Mobile radiator repair and garage pickup
Collect leaking radiators from garages, repair them in a small shed, and deliver them back, with some on-site fixes.
- A$5k-20k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A lean version of radiator repair. You pick up radiators from garages and fleets, repair or recore them in a small rented space or home shed, and return them. Simple on-site jobs like hose and cap replacement are possible.
Your first three steps
- Get experience or training in radiator repair and recoring before taking on paid jobs
- Set up a safe workspace with a pressure test tank, ventilation and a bench, in a rented space or approved home shed
- Offer free pickup and a quick turnaround to five local garages and ask for trial jobs
Who pays
Independent mechanics, tyre shops, small fleets, farms and machinery owners who prefer not to do the work in house.
How it makes money
A price per radiator repaired, plus a pickup and delivery fee or built-in margin. Regular garage accounts give repeat work.
Skills that help
- Soldering and brazing
- Cooling system knowledge
- Driving and route planning
- Reliable communication with trade clients
Watch out for
- Public liability and product liability insurance, and cover for customers' parts while in your care
- Running from home may need council approval, and fumes, noise and waste disposal may be restricted, so check locally
- Check work health and safety rules with your state regulator, including fume control and lead solder handling
- Check whether your vehicle insurance covers carrying goods for business
- Capacity is limited if you work alone, so turnaround times can slip
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: mobile radiator repair and garage pickup
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a radiator repair business?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your workspace, tools and vehicle needs. These are estimates only, so price up equipment, insurance and any rented space before you begin.
What rules should I check before repairing radiators from home?
Check whether running from home needs council approval, and whether fumes, noise and waste disposal are restricted. Also check work health and safety rules with your state regulator, including fume control and lead solder handling.
How much can a mobile radiator repairer earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many garages and fleets you service. Working alone limits capacity, so turnaround times can slip if work builds up.
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