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
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A van or truck-based service that carries out routine engine maintenance at the customer's home or workplace: spark plugs, air and cabin filters, oil and fluid top-ups, belts and basic checks.
Your first three steps
- Check with your provincial regulator whether routine servicing such as filters, fluids and spark plugs requires mechanic certification where you live, or whether you can work within that scope without it
- Check whether your municipality requires a general business licence for a mobile service
- Price a basic tool set, diagnostic scanner and a suitable vehicle, and set 3 simple service packages
Who pays
Busy households, commuters, small businesses with a few work vehicles and people who find garage drop-offs inconvenient.
How it makes money
Fixed price per service package or hourly labour plus parts with a markup, with repeat bookings for seasonal servicing.
Skills that help
- Mechanical know-how for routine servicing
- Diagnosing common engine issues
- Clear communication and honest quoting
Watch out for
- Rules differ by province: some regulate automotive repair or restrict certain work to certified technicians, so confirm what you may do without certification before taking jobs
- Commercial general liability and garage keepers or care, custody and control cover for customers' vehicles
- Municipal bylaws on working on vehicles on streets or driveways and on disposing of used oil and fluids
- Winter weather limits outdoor work, so plan for a heated space or a quieter season
- Warranty and liability if a repair goes wrong
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile car tune-up business?
Estimates put startup costs at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your vehicle, tools and supplies. Get quotes for equipment and insurance before you commit so your own figures are based on real prices.
How much can a mobile car tune-up service earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many jobs you take on. Winter weather can limit outdoor work, so plan for a heated space or a quieter season.
Do I need a licence or certification to do tune-ups at customers' homes?
Check your province's rules, as some regulate automotive repair or restrict certain work to certified technicians. Also check municipal bylaws on working on vehicles and disposing of used oil, plus liability and garage keepers cover.
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