and faster wear on parts. While all engines need lubrication, it’s especially important in winter. Why? Because oil protects components from harmful metal-on-metal contact, and when cold weather causes oil to thicken, it can’t do its job as well, making these problems worse.
Anyone who’s done it knows that changing oil in cold weather isn’t exactly a cakewalk. It’s tough work. Staying warm means gearing up with good gloves, thermal layers, and a workspace that’s manageable. Plus, cold weather just slows everything down, from sludgy oil to equipment and parts that don’t want to cooperate. Hoses freeze, air compressors act up, even deliveries of winter-specific oils can get thrown off schedule. It’s always best to plan ahead and make sure you have the proper tools and supplies ready to go.
Best Practices for Cold Weather Oil Changes
A good cold weather oil change starts with choosing the right product. Winter-grade oils, like those with a “W” in their viscosity rating (e.g., 5W-30), are specifically designed to flow better at low temperatures. These oils put less strain on the engine during cold starts and provide engines with the lubrication they need in freezing conditions. It’s also worth noting that a number of automakers now recommend synthetics because of how much better they perform in cold weather versus conventional oils.
Efficiency is the name of the game when you’re changing oil in the cold, especially if customers are flooding your business with winter weather service requests. To make things go smoother, warm up the oil and filters ahead of time in a heated work area. And keep any tools you’ll need organized and easy to find so you and your team don’t waste time hunting for ratchets, jack stands, funnels, etc.
If customers aren’t familiar with the benefits of winter-grade oil, it’s worth taking a moment to explain why these formulas are so important. Highlighting how they protect their car’s health and performance during colder months can help justify the higher price tag, making it easier for customers to see the value in switching over. While their car is in the shop, it’s not a bad idea to see if they’re interested in other winter services like air and cabin filter replacements, battery health checks, brake inspections, or tire rotations. Highlighting how all of these contribute to a better, safer ride could help seal the deal.
Offering Cold Weather Oil Change Services: A Business Perspective
Auto maintenance typically quiets down in the wintertime, but ramping up your seasonal oil change business can help offset these slower periods. Coming up with winter preparation packages that include complementary services like those we just mentioned–in addition to things like tire pressure and tread depth checks, wiper blade replacements, and coolant flushes –can help attract more customers and fortify your shop’s bottom line.
In fact, winter is a great time to show your customers you’ve got their back when it comes to safety and satisfaction behind the wheel. Use every opportunity to educate them on the advantages of seasonal car care, as well as the consequences of neglecting their vehicle’s needs. When customers are better informed, they feel good about their decisions and are more likely to trust your recommendations; many will even go the extra mile by referring you to family and friends.
While having a dedicated shop is ideal, some businesses that offer quick lube services or heavy machinery maintenance may opt for the mobile route. A portable oil change operation lets you reach customers who’d rather not venture out in the freezing cold or drive in wintery conditions; showing up at their home or office is next-level convenience. To get the most out of this approach, make sure your units have insulated storage for oil and tools, and don’t forget portable heaters to keep things warm…or at least warm enough! Set your sights on fleet operators or remote customers who’ll appreciate the hassle-free service. And, if you really want to up the convenience factor, add online booking with automated appointment reminders.
Of course, the key to boosting your winter oil change business is effective marketing. Think about running promotions or campaigns that call out your bundled winter services, and stress the importance of using winter-grade oil in your messaging. Social media is a great way to reach more customers in your area, while running local ads and offering incentives for reviews and referrals could move the needle, too. For example, a geo-targeted ad should reach nearby drivers who search for “winter oil changes near me,” and giving discounts to loyal customers encourages them to spread the word. Remember: It’s all about how your shop can help people avoid cold-weather breakdowns.
Winter-Proof Your Oil Change Business
Don’t let the winter months cool your quick lube business. Take the opportunity to educate and support your customers, bundle seasonal services with oil changes, and expand your reach with clear, targeted marketing that points to your shop’s expertise no matter how low the mercury drops.
Want to see how cutting-edge technology can help you conquer winter maintenance challenges? Request a demo of Shopmonkey’s oil change software today and explore all the ways you can streamline and grow your quick lube business.
