Buying a Mr. Lube franchise in Canada

What Mr. Lube + Tires says about franchising

The company’s home page has a section headed Owning a Mr. Lube + Tires Franchise. It asks, “Want to do something different on your terms? Can you lead a team that delivers outstanding customer service?” and points anyone interested in opening a franchise to its Franchise Inquiry. The page lists a franchising email address, a separate address under the heading “Time To Sell Your Quick Lube”, and describes the company as 100% Canadian owned and operated (read Nov 4, 2026). Its franchise page lists what it offers franchisees: a respected brand name, established operating systems, national purchasing strength through programs and partnerships, an extensive franchisee support team, training programs and conversion opportunities. Among the signs it gives that owning one could suit you is that you have enough start-up investment to purchase a franchise.

The cost Mr. Lube + Tires states

The figures sit on the Franchise Inquiry form, in a statement that reads: “I understand the cost of opening a Mr. Lube + Tires flagship store is approximately $1,800,000 - $2,200,000. The cash equity requirement of the franchisee is approximately $600,000 - $800,000.” The same statement says the exceptions include conversions of existing automotive stores or the landlord building the shell, both of which may reduce costs. The form names no currency, and the pages read state no initial franchise fee, royalty, advertising contribution or agreement length (read Nov 4, 2026). Those terms belong in the franchise disclosure document; ask for it and compare anything a seller or an advertisement quotes against it.

Where it lists current opportunities

Under Current Opportunities, the franchise page says “We currently have a Mr. Lube + Tires opportunity in:” and lists Timmins, ON; Lloydminster, AB; and Sault Ste. Marie, ON (read Nov 4, 2026). The list is the franchisor’s and can change; it does not say whether each opportunity is a new store, a conversion or an existing location. Ask the franchisor which it is before you rely on it.

The business behind the name

The home page says the company has “hundreds of locations across Canada”, that the first Mr. Lube opened in 1976 when a father and son, Arnold and Clifford Giese, set it up, and that customers can drop in without an appointment; its franchise page says “over 170 locations and growing”. Its menu lists oil changes (standard, synthetic and diesel) and a range of tire services, including tire change, repair, balance and rotation. The page does not say how many locations are franchised and how many the company runs itself, so it is worth asking which model applies to any shop you consider. The seller should describe the services the shop performs in writing, and your lawyer or the issuing office can say which licences or registrations apply to automotive service and tire work.

Buying an existing shop

Deavo has no Mr. Lube listing to point to today, so this page cannot say how its resales usually work. If you find a shop for sale elsewhere, ask the seller whether it is franchised; if it is, ask Mr. Lube + Tires whether it must approve a buyer, and read who has to approve a franchise resale. You can also browse franchises for sale on Deavo for new listings.

Disclosure law before you sign

Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan each have a franchise disclosure statute; Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador do not. Each Act sets its own rules and exemptions; the Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta Acts each exempt some sales of a franchise by a franchisee, on conditions. The towns on the current opportunities list are in Ontario and Alberta. In Ontario, the Arthur Wishart Act requires a disclosure document not less than 14 days before the earlier of signing the franchise agreement or any other agreement relating to the franchise, or paying consideration to the franchisor or its associate, subject to the Act’s exceptions. Alberta’s Franchises Act requires the document to be received at least 14 days before the signing of any agreement relating to the franchise or the payment of any consideration relating to it, whichever is earlier, subject to its exemptions. Have a franchise lawyer confirm which law governs the shop.