Radiator repair and cooling system shop
Rent a small bay or unit to repair, test and replace radiators and cooling systems for drivers and other garages.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
3,525 US businesses with employees in this field, -6.1% in a year
NAICS 811118 “Other automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small workshop that pressure tests, repairs, recores and replaces radiators, and handles coolant flushes, hoses and water pumps for cars, vans and light trucks.
Your first three steps
- Look at small bays or shop units for rent in your area and check zoning allows vehicle repair before committing
- Price equipment (lift, pressure tester, flushing machine) and compare used and new, then write a simple price list for core jobs
- Visit independent garages and fleet managers nearby to offer your shop as a cooling system partner
Who pays
Everyday drivers, small fleets, delivery and trades businesses, and general repair shops that outsource cooling work.
How it makes money
Labor plus parts on each repair, flat-rate flushes, and wholesale work from other garages that don't do radiator repair.
Skills that help
- Mechanical and soldering or repair skills
- Diagnosing cooling system faults
- Estimating jobs and managing parts suppliers
Watch out for
- Zoning, local business license and a possible state auto repair registration or license, check with your city, county and state
- Garage liability and garagekeepers insurance to cover customers' vehicles, plus workers' compensation once you hire
- Used coolant, solvents and old radiators have disposal rules that vary by state, check with your environmental agency
- Rent and equipment costs run even in slow months, so keep a cash buffer
- Burn and fume risks, ventilation and safety gear matter
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: radiator repair and cooling system shop
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 radiator repair shop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the rented space, equipment and insurance. Rent and equipment costs continue in slow months, so keep a cash buffer.
How much can a radiator repair shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, the mix of drivers, fleets and garages you serve, and your pricing. Rent and equipment costs run even in slow months.
What licenses and rules apply to a radiator repair shop?
Check zoning, your local business license and any state auto repair registration or license with your city, county and state. Also check garage liability and garagekeepers insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and disposal rules for coolant, solvents and old radiators.
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