It is no surprise that respondents to Counterman’s annual P.A.R.T.S. survey say that they perform an average of 25 jobs per month requiring motor oil. It is one of the most frequently used products in the shop and 91 percent of respondents report to keeping motor oil in stock.

Motor oil continues to be a category where jobbers and WDs remain nearly tied as a shop’s primary source. Thirty percent say jobbers are their primary source (down from 39 percent in 2008); and WDs have remained steady with 31 percent of the share both in 2008 and 2009. Since motor oil is a fast-moving product, availability is key to 40 percent of shops surveyed. Brand is even more important, as seen in the chart below.

*Editor's Note: On the chart above, 2009 is represented by the red bar; 2008 by the blue bar.

These and other statistics can be found in P.A.R.T.S., produced annually by Counterman magazine. Nine years ago, Counterman began surveying repair shops annually to determine when, how and why they source specific automotive parts and products. The resulting data, published every fall, offers perspective on how sourcing and brand-loyalty trends have changed. The 2009 P.A.R.T.S. report was mailed with the September issue of Counterman.