Most dealerships close on Memorial Day, but hours vary by location and owner
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May each year. Most car dealerships treat it as a federal holiday and close for the day, though some independently owned dealerships may stay open with reduced hours. Chain dealerships and larger franchises almost always close, while smaller or family-run lots are more likely to operate on a modified schedule.
The safest approach is to call or check the dealership's website before you go. Many dealerships post their holiday hours online, and a quick phone call takes 30 seconds. If you're planning to visit on or around Memorial Day weekend, knowing the schedule ahead of time saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- Most franchised dealerships close entirely on Memorial Day, though some family-owned lots may open with shorter hours.
- Dealership websites and Google Business listings usually show holiday hours, so check before you drive there.
- If a dealership is closed on Memorial Day, you can often schedule a test drive or appointment for the day after.
- Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day are typically normal business hours, so you can visit then if Monday doesn't work.
- Service departments sometimes keep different hours than sales, so call ahead if you need maintenance or repairs.
How to learn about your dealership is open
Start with the dealership's official website. Most dealerships list their hours under a "Contact Us" or "Hours" section, and many specifically note when they're closed for holidays. If the website doesn't say, call the main number — you'll reach someone who can tell you directly, or you'll hear a recorded message with holiday hours.
Google Business listings are another quick source. Search the dealership name on Google Maps, and the hours appear on the right side of the screen. Google often flags holiday closures with a note like "Closed today" or "Holiday hours." This information comes from the dealership itself, so it's usually accurate.
If you're shopping around multiple dealerships, a few phone calls on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend takes less than five minutes and confirms which ones will be open. This is especially useful if you're planning to compare vehicles or negotiate prices across several lots.
What to do if your dealership is closed
If the dealership is closed on Memorial Day, you have several options. Many dealerships let you schedule a test drive or sales appointment online or by phone for the following day. This actually works in your favor — you can book a specific time slot rather than showing up and waiting.
If you need service or repairs, ask whether the service department has different hours than sales. Some dealerships keep service bays open even when the sales floor is closed, especially for warranty work or urgent repairs. If the service department is also closed, you can schedule an appointment for Tuesday or later in the week.
For urgent repairs on Memorial Day itself, independent mechanics and chain repair shops (like Firestone or Midas) often stay open. These shops typically have longer holiday hours than dealerships because they handle emergency repairs. Check their websites or call ahead the same way you would a dealership.
Memorial Day weekend shopping strategy
The Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day are normal business days for dealerships. If you want to shop without the Monday closure affecting your plans, visit on the weekend. Dealerships are often less crowded on Saturday and Sunday than on weekdays, which can mean more time with a salesperson and less pressure to rush through a decision.
The Tuesday after Memorial Day is also a good time to visit. Dealerships reopen after the holiday, and you may find less foot traffic than on a typical Monday. Sales staff are back in full force, and you won't have the time pressure of a holiday closure affecting your schedule.
If you're planning to trade in a vehicle or finance a purchase, keep in mind that banks and credit unions may also be closed on Memorial Day. This means loan approvals or funding transfers might take an extra day. If timing matters for your purchase, plan to start the process on Tuesday or earlier in the week.
Service departments and Memorial Day
Dealership service departments don't always follow the same schedule as the sales floor. Some dealerships close service entirely on Memorial Day, while others keep a skeleton crew for warranty work or customer emergencies. A few large dealerships operate service on a near-normal schedule even when sales is closed.
If you need routine maintenance like an oil change or tire rotation, call ahead to confirm the service department is open. If it's closed, you can schedule an appointment for the day after or visit an independent shop. For warranty work under your vehicle's manufacturer coverage, ask whether the dealership can fit you in on Tuesday or later in the week.
Emergency repairs — a broken transmission, a dead battery, or a major fluid leak — may be handled by the dealership even on holidays, though you may pay a holiday service fee. Call the dealership's main number on Memorial Day itself to ask. If they can't help, an independent mechanic or a 24-hour repair shop can handle most urgent issues.
Planning ahead for holiday weekends
If you're shopping for a car around a holiday, build extra time into your schedule. Dealerships close on major federal holidays — Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — so plan your visits for days when they're open. This is especially important if you're on a tight timeline or need financing approval.
Bookmark the dealership's website or save their phone number in your contacts. When the next holiday approaches, you'll already know where to find their hours. Many dealerships send email updates about holiday schedules to customers on their mailing list, so signing up can save you the trouble of checking each time.
If you're buying a vehicle and need it by a specific date, mention the holiday schedule to your salesperson. They can work backward from your important date and schedule test drives, inspections, and paperwork accordingly. This prevents the frustration of being one day away from completing a purchase when a holiday closure hits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up a car I bought if the dealership is closed on Memorial Day?
No, you cannot pick up a vehicle if the dealership is closed. Dealerships need staff present to complete paperwork, hand over keys, and process final payment. Schedule your pickup for Tuesday or later in the week. If you need the car urgently, ask the dealership whether they can complete paperwork on the Friday before and hold the vehicle for pickup on Tuesday.
Are used car lots open on Memorial Day?
Independent used car lots are more likely to stay open on Memorial Day than franchised dealerships, but hours vary widely. Some close entirely, others open with reduced hours, and a few operate normally. Call ahead or check their website — the same method works for used lots as for new car dealerships.
What if I need to return a rental car on Memorial Day?
Rental car companies at airports and major locations typically stay open on Memorial Day, though hours may be shorter. Call your rental company or check their website for holiday hours. If you're returning a car to a dealership-based rental location, that location may be closed — ask when you rent whether they're open on your return date.
Do dealership finance offices close on Memorial Day?
Yes, dealership finance offices close on Memorial Day along with the rest of the dealership. If you need to refinance a loan or handle paperwork related to your purchase, you'll need to do it when the dealership is open. Banks and credit unions also close on federal holidays, so plan financing for a business day.
Can I test drive a car if I call ahead on Memorial Day?
No, dealerships do not conduct business on Memorial Day, even if you call ahead. You cannot schedule a same-day test drive. However, you can call on the Friday before or the Tuesday after to schedule a test drive for when the dealership is open.