1-800-Radiator & A/C
The 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise operates distribution warehouses that sell radiators, condensers, air conditioning compressors, fan assemblies, fuel pumps, hoses, exhaust-related products and services, heavy duty hard parts, and other automotive and related parts, products, equipment, and services. Their business model involves franchising these warehouses, with options for start-up or re-sale locations, requiring significant initial investments. The target market includes automobile repair shops, parts stores, fleets, chain accounts, and retail consumers.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
8% royalty + 2% total marketing (1.5% national system + 0.5% local) + $275-$2,500/mo fixed fees incl. phone system ($80/agent/mo), technology ($145-$165/user/yr), delivery logistics ($70-$550/mo), and email ($10/address/mo)
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 189 franchised 1-800-RADIATOR & A/C® Warehouses that operated during the 12 accounting periods ended December 28, 2024 for revenue and KPI data. A separate survey of 112 franchised warehouses provided expense and EBITDA data.
* Average Gross Revenue, Median Gross Revenue, Revenue Top Quartile, and Revenue Bottom Quartile are based on "Total Sales ***" from the table on page 3, representing 189 franchised warehouses operating in 2024. 'Total Sales' is defined as net sales to Metro and Non-Metro Customers, excluding inter-warehouse inventory transfers. Average Gross Profit, Average EBITDA, and EBITDA Margin % are based on the 'SALES TO COST ANALYSIS' table on page 7, representing 112 franchised warehouses surveyed in 2024. These figures are based on 'Sales + DW Income', which includes DW revenues earned by marking up inventory and selling to neighboring warehouses. Gross Profit is explicitly stated as $1,091,927. EBITDA is explicitly stated as $167,319. EBITDA Margin % is explicitly stated as 8%. Best guess profit range is estimated using the reported Average EBITDA ($167,319) as no explicit average profit range was provided and it represents profit after most operating expenses.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How 1-800-Radiator & A/C Compares to Other Automotive Services Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 83% of Automotive Services franchises
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Automotive Services
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Automotive Services
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-800-Radiator & A/C Current | $464K - $1.3M | $45K | 8.0% | 193 |
| Tire Pros | $12K - $137K | $7K | N/A | 644 |
| MICHELIN RETREAD TECHNOLOGIES (MICHELIN COMMERCIAL SERVICE NETWORK) | $189K - $4.3M | $3K | N/A | 340 |
| CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE | $550K - $680K | $135K | 50.0% | 302 |
| CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE | $530K - $645K | $135K | 50.0% | 265 |
| TOMMY'S EXPRESS | $5.0M - $8.5M | $50K | 4.0% | 206 |
Automotive Services Average 24 franchises | $442K - $985K | $47K | 12.8% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 24 Automotive Services franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+28 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchisees (2010 - 2024)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise?
The total initial investment to open a 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise ranges from $463,500 to $1,314,000. This includes a franchise fee of $45,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 8.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise is $1,894,524. The median revenue is $1,473,568.
How much profit can you make with a 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise?
Based on the financial performance data in the FDD, estimated profit for a 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise ranges from $167,319 to $167,319 per year. Actual results vary based on location, management, and market conditions.
How many 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, 1-800-Radiator & A/C has 193 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2004.
Can you get an SBA loan for a 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchises. Historical data shows 44 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for 1-800-Radiator & A/C franchisees, with an average loan amount of $462,607. The historical default rate is 4.5%.
Is 1-800-Radiator & A/C a good franchise to buy?
1-800-Radiator & A/C shows several positive indicators: established brand with 193+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
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