Mobile automotive business ideas for working out and about
59 ideas
These 59 automotive business ideas take the work to the customer instead of waiting for them to come to a shop. That suits hands-on people who like variety, don't want a lease on a garage, and are comfortable driving between jobs.
Windshield repair for fleets and dealerships
Repair chips on a regular schedule for car lots, rental companies and delivery fleets that have many vehicles.
- $1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car window tinting
Fit tint film to cars at customers' homes and workplaces from a van or trailer.
- $1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile towing equipment supplier
Drive a stocked van to tow yards and garages and sell gear on the spot.
- $6k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Specialty and enthusiast vehicle sourcing broker
Track down hard-to-find classic, truck or enthusiast vehicles for buyers and earn a fee on each match.
- $1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Automotive locksmith (car keys and lockouts)
Unlock cars and cut or program replacement keys and fobs at the customer's location.
- $4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car tune-up service
Drive to customers' homes and workplaces to change spark plugs, filters and fluids.
- $2.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile motorcycle mechanic
Service and repair bikes in riders' driveways and garages from a van or trailer.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car paint touch-up and scuff repair
Fix scratches, scuffs and bumper damage at customers' homes or workplaces with a van-based kit.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile car A/C repair and recharge
Drive to homes, offices and small fleets to diagnose, fix and recharge vehicle A/C systems.
- $8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile truck repair service
Fix and service semis and work trucks at the yard or roadside, so fleets and drivers lose less time off the road.
- $15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile bumper and scratch repair
Fix scuffed bumpers, scratches and small dents at customers' homes or workplaces from a van or trailer.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile brake repair service
Drive to customers' homes and workplaces to replace brake pads, rotors and calipers.
- $5k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile fleet alignment checks
Visit small fleets with portable alignment gear and fix alignment where their vehicles are parked.
- $15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile outboard motor repair and service
Service and repair outboard engines at boat ramps, marinas and driveways, and sell the parts you fit.
- $6k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile car detailing
Drive to homes and workplaces and give cars a deep interior and exterior clean.
- $1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Fleet and dealership vehicle cleaning
Clean vehicles for used car lots, rental companies and local fleets on a regular schedule.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile minor body repair
Fix bumper scuffs, scratches and small dents at customers' homes and workplaces from a van.
- $5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile vehicle wrap installer
Install color-change and partial wraps on cars and vans, working for owners and local shops.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile exhaust repair service
Drive to homes, workplaces and fleet yards to weld and fix exhaust leaks, broken hangers and worn mufflers on site.
- $5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile sunroof repair service
Fix leaking, stuck or noisy sunroofs at customers' homes and workplaces from a van.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile trailer repair service
Drive to owners and small fleets to fix trailer brakes, lights, hitches and axles on site.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile windshield chip repair
Fix small chips and cracks in windshields at people's homes and workplaces, starting with a low-cost kit.
- $1k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile windshield replacement van
Replace windshields and side glass at the customer's driveway or workplace from a fitted-out van.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Local tune-up parts supplier to shops
Stock common tune-up parts and deliver them to independent repair shops in your area, fast.
- $5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
You could start small with mobile car detailing or mobile windshield chip repair, or aim at repeat commercial work with dent repair for dealers and fleets. Before you choose, think about what you can afford to put into a van, tools and supplies, and whether you already have the skills or need training. Consider where you would park and work, how weather affects your days, and what insurance and local permits your chosen service might need. Pick one service and one area first, then grow from there.
More ideas
- Mobile tire repair and fitting van
- Mobile tire fitting van
- Mobile scooter and moped repair
- Mobile tire fitting and repair van
- Owner-operator towing with a used truck
- Full-time flatbed towing business
- Mobile car alarm and tracker installer
- Mobile oil change van
- Mobile ATV repair and servicing
- Mobile suspension spring fitter
- Mobile diesel engine repair
- Mobile pre-purchase car inspector
- Mobile RV and motorhome detailing
- Mobile RV repair and maintenance
- Mobile car battery testing and replacement
- Mobile paintless dent repair
- Dent repair for dealers and fleets
- Mobile RV repair technician
- Junk car buying and scrap metal pickup
- Mobile mechanic
- Local auto body parts sourcing and delivery
- Mobile truck cap and tonneau cover installer
- Mobile driveshaft and U-joint repair
- Mobile used tire seller and fitter
- Trackside racing parts and consumables trailer
- Mobile car stereo installer
- Mobile auto electrical repair
- Mobile truck accessory sales and fitting
- Mobile tractor and farm equipment mechanic
- Mobile radiator and cooling system repair
- Trackside racing parts and apparel trailer
- Mobile golf cart repair and sales
- Mobile RV pre-purchase inspector
- RV seasonal check-up and storage inspections
- Mobile horse trailer repair and servicing
Questions
What should I check before starting a mobile automotive business?
Check which licenses, permits or certifications your state and city may require for the service, such as locksmithing or vehicle buying. Also look at insurance for your van, tools and customers' vehicles, and whether you can work at customers' locations.
How much money might I need to get started on the road?
It varies widely by idea. Detailing or chip repair may need modest equipment, while truck or brake repair can need a well-equipped van and more tools. Price your vehicle, tools, insurance and supplies, then compare that with what you could charge per job.
Can I run a mobile automotive service from home?
Many owners store their van and supplies at home and travel to customers, but you should check local zoning rules, any HOA restrictions and rules on storing parts, fluids or scrap. Some services may also need a registered business address.