Mobile mechanic business
Do servicing, brakes and diagnostics at people's homes and workplaces from a equipped van.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A mechanic who travels to customers to do routine servicing, brake jobs, batteries, diagnostics and other repairs that don't need a hoist, working from a van or a well-stocked trunk setup.
Your first three steps
- Check whether your province requires trade certification to do repairs, and get your tickets in order
- Price a used van, core hand tools, a good scan tool and a mobile jack and stands setup
- Line up your first customers with a simple website, local listings and an offer to neighbours and small local fleets
Who pays
Busy households, people without a garage or driveway access to a shop, small businesses with a few vehicles, and property managers.
How it makes money
Fixed price or hourly labour per job, plus a markup on parts. Small fleets can be booked on a regular service schedule.
Skills that help
- Trade qualification or solid professional mechanic experience
- Diagnosing faults with a scan tool
- Clear, honest quotes and customer service
- Scheduling and travel planning
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and garage or vehicle repair insurance, plus commercial auto cover for the van
- Whether your province or municipality limits repair work on streets or in residential areas
- Proper disposal of used oil, filters and coolant, and any certification needed for A/C refrigerant work, check your provincial rules
- Safety inspection certificates usually need a licensed inspection station, check your province
- Winter work outdoors is hard, plan for weather and a covered backup space
- Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements
🔒 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 mechanic business in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000 CAD, depending on your van, tools, scan equipment and insurance. Plan for weather and a covered backup space for winter work.
How much can a mobile mechanic earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000 CAD, depending on the jobs you take, your travel time and how many hours you work. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours a week.
What licences and rules should I check before becoming a mobile mechanic in Canada?
Things to check: commercial general liability, garage or repair insurance and commercial auto cover, limits on repair work on streets or in residential areas, disposal of oil and coolant, A/C refrigerant certification, safety inspection rules, and Quebec's own rules and French-language requirements.
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