On a recent Friday morning, the town of New Palestine welcomed its first Jiffy Lube auto care center with a grand opening ceremony. Located at 3973 S. CR 600W, this new facility aims to provide comprehensive vehicle maintenance services beyond traditional oil changes. Manager Lonnie Hinkle expressed excitement about bringing this much-needed service to the community. The event gathered local government officials and business leaders, marking a significant addition to the area's automotive services.
The establishment of this Jiffy Lube in New Palestine fills a gap in the town’s fast car maintenance sector. According to Hinkle, the decision to open here was driven by the lack of similar services in the vicinity and the potential for growth. “We’ve had stores in Indianapolis, but there was nothing like this in New Palestine,” he remarked. This location offers a modern multi-care model that extends beyond standard oil changes. It provides a full range of services including brake repairs, tire services, and minor tune-ups.
Hinkle emphasized that this new store is designed to cater to various vehicle needs. In addition to routine fluid checks and oil changes, customers can also receive assistance for punctured tires or require new ones. Brake inspections and minor repairs are also part of the package. This broader service offering distinguishes the New Palestine Jiffy Lube from other locations.
Local officials have shown strong support for the new business. Town council member Bill Niemier, who represented the landowner during construction, highlighted the importance of having such a facility in the community. Fellow council members Ryan Hartley, Teri Reed, and Ethan Maple attended the event and praised the addition of another employment opportunity. Hinkle shared his vision for expanding the workforce, aiming to hire up to 15 employees as the business grows.
The opening of the New Palestine Jiffy Lube marks an important milestone for the town. Not only does it offer residents convenient access to comprehensive auto care services, but it also contributes to the local economy by providing job opportunities. With plans to expand staffing and services, this new facility promises to become an integral part of the community.
A recent analysis of fleet vehicle service, maintenance, and repair (SMR) lead times has highlighted significant regional variations across the United Kingdom. The capital city emerges as the leader in efficiency, while rural areas face longer delays. According to data from Epyx’s 1link Service Network platform, London boasts the shortest average SMR lead time at just over 12 days. This contrasts sharply with the south-west region, where fleets experience the longest wait times, averaging nearly 14 days. The dataset encompasses a period from January 2023 to October 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of national trends.
Despite these differences, the variation between the quickest and slowest regions is surprisingly narrow, standing at approximately 1.4 days. Tim Meadows, Chief Commercial Officer at Epyx, noted that this minimal disparity suggests an even distribution of SMR services across the country. Rural areas, often presumed to have fewer facilities, are managing lead times comparable to urban centers. Since the start of the pandemic, national SMR lead times have surged by over 57%, increasing from an average of 8.11 days in early 2020 to 12.76 days. Factors such as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages have contributed to this trend, affecting all regions similarly.
The current economic climate adds another layer of complexity. Inflationary pressures are driving up costs for labor, parts, and materials, making SMR more expensive. ATS Euromaster has warned that these rising expenses are putting additional strain on fleet budgets, leading some operators to delay essential maintenance. While lead times have stabilized after a period of gradual increase, they are unlikely to improve significantly in the near future. This underscores the need for proactive planning and resource management within the automotive service sector to mitigate potential challenges.
A longstanding tradition of community support is upheld by the Grace Lutheran Church through its monthly vehicle maintenance and repair event. For the past 15 years, this initiative has provided a vital service to local residents, offering free assistance with car maintenance and repairs on the fourth Saturday of each month. This program not only helps individuals keep their vehicles in good condition but also fosters a spirit of volunteerism and mutual aid within the community.
The success of this endeavor lies in the hands of dedicated volunteers who share a passion for automobiles and helping others. Over time, the number of participants has steadily increased, reflecting the growing impact of this service. According to Chuck Buerstatte, the coordinator of the event, the original idea was simply to provide basic car care and repairs, which has since evolved into a well-established community resource. The upcoming session will be held on January 25th from 9 AM to 12 PM at the church in Pocatello, welcoming anyone in need of vehicle assistance.
Through such initiatives, communities can thrive when members come together to support one another. By offering essential services like free vehicle repairs, Grace Lutheran Church exemplifies the power of collective effort and goodwill. This kind of generosity strengthens social bonds and encourages more people to contribute positively to their surroundings, creating a ripple effect of kindness that benefits everyone involved.