How to become a mobile mechanic

What is a mobile mechanic?

First things first, you might be wondering, what is a mobile mechanic? And what do mobile mechanics do?

Well, to put it simply, a mobile mechanic offers auto repair services in a mobile manner.

Therefore, rather than having a fixed garage location, they’ll travel from place to place at the convenience of the customer.

While duties vary, the day-to-day responsibilities of a mobile mechanic might include:

• Vehicle inspections and repair services – Inspecting vehicles for mechanical issues, as well as maintenance tasks or urgent repairs
• Spending time on the road – Time travelling between locations – you could be called to homes, workplaces, and even roadside locations
• Customer service duties – Keeping customers happy is paramount – spend time addressing their concerns, or simply building relationships
• Record keeping – Maintaining accurate records is key to making sure your business runs smoothly, including invoices, customer information, and repair documents

Why should you become a mobile mechanic?

First of all, going mobile will give you independence. Rather than setting up a costly garage, you’ll be able to move freely between jobs and establish your own schedule.

Not only this, but you’ll also have flexibility regarding the types of jobs you want to pick up. As a mobile mechanic, you’ll work for yourself, and you’ll be free to focus on the specific jobs you enjoy.

Customers also love the convenience of having a mechanic come to them. This means you can easily build a loyal customer base as a mobile mechanic.

There’s a growing demand for mobile mechanics. Therefore, if you’ve got expertise or a desire to learn, why not start building your business today?

What qualifications and skills do I need?

You’re probably wondering about the specific skills required to become a mobile mechanic, and whether you’ll have to acquire qualifications.

Getting the right experience and education is key to going mobile, so let’s delve into the specifics of both.

Qualifications

If you’re just starting out in the car repair business, you’ll need to obtain the necessary qualifications. There are different ways to do so, such as enrolling in a taught course or signing up for an apprenticeship.

When it comes to studying, you should think about enrolling on a college-level course. These include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
• Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Technology

To supplement your studies, there’s also NVQ qualifications which will give you a competitive edge.

There are both advanced and intermediate apprenticeships available. So, no matter what your skill level, you’ll be able to work towards becoming a mobile mechanic.

Skills

You’ll also need certain skills if you’re going to succeed as a mobile mechanic. These include:

• Being adaptable, flexible, and level-headed
• You’ll need to have great problem-solving abilities
• Good with customer service skills
• You’ll equally need to develop the technical skills required to maintain and repair vehicles

If you’re wondering how to be a mobile mechanic, combining education and practical learning is often the best route.

How to get experience as a mobile mechanic?

As mentioned, an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to gain on-the-job training before branching out on your own.

There’s no better way to learn than throwing yourself into it.

Therefore, if you know a mechanic, spending time shadowing them may be a great way to get started.

Top tips for becoming a mobile mechanic

We know how tough it can be when you first launch your business. So, we’ve come up with some top tips to help you establish yourself as a reputable mobile mechanic.

• Gain the necessary experience – It goes without saying that you’ll need to get adequate experience under your belt. Start out by enrolling on a course, then look for hands-on work
• Carve out a distinctive name – It’s important to set yourself apart in the automotive repair industry. Do so by choosing a specific niche, or creating a logo which makes you recognisable to your customer base
• Invest in the correct equipment – You can’t do your job without the correct equipment. Therefore, investing in quality tools is a guaranteed way to help you on the path to success
• Brush up on your knowledge- Make sure you know the industry inside out, and that you’re clued up on the necessary insurance and policies

Checkatrade is here to help

Establishing a mobile mechanic business is a great idea if you have expertise in the area. Equally, don’t be deterred if you’re just starting out. By following these tips, you can grow into a successful mechanic.

There’s always going to be demand for mobile mechanics, therefore it’s a fantastic path to embark upon. Hopefully, our guide on becoming a mobile mechanic has revealed that it’s possible to deliver quality repairs on the go.

It can be daunting to establish your own business, but Checkatrade is here to help you.

As a member, you’ll be able to set up your own Checkatrade profile and attract new customers. Equally, we’ve got exclusive savings on workwear and tools to help you get started.

Get in touch to learn more about the signup process, and grow your mobile mechanic business with Checkatrade today.

Mobile mechanic FAQs

How long does it take to train as a mobile mechanic?

If you’re hoping to become a mobile mechanic, it can take a few years to establish yourself.

To become a motor mechanic, you’ll need to complete an advanced motor vehicle service and maintenance technical apprenticeship. This will usually take you 2-3 years, including on-the-job training.

After gaining the necessary qualifications and skills, you’ll be able to start thinking about setting up your own business.

How much do mobile mechanics charge?

The average hourly rate ranges from £25-£60, depending on both skill level and the job in question. Equally, the call-out fee for a mobile mechanic is between £45-£85.

It’s important to note that mobile mechanics can charge a higher rate when called out outside of standard hours. This includes weekends, late evenings, and bank holidays.

What paperwork do I need to complete?

If you’re hoping to carry out on-the-go automotive repairs, you’ll have to complete all the necessary paperwork.

When starting out, you’ll be classified as self-employed for tax purposes, meaning you’ll need to apply for all necessary licences. Your local council is the best port of call for queries on this.

Insurance is another important thing to consider, and you’ll have to set up trade insurance before you start working. You’ll also need Trade Licensing Plates to work on vehicles, and these need to be regularly reviewed.

Content disclaimer: This content has been created for general information purposes and should not be taken as formal advice. Read our full disclaimer here.