Mobile Oil Change & Basic Maintenance

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Startup Cost
$15,000-$65,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
6-12 months
Profit Potential
$65,000-$280,000/year

Overview

Mobile oil change services bring basic automotive maintenance to customers' homes or offices, providing convenient service without waiting at shops.

With 330+ million oil changes performed annually and busy customers valuing time savings, mobile services generate revenue of $110,000-$330,000 annually with profit margins of 50-65%.

The business requires service vehicle with storage, oil and filter inventory, fluid disposal system, basic tools, and automotive knowledge.

Services include oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, tire pressure checks, basic inspections, and battery testing.

Pricing typically $60-$100 for standard oil change, $80-$150 for synthetic.

Success factors include efficient service delivery (30 minutes or less), proper fluid disposal and environmental compliance, inventory management, scheduling to maximize daily services, and building subscription customer base.

Most services offer monthly or quarterly maintenance packages.

The business requires proper licensing and waste oil disposal partnerships.

Many operators target fleet accounts (real estate agents, sales teams) for volume.

Marketing focuses on busy professionals, fleet accounts, apartment complexes, and office parks.

With consumers seeking convenience and time savings in 2025, mobile oil changes offer opportunities for automotive technicians providing essential maintenance services at customers' locations eliminating shop visits and waiting.

Required Skills

  • Basic automotive maintenance
  • Oil change and fluid service
  • Vehicle inspection and diagnostics
  • Efficient mobile workflow
  • Waste oil disposal and environmental compliance
  • Customer service and scheduling

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Recurring maintenance need
  • Good profit margins
  • Convenient service with strong demand
  • Subscription package opportunities
  • Fleet account potential

Cons

  • Waste oil disposal requirements
  • Weather dependent operations
  • Inventory management (oils, filters)
  • Liability and insurance costs
  • Competition from quick lube shops

How to Get Started

  1. Obtain automotive service training and licenses
  2. Acquire service vehicle and equipment
  3. Set up waste oil disposal partnership
  4. Build oil and filter inventory system
  5. Market to professionals and fleet accounts
  6. Provide fast convenient service
  7. Develop subscription maintenance packages

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