With fewer and fewer people doing their own oil changes, this is a natural progression for the company, Robert Patison, executive vice president of Lucas Oil told Lube Report. [The car care centers] will make our product better known to the average automobile consumer in the public sector.

The facilities will offer lube and oil changes, full service and express car washes, full detailing services as well as brake, cooling system, air conditioning services and light repairs, said Patison. It will be setup to handle cars, vans, light trucks, SUVs, RVs and motorcycles.

For now, Patison says, the success of the pilot centers – in Emmitsville, Ind. and Indianapolis – will dictate if other such facilities will open up in other locations in Indiana or expand nationwide.

The auto centers will also offer a full line of Lucas oil products including petroleum and synthetic-based engine oils, transmissions oils, fuel treatment supplements and other car care products.

In addition, each facility will have an internet caf where customers will have access to free Wi-Fi and can buy beverages, Patison said. The interior dcor will be also be a tie-in to other sponsored initiatives with motor sport racing and the Indianapolis Colts, he said. Were trying to make it a high-end experience for the customer.

Launched in 1989 by truck driver Forrest Lucas and his wife Charlotte, Lucas oil manufactures additives, lubricants and gear products for the automotive, industrial and agricultural markets. It also produces high-performance engine and gear oils for motor sport racing, most notably for NASCAR.