Precision Tune Auto Care offers auto repairers and tire dealers the support of a franchise program with some of the freedoms of an independent operator.
The 31-year-old program has 288 franchise locations in the U.S. as well as 98 in Canada and in several other countries around the world. About 10 percent of these are considered tire dealers. The company said it plans to continue expanding its franchise program in the U.S. and internationally.
The program offers market protection encompassing an area with a population of about 50,000 or a 3- to 5-mile radius.
Precision Tune said it provides national and co-op advertising support, store design assistance, store signage and point-of-sale materials, business services, warranties and credit card programs.
The franchise program also offers training through its ``Precision University.''
There, new franchisees attending a week-long franchise management course have access to other management and technical training programs, including computer-based training modules for in-store instruction.
Franchise locations carry the Precision Tune signage but remain independently owned and operated, with the option of choosing the products and services they offer. However, the company offers its franchisees products and supplies through national contracts.
Franchisees are required to provide base services that include: lubrication, steering and suspension, heating and air conditioning, emissions, fuel systems, cooling systems, ignition, electrical and on-board computers.