'We Went To Walmart': Man Goes To AutoZone. Then He Learns Something Shocking About Fram

A man goes to AutoZone to get a Fram oil filter and learns the company is going out of business. Here’s what that means for the industry.

TikTok creator Mobile Mechanic Jason (@mobilemechanicjason) posted a video with his discovery over the weekend. "I don’t know if you guys have heard this or not, but… Fram is going out of business, going bankrupt, or whatever," he says to start the video. 

He learned that because he went to Walmart to grab a Fram oil filter, and that location was all out. He did end up finding one Fram filter at AutoZone, but he isn’t sure what the ripple effects of this news will be on the industry. "I knew they made most filters, but I didn’t know they made that many filters," he adds. "But, hey, keep on keepin’ on. Stay greasy."

What Is Going On With Fram?

Fram's parent company, First Brands Group, is a global auto parts company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year. The manufacturer makes components for TRICO, ANCO, Michelin, Cardone, and Carlson. When it comes to filtration products, First Brands owns Luber-Finer, PetroClear, and Champ Filters.

The company’s top two executives were recently arrested on federal fraud charges, and the company announced it would close its Ohio facilities and lay off more than 1,200 people. 

According to the Akron Beacon Journal, the company attempted to find a buyer but couldn’t secure a realistic bid. Last week, workers in South Texas learned they will lose nearly 600 jobs as a result of the same scandal.

TheStreet predicts that the bankruptcy process will be long and complex, with multiple layers of creditors fighting over the scraps of First Brands' properties.

According to Automotive News, First Brands is currently "operating week-to-week as it seeks buyers for Ford operations," closing down other operations, and perhaps looking to salvage some parts of its business. Last week, however, the Wall Street Journal reported that the company’s creditors are preparing to file a wave of lawsuits that could force the company to defend itself in multiple courts. 

Viewers React To The First Brands Group Bankruptcy

In the video's comments section, viewers reacted to the news. In some cases, Jason replied to let them know they missed the point of his video.

"I wouldn’t even use a Fram on my lawn mower," said one viewer. "Sorry, bud."

"Fram was junk anyway," a second viewer said. Jason responded, "Yep, but the point of the video wasn’t promoting Fram. It was learning that they made filters we did trust. Talking about crazy. The point is the shelves are empty."

Someone else said, "For years, I have bought all of my oil and filters at Walmart. It is cheaper."

Motor1 contacted Jason via TikTok comment and direct message for comment. We emailed First Brands Group and AutoZone. We also reached out to Walmart via online contact form. We will update this story if any party responds.