March 19, 2020—The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) has created a letter for shop owners to reach out to their elected and appointed officials to urge them to classify fast lube service as essential, according to a press release.
The letter comes amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Cities and states have been ordering the closure of businesses that are deemed "nonessential."
In the letter, the AOCA urged government officials to designate gas stations, auto supply, and auto repair and related facilities as "Essential Businesses".
The letter also outlined that both public and private transportation systems depend on the ready availability of automotive service professionals and the suppliers, and should be recognized as critical business services, as other counties across the U.S. have already done so. The letter includes professionals from fast lubes, independent auto repair shops, car dealerships, tire dealers, and their entire supply chain plus fueling stations.
In addition, the letter highlighted how professional fast lube facilities in particular also have the great advantage of being designed to support drive-thru service with small onsite staff requirements.
Different local jurisdictions might have different definitions for "essential" businesses. Check with your local government for those designations.
Two of the earliest jurisdictions to recommend the closure of nonessential businesses, San Francisco and Nevada, have deemed auto-repair, related facilities and auto repair services as essential (respectively).
Here is the full letter from the AOCA.
Stay up to date with the latest in NOLN coronavirus coverage.
