Mobile car electrical repair service

Drivers stuck with a car that will not start, small businesses with work vans, and local garages that pass on electrical jobs.

A call-out fee or diagnostic charge plus labour per job, with a margin on parts such as batteries and bulbs. Cold-weather battery failures can bring extra winter work.

• Reading wiring diagrams
• Using a multimeter and diagnostic scanner
• Clear explanations for customers
• Safe working with vehicle electrics

• Automotive service technician trade certification may be required in your province, so check with your provincial apprenticeship body
• Commercial general liability and garage or care, custody and control insurance, which should be confirmed with a broker
• Safe handling of batteries, airbag and hybrid or electric vehicle systems, which need specific training
• Municipal rules on running a mobile service from home or working in public parking spaces
• Winter work outdoors in cold weather

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your van, tools and diagnostic equipment. Confirm insurance with a broker, including commercial general liability and garage or care, custody and control cover.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on call-out volume and hours worked. Keep in mind that winter work is outdoors in cold weather in some regions.

Automotive service technician trade certification may be required in your province, so check with your provincial apprenticeship body. Also check municipal rules on running a mobile service from home or working in public parking spaces.