What is a Mobile Mechanic?

What is a Mobile Mechanic?

Did you know some mechanics make house calls?!

I’m sure if you know what a car is, then you know what, or at least have an idea of what a mechanic is. Along with this idea, I’m sure you associate the idea of a mechanic with the belief you need to take your car to a service center anytime you need a mechanic’s help. Well, I am here to tell you that times are changing, and the option of a mechanic coming to you is now available!!

There have been mobile mechanics offering services for many years, but it is just in the last few that it has really begun to gain popularity as the idea becomes more known.

About 8 out of 10 people I talk to have no idea that there are mobile mechanic services available for them to take advantage of!

100k mile service on a Mustang GT

Pros of finding a Mobile Mechanic:

A good mobile mechanic will be able to eliminate your need to go and spend time at a shop for almost all repair services that are needed.

The service that mobile mechanics offer is an awesome option for those who value their time and do not want to deal with the typical time wasted when dealing with the repair shop processes.

A typical visit when I show up to a client’s location consists of a vehicle check-in/inspection, and then I prepare an estimate there on the spot and the client is able to see a transparent list of the needed repairs and will be able to ask questions about anything and not feel pressured like they can feel dealing with a service advisor who is there specifically to make sales. Granted, I love good sales, but I love fixing cars and helping people more.

Having your own trustworthy mechanic now days is a very valuable thing to have, and a mechanic that is mobile adds to that value.

Imagine it’s a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning and you have family in town when your Starter fails. Well, the chances of a shop getting it in and out last minute are very slim, so imagine having a mechanic who can come to your house and knock it out there while you go and enjoy your company?

That is the type of scenario I had in mind when first going mobile. I also find it helps people who have to work a lot, or parents who are home with the kids and don’t have time to take a break and load them all up to go to the shop.

I advise looking into the mechanic/company certifications and licensing as well. You do not want to hire someone who is not registered as a business, and you also want to make sure that they have some form of insurance if they are working on your vehicle. I have heard a lot of stories from clients about people they found on Craigslist/Facebook who came and took their money and never finished the job, and of course, these people have not registered as official businesses so it can be nearly impossible to track them down when this happens.

Having a trustworthy mobile mechanic can take so much of the headache factor away from the automotive service and repair process.

4-Wheel Brake Job on a BMW. New Calipers, Lines, Rotors and Pads!

Cons of working with a Mobile Mechanic:

Although there are many positives that come with hiring a mobile mechanic, there are also a few downsides.

The biggest issue is that there are a few jobs that just do not go well being mobile and are best to be performed in a shop environment with a lift (Alignments, Engines, Transmissions, etc). I have pulled engines and transmissions without a lift available, but it usually becomes more work and mess than it was worth. Also, some newer vehicles are limited in how much programming you can perform without dealership level access, so for specialty jobs like that, they need to be taken to the dealer unless the software is obtainable online.

So although mobile mechanics can do a lot, there are a few jobs that have to be passed on to a brick and mortar shop.

Another downside is that certain services may cost more through a mobile service call than if you went to a shop.

Jobs like oil changes are difficult to be profitable while being mobile, so some mobile mechanics will not do them.

Even though I do not make much on an oil change, I will still take the time to do it just so that I can have the opportunity to meet a new client and inspect their vehicle for them to see what else we might need to do on it.

Remember, even though it may be cheaper to take it somewhere else, the added comfort of being able to stay home or keep working instead of sitting in a waiting room can be a big plus. Also, a lot of what you spend extra on some of these small services will be made up in money saved on other repairs down the road. I have seen that most mobile mechanics hourly rate is usually at least 25-30% cheaper than a shop.

Overview

As you have seen above, there are definitely options available depending on what you and your vehicle need to be done.

If you decide to go with a mobile mechanic, make sure to spend a little bit of time going through their ratings and reviews to be sure it is someone who seems trustworthy and reliable. There are bad ones out there, but usually reading a few reviews will show if it is somebody you will want to work with.

Also, when working with a mobile mechanic, remember that they most likely work alone, therefore get pretty busy and are not always immediately available. I try to be available for as many emergency situations as I can be, but everything else usually