Iconic Flint-Area Business Undergoes Major Change

After serving Genesee County with four location since 1982, a well-known local business is no more.

For 43 years the team at Insta-Lube Fast Lube Centers of Burton and Flint has been changing oil, replacing filters, flushing transmissions and more for the good people of Genesee County. But beyond that, the owner and his family have been very focused on the helping community.

Helping the Flint Community

Over the years they have raised money for several local charities including the Old Newsboys of Flint, Back to the Bricks and the United Cancer Alliance. They would  create special events where a portion of each oil change would go back to the charity, raising thousands and thousands of dollars over the years.

Former owner Jeff Threet is a very humble man and never wanted to be in the spotlight or even take credit for the great work he has done. He's also a family man and a genuinely great person.

Where were the Insta-Lube Locations?

The four Insta-Lube locations were at:

• 4011 North Linden Road in Flushing
• G3520 Saginaw Street in Burton
• 3422 Flushing Road in Flint
• 2156 South Center Road in Burton

New owners and management

I was shocked when driving down Bristol Road to discover that the Insta-Lube sign had changed. I stopped in to see what happened and several of the former Insta-Lube employees were there, but they now work for a company called Planet Oil Change. Apparently the deal was made official just weeks ago. They now operate all previous Insta-Lube locations except the Flushing Road location. It appears that one has permanently closed.

Ironically also in Burton, the Magpie Oil Change located at Center and Atherton just recently changed to a Pit Stop Mobile 1 facility.