Car radiator repair and recore workshop

Independent garages, mobile mechanics, classic and van owners, and drivers who want a repair rather than a new part.

A fixed price per repair or recore, plus margin on replacement radiators, flushing and coolant. Regular garage accounts bring steady repeat work.

• Soldering and metalwork
• Mechanical knowledge of cooling systems
• Careful testing and finishing
• Dealing with trade customers

• Fumes and hazardous substances such as flux, solder and used coolant: check COSHH risk assessment and ventilation requirements
• Used coolant is waste, check with the Environment Agency (or your national equivalent) how to store and dispose of it
• Planning use class, business rates and lease terms for a workshop unit, check with your council
• Public liability insurance, cover for customers' parts and vehicles in your care, and employer's liability once you hire
• Many modern plastic and aluminium radiators are replaced rather than repaired, so check which jobs you can realistically take

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the workshop unit, your equipment and testing gear, and the stock you hold. Treat these as estimates and get quotes for your own setup.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on how much trade work you win from garages and how many repairs you can take on. This is revenue, not profit, so costs come out of it.

Check your COSHH risk assessment and ventilation for flux, solder and used coolant. Used coolant is waste, so check storage and disposal with the Environment Agency or national equivalent. Also check planning use class, business rates, lease terms and insurance.