Mobile gearbox diagnosis and fluid service
Visit drivers and garages to diagnose gearbox faults and service automatics, with bigger rebuilds passed on or sub-contracted.
- £6k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service for gearbox diagnosis, automatic transmission fluid changes, clutch and linkage adjustments and minor repairs at the customer's home, work or garage. Major rebuilds are done at a partner workshop.
Your first three steps
- Choose your core services, such as fluid services and diagnosis, and price the tools, scan equipment and fluid exchange kit you need
- Agree a working arrangement with a local gearbox workshop for rebuilds and larger repairs
- Set up a simple website and Google Business profile, and contact local garages and fleet operators
Who pays
Private drivers, small fleets and garages without gearbox expertise.
How it makes money
Callout and labour charges, fluid and parts margin, and referral or sub-contract fees for jobs passed to a partner workshop.
Skills that help
- Gearbox and automatic transmission knowledge
- Using diagnostic tools
- Working safely at the roadside or on driveways
Watch out for
- Motor trade or mobile mechanic insurance plus public liability, check the policy covers work on customers' vehicles
- Safe working on driveways and roadsides, including raising vehicles
- Used fluid must be stored and disposed of properly, check waste carrier registration and disposal rules
- Some customers' property managers or councils may restrict work on public roads or shared parking, so check first
- Van, tools and fluid stock are a real upfront cost
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: mobile gearbox diagnosis and fluid service
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: 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
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile gearbox service?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on the van, tools and fluid stock you start with. These are a real upfront cost, so plan them carefully before you commit.
What insurance and rules should I check for mobile gearbox work?
Check you have motor trade or mobile mechanic insurance plus public liability that covers customers' vehicles. Also check waste carrier registration and disposal rules for used fluid, and any restrictions on working on public roads or shared parking.
How much can a mobile gearbox service earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £2,000 to £9,000, depending on how many drivers, fleets and garages you serve. Hours start at about 15 a week, with major rebuilds passed to a partner workshop.
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