Automotive business ideas you can run out and about
51 ideas
These 51 automotive ideas take the work to the customer instead of waiting for them to visit a shop. They suit hands-on people who like driving between jobs, enjoy solving problems on the spot and are comfortable dealing with the public.
Mobile exhaust repair service
Repair exhaust leaks, broken hangers and damaged pipes at customers' homes and yards from a equipped van.
- C$15k-45k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile motorcycle mechanic
Service and fix motorcycles in riders' driveways and garages with a van full of tools.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile car A/C repair and recharge
Fix and recharge car air conditioning at drivers' homes, workplaces and small fleet yards.
- C$8k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car tune-up service
Drive to customers' driveways to do spark plugs, filters and fluid changes on routine servicing.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile dent and bumper repair
Fix dents, scuffs and bumper damage at customers' homes and workplaces from a van.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Van and fleet graphics installer
Fit printed logos and lettering on tradespeople's vans and small business fleets at their premises.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile car detailing service
Drive to homes, workplaces and small fleets to deep clean car interiors and exteriors.
- C$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile car scratch and bumper repair
Fix scuffs, scratches and bumper damage at customers' homes and workplaces from a van.
- C$4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile outboard motor service and parts
Service and repair outboards at docks, driveways and cottages, and sell parts and used motors on the side.
- C$8k-30k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile windshield chip repair
Fix stone chips and small cracks in windshields at customers' homes and workplaces.
- C$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Windshield repair for dealers and fleets
Repair chips on dealer lots and company vehicles on a regular schedule.
- C$2.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile golf cart service and parts
Service, repair and upgrade golf carts at clubs and owners' homes, selling batteries, parts and the odd cart.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car window tinting
Fit tint and heat-reducing film on cars at customers' homes or workplaces, with a van and a small kit.
- C$3k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Alternator and starter delivery supplier
Stock common remanufactured alternators and starters and deliver them fast to local garages.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile brake repair service
Replace pads, rotors and calipers at customers' homes and workplaces from a fitted-out van.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile bumper and panel repair
Fix scuffed bumpers, small dents and paint damage at customers' homes or workplaces from a van.
- C$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile heavy truck mechanic
Repair and service trucks at yards and roadsides from a fitted service vehicle.
- C$20k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile RV and motorhome detailing
Drive to owners' driveways and storage lots to wash, polish and protect RVs and motorhomes.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile ATV and quad repair service
Drive to farms, cottages and homes to service and fix ATVs on the spot.
- C$5k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile tire repair and swap van
Drive to homes, workplaces and roadsides to fix flats and swap seasonal tires.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile tire fitting van
Bring new and used tires and a mobile changer to homes, workplaces and fleets for swaps and replacements.
- C$20k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile mechanic
Do servicing, brakes and diagnostics at people's homes and workplaces from a equipped van.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile windshield replacement
Drive to homes and workplaces to replace car windshields and side windows from your van.
- C$15k-45k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car battery replacement
Drive to stranded drivers at home or work, test their battery and fit a new one on the spot.
- C$8k-30k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
Some, like a mobile car detailing service or mobile windshield chip repair, need a modest kit and a reliable vehicle. Others, such as a mobile heavy truck mechanic, call for trade qualifications and a larger investment in tools. Before choosing, think about your local climate, where you can legally and safely work, and how you will handle waste like used oil. Check what licences, insurance and certifications your province or municipality expects, then compare start-up costs against the jobs you could realistically book each week.
More ideas
- Mobile trailer repair service
- Mobile car alarm and tracker installer
- Owner-operator tow truck service
- Part-time towing for garages and dispatchers
- Mobile tractor and farm machinery repair
- Mobile spring and suspension fitter
- Mobile radiator and cooling system repair
- Mobile RV and motorhome repair
- Mobile car electrical repair
- Mobile oil change van
- Mobile paintless dent repair
- Mobile pre-purchase car inspector
- Mobile tire fitting and seasonal swaps
- Mobile car audio installer
- Local auto accessories supplier to garages and shops
- Mobile scooter and moped repair
- Mobile diesel engine repair
- Tune-up parts delivery to local garages
- Mobile RV and motorhome inspector
- RV seasonal and pre-trip checkups
- Appointment-only electric motorcycle dealer
- Mobile driveshaft and axle replacement
- Mobile scrap car and metal pickup
- Mobile used tyre seller and fitter
- Mobile truck cap and cover fitter
- Mobile sunroof repair service
- Trackside motorsport parts trailer
Questions
Do I need a licence or certification to start a mobile automotive business in Canada?
It depends on the work and your province. Mechanical repair may involve trade certification, while detailing often does not. Check provincial trade rules, municipal business licensing and any requirements for handling fluids or vehicles before you take paid jobs.
What insurance should I check for a mobile automotive service?
Ask a broker about commercial vehicle cover, general liability and coverage for tools and equipment. You may also want to check protection for customers' vehicles while in your care, since personal auto policies often don't cover business use.
Where can I legally work on vehicles when I travel to customers?
Rules vary by city and property type. Check municipal bylaws on street work, condo or apartment parking rules, and environmental requirements for spills and waste disposal. Getting permission from property owners and planning for safe fluid containment is a sensible first step.