Mobile radiator and cooling system repair

Drive to stranded or busy drivers and fleets to fix leaks, hoses, thermostats and radiators on the spot.

Startup costC$8k to C$30k
Monthly revenueC$3k to C$12k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • C$8k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

A van-based service that diagnoses overheating, replaces radiators, hoses, thermostats and water pumps, and flushes cooling systems at the customer's home, work or roadside.

Your first three steps

  1. Check provincial rules on automotive repair and trade certification, and whether you can work on customers' driveways or roadsides
  2. Equip a used van with a pressure tester, coolant flush and fill kit, hand tools and a stock of common parts
  3. Set up a simple website and local listings, and approach small fleets and parts suppliers for referrals
Who pays

Drivers with overheating vehicles, small businesses and trades with vans, and property managers with company vehicles.

How it makes money

Call-out fee plus labour and parts. Fleet agreements can add regular work.

Skills that help
  • Cooling system diagnosis and basic mechanical repair
  • Driving and organizing your day around call-outs
  • Clear communication and fair quoting
Watch out for
  • Provincial trade certification or repair rules, which vary, so check with your provincial regulator
  • Coolant is toxic, so check rules for collecting, storing and disposing of used fluid
  • Commercial auto and general liability insurance that covers mobile repair work
  • Your municipality or a condo or apartment may restrict repair work on private property or streets
  • Working outside in cold weather and winter driving conditions, so plan for seasonal slowdowns and safety

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: mobile radiator and cooling system repair

Researched with live web search for Canada: 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
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile cooling system repair business?

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your van, tools and parts stock. These are estimates, so price your own vehicle and equipment before you begin.

How much can a mobile radiator repair service earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many call-outs and fleet jobs you win. This is an estimate, and cold weather and winter driving can cause seasonal slowdowns.

What rules apply to mobile radiator repair in Canada?

Check provincial trade certification or repair rules with your provincial regulator, as they vary. Also check rules for collecting and disposing of used coolant, commercial auto and liability insurance, and whether your municipality or a condo restricts repair work on private property or streets.

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