Mobile oil change van business

Busy households, office workers, and small businesses with a few work vehicles such as landscapers, couriers and contractors.

A flat price per oil change, set by oil type (conventional, synthetic blend, full synthetic). You can add extras like air filters, wiper blades and tire pressure checks. Repeat customers and small fleets give steady work.

• Basic car mechanical knowledge
• Careful, tidy work
• Scheduling and customer service

• Used oil and filter disposal rules differ by state and county, so check where to take them and what records to keep
• Some cities, HOAs, apartment complexes and parking lots restrict car work on site, so check before you book
• General liability and garage liability insurance, since a mistake can damage an engine
• Check your state and city for business license, sales tax and any auto service registration rules
• Weather and spills: carry absorbent pads and a spill kit

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on your van or trailer and equipment. Monthly revenue is also an estimate, typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many jobs you book.

Check used oil and filter disposal rules and record keeping in your state and county. Also check whether cities, HOAs, apartment complexes or parking lots restrict car work, plus insurance, business license, sales tax and any auto service registration rules.

Expect at least about 15 hours a week. Useful skills include basic car mechanical knowledge, careful and tidy work, scheduling and customer service. Weather and spills matter, so carry absorbent pads and a spill kit.