1-800 Radiator & A/C
1-800 Radiator & A/C is the largest independent US automotive aftermarket parts distributor, operating over 200 franchise locations selling radiators, A/C components, and related parts to repair shops, parts stores, dealers, and DIY consumers through proprietary inventory software and 1-2 hour hot-shot delivery.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersBenicia, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What 1-800 Radiator & A/C does
1-800 Radiator & A/C is one of the largest independent automotive aftermarket parts distributors in the United States, operating a franchise network of over 200 locations that collectively serve all 50 states. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Benicia, California, the company distributes radiators, condensers, air conditioning components, fan assemblies, fuel pumps, exhaust parts, and heavy-duty components. Its customer base spans two primary segments: wholesale B2B buyers (automotive repair shops, parts stores, body and collision shops, new and used car dealers, junk yards, radiator repair shops, and fleet operators) and retail DIY consumers who purchase directly via phone or e-commerce.
The company’s competitive position rests on a proprietary integrated software platform that combines inventory algorithms, purchasing optimization from over 100 manufacturers, CRM tracking of every customer interaction, and market analytics that direct franchise-level sales and marketing focus. This software underpins a hot-shot delivery model that delivers parts to B2B customers within 1-2 hours and maintains parts availability above 90% of the time, contrasted against competitor stock-out rates estimated at 70%. A corporate call center in Benicia provides seven-day-a-week backup support for franchisees.
Revenue is generated through four streams: wholesale parts distribution margins from franchisee sales to B2B customers, direct DIY parts sales, an initial franchise fee of $45,000, and ongoing royalties and support fees. Each franchisee serves approximately 1,000 automotive businesses in its local market. The company has pursued a continuous acquisition strategy since 2000, absorbing competitor distributors and adding over $65 million in acquired revenue to the franchisee base. 1-800 Radiator & A/C is a portfolio company of Driven Brands, the large automotive aftermarket franchise conglomerate headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, which also owns Meineke, MAACO, and CARSTAR.
1-800 Radiator & A/C firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 1-800 Radiator & A/C
- Legal name
- 1-800 Radiator & A/C, Inc.
- Website
- https://1800radiator.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- 1-800 Radiator & A/C is the largest independent US automotive aftermarket parts distributor, operating over 200 franchise locations selling radiators, A/C components, and related parts to repair shops, parts stores, dealers, and DIY consumers through proprietary inventory software and 1-2 hour hot-shot delivery.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
1-800 Radiator & A/C industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Aftermarket Parts Distribution
- NAICS
- Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Retailers (4413), Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (44133), Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714), Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Maintenance, service & repair (MSR) parts distribution (filters, belts, hoses, wipers, fluids) (CRAOANAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- HVAC & Cooling System Services (A/C, Radiator) (TLAKAAAG), Automotive Heat Exchangers Manufacturing (Radiators/Condensers/Evaporators/Heater Cores) (IMACALAC)
Keywords
Where 1-800 Radiator & A/C is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Benicia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
1-800 Radiator & A/C business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Wholesale Auto Parts Distribution: Franchisees sell radiators, condensers, air conditioning parts, fan assemblies, fuel pumps, and related auto parts to automotive repair shops, parts stores, body shops, dealers, and fleet businesses. Revenue generated through product markups on parts sourced from the network.
- Retail/DIY Parts Sales: Direct sales of aftermarket auto parts to consumers doing their own repairs, offering options from OE manufacturers to budget-friendly alternatives with lifetime warranties
- Franchise Fees: Initial franchise fee of $45,000 plus ongoing royalties and support fees from franchisees
- Acquisition Integration: Internal development of tools to identify, evaluate, and integrate acquired competitors into the network, with competitor locations closed and phone numbers transferred to closest franchisee
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Franchise Fee |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
1-800 Radiator & A/C product offering
Product offeringCore offering
1-800 Radiator & A/C distributes aftermarket automotive cooling and related parts (radiators, condensers, A/C parts, fan assemblies, fuel pumps, exhaust components, and heavy-duty parts) through a franchise network of more than 200 locations nationwide. It serves two distinct buyer groups: B2B wholesale customers (auto repair shops, parts stores, body/collision shops, dealers, junk yards, fleet operators) and B2C do-it-yourself consumers, the latter via the radiator.com e-commerce storefront and a dedicated phone line with technical support.
Product overview
1-800 Radiator & A/C operates as one of the largest independent auto parts distributors in the nation with over 200 locations, offering a portfolio of aftermarket automotive parts centered on radiators, condensers, air conditioning parts, fan assemblies, fuel pumps, exhaust, and heavy-duty components. The company serves both retail DIY customers through radiator.com and 1800radiator.com, and wholesale customers (repair shops, parts stores, body shops, dealers) through a franchise network. The franchise system is underpinned by a proprietary software platform providing inventory algorithms, CRM, and analytics capabilities, with corporate support including a call center and training. The company is a Driven Brands portfolio company.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Radiator Parts Aftermarket radiators covering a wide range of vehicle makes and models (e.g., Toyota Camry, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Accord, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chevrolet, Chrysler Town & Country), offered with multiple warranty tiers from economy to lifetime coverage. Sold to both automotive repair businesses and DIY consumers.
- A/C Parts Air conditioning parts including condensers and complete A/C kits for passenger vehicles and heavy-duty applications. Sold to repair shops and DIY consumers.
- Fan Assemblies Automotive fan assemblies included as part of the company's comprehensive cooling system inventory.
- Fuel Pumps Fuel pump products offered as part of the expanded product line beyond traditional radiator and A/C offerings.
