Mobile oil change service

Busy households, small businesses with a few work vehicles, and tradies who can't spare time at a workshop.

A fixed price per service covering oil, filter and labour, with extras like top-ups, wiper blades or air filters. Fleet clients can mean regular repeat work.

• Basic car mechanical know-how
• Careful, tidy work
• Customer service
• Scheduling and route planning

• Some states require a motor vehicle repairer licence or similar, check your state's licensing body
• Used oil must be stored and disposed of properly, check your state EPA rules and use an authorised collector
• Public liability insurance, and check cover for work done on customers' vehicles
• Spills on driveways, so carry drip trays and spill kits
• Log-book servicing for newer cars should follow the manufacturer's specifications, check your obligations under Australian Consumer Law

Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your van or ute, the pump-out equipment you buy and your waste oil storage. Insurance and spill kits are further costs worth allowing for.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on how many jobs you book each week and how large an area you cover. This is revenue before costs, with at least about 15 hours a week needed.

Some states require a motor vehicle repairer licence or similar, so check your state's licensing body. Also check your state EPA rules on storing and disposing of used oil, and your insurance cover for work done on customers' vehicles.