Getting Started as a Mobile Mechanic with Your Personal Vehicle

Tools

Your loadout will depend on your level of service and the size of your service vehicle. You may be limited by the amount of tools you can carry, and that's okay. While a comprehensive, quality toolset is always good, it's not always worth the space for a specialized tool that you only need once.

Here are some things you may want for a mobile shop that differ from a traditional garage:

• Portable jump pack
• Sealed drain pan
• Oil-absorbing mat
• Battery-powered tools
• Foldable table

Parts

Get in touch with one or more of your local parts stores and set up a business account with them. This is how you get parts at a discount so you can offer competitive pricing while keeping a healthy profit margin. Some business accounts also offer discounts on other services you might want.

Buying parts as a mobile mechanic can seem tricky. You may purchase parts ahead of time for a job if you know the customer well, but you generally want to collect payment for parts before buying them.

Software

There's no getting around this for a professional. Unless you are limited to lube jobs and air filters, you will need repair software for procedures, diagrams, specifications, and service intervals. Labor guides are also very helpful. Any of these software suites may seem a bit pricey, but they will save you a lot of headaches. You may find that one of your parts store accounts can offer a discount.

Invoicing software can keep track of your customers, vehicles, and service histories, as well as providing payment processing and professional invoices. This saves time and reduces the paperwork burden, making you more efficient and giving you credibility with your customers.

Supplies

Your supply needs may require some adjustment over time. Carry a bottle each of fluids that typically need topping off, such as universal coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid, as well as cleaning sprays and a tube of grease. Other common items that don't take much space can be stocked as well, such as plastic clips, hose clamps, zip ties, and various bulbs.

It all depends on your capacity, usage, and investment budget. Over time, you will get a feel for it and build your own curated inventory.

Disposal

First, if you know any local shop owners, they may be willing to let you use their disposal methods. Metal is easy — there is almost always someone nearby who collects scrap, or you could take it yourself.

For disposing of fluids, you may need to find a local recycling facility. Used oils can often be dropped off at auto parts stores. Others, like coolant, may have to be left at scheduled collection events in your area.

Organizing Your Vehicle

This will depend heavily on your service vehicle. Try to keep heavier tools towards the bottom to keep your vehicle's center of gravity low. Keep the tools you use most often near the access points of your vehicle to save time on every job.

Consider keeping an additional small toolbox stocked with the most common tools. A couple of socket sets, screwdrivers, and pliers can complete many services without having to pull tools out of several drawers. You will find yourself grabbing that toolbox and bringing it straight to the work area every single time.