- Exhaust Parts Exhaust system components offered as part of the company's expansion into adjacent automotive categories.
- Heavy Duty Parts Heavy-duty automotive parts for commercial and fleet applications, extending the offering beyond passenger vehicles.
- 1-800 Radiator & A/C Franchise Opportunity Licensed franchise offering including a proprietary integrated software platform, CRM system, inventory algorithms, marketing campaigns, and a corporate call center for backup support. Requires a $45,000 initial franchise fee with $300,000 minimum liquid capital and $900,000 minimum net worth.
- Hot Shot Delivery Service Same-day delivery of auto parts to customers within 1 to 2 hours, with parts on hand over 90% of the time to support B2B repair shops and other wholesale buyers.
Companies that use 1-800 Radiator & A/C
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
1-800 Radiator & A/C technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
1-800 Radiator & A/C partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- 100+ Major ManufacturerscoreSourcing partnerships with over 100 major manufacturers enabling competitive pricing and superior inventory breadth and quality. The purchasing system drives down vendor costs allowing franchises to always be competitively priced.
- Driven BrandscoreDriven Brands is the parent company and world's leading automotive aftermarket franchise company. Portfolio includes Meineke Car Care Centers, MAACO Collision Repair and Auto Painting, 1-800 Radiator, and CARSTAR. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Franchisee NetworkcoreNetwork of independently owned and operated franchisees serving local automotive markets across over 200 locations. Franchisees benefit from national buying power, proprietary technology, CRM systems, and ongoing corporate support.
- International Franchise Association (IFA)minorIFA membership providing franchise opportunities information and standards compliance. Franchise Registry Logo also displayed on franchise website.
- Franchise RegistryminorFranchise Registry membership providing additional credibility and franchise opportunity verification.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
1-800 Radiator & A/C competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Genuine Parts Company: Parent company of NAPA Auto Parts and a global automotive and industrial parts distributor, comparable as a large-scale multi-brand aftermarket distribution platform.
- AutoZone: Largest U.S. specialty retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories with thousands of stores; competes with 1-800 Radiator's DIY and small-shop customer base but as a vertically integrated retailer rather than franchise operator.
- O'Reilly Auto Parts: Major U.S. retailer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts serving professional installers and DIY customers with strong same-day delivery and broad SKU coverage, comparable in target customer mix.
- Advance Auto Parts: Large multi-channel auto parts retailer serving both professional installers and DIY consumers, overlapping significantly with 1-800 Radiator's customer segments and product categories.
- CARQUEST: Aftermarket parts distribution brand (part of Advance Auto Parts) serving professional installers through independently owned stores; directly comparable franchise/distributor model for B2B parts supply.
- Dorman Products: Leading North American supplier of aftermarket replacement parts, restoration parts, and fasteners for cars and trucks, comparable in SKU breadth and aftermarket distribution focus.
- MAHLE: Global automotive parts manufacturer with strong positions in thermal management, A/C, and filtration, supplying both OEM and aftermarket channels worldwide.
Direct peers
- NAPA Auto Parts: Operates one of the largest U.S. automotive aftermarket parts distribution franchise networks, directly comparable to 1-800 Radiator & A/C's franchise-led B2B wholesale and retail model with similar sourcing from multiple manufacturers and local delivery.
- RockAuto: Pure-play online auto parts distributor selling maintenance and repair parts direct to consumers and small shops, competing on catalog breadth and price rather than local delivery.
Emerging players
- Modine Manufacturing: Manufacturer of heat transfer and thermal management products including automotive radiators and EV battery cooling, directly comparable in core thermal product category as both OEM and aftermarket supplier.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
1-800 Radiator & A/C social profiles
Digital presence1-800 Radiator & A/C financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
1-800 Radiator & A/C leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
1-800 Radiator & A/C funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
1-800 Radiator & A/C M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 1-800 Radiator & A/C
What does 1-800 Radiator & A/C do?
1-800 Radiator & A/C distributes aftermarket automotive cooling and related parts (radiators, condensers, A/C parts, fan assemblies, fuel pumps, exhaust components, and heavy-duty parts) through a franchise network of more than 200 locations nationwide. It serves two distinct buyer groups: B2B wholesale customers (auto repair shops, parts stores, body/collision shops, dealers, junk yards, fleet operators) and B2C do-it-yourself consumers, the latter via the radiator.com e-commerce storefront and a dedicated phone line with technical support.
Is 1-800 Radiator & A/C a public or private company?
1-800 Radiator & A/C is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was 1-800 Radiator & A/C founded?
1-800 Radiator & A/C was founded in 1982. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is 1-800 Radiator & A/C based?
1-800 Radiator & A/C is headquartered in Benicia, United States, in the North America region.
How does 1-800 Radiator & A/C make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Wholesale Auto Parts Distribution is the primary driver. The others are retail/DIY Parts Sales, franchise Fees and acquisition Integration.
Who are 1-800 Radiator & A/C's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Genuine Parts Company, AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, CARQUEST, Dorman Products and MAHLE. Direct peers are NAPA Auto Parts and RockAuto. Modine Manufacturing is listed as an emerging player.
Does 1-800 Radiator & A/C have an API?
No public API is recorded for 1-800 Radiator & A/C.
What industry is 1-800 Radiator & A/C in?
1-800 Radiator & A/C's product category is Automotive Aftermarket Parts Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAOANAB, Maintenance, service & repair (MSR) parts distribution (filters, belts, hoses, wipers, fluids), with a secondary code of TLAKAAAG, HVAC & Cooling System Services (A/C, Radiator). Its NAICS code is 4413 and its SIC code is 5013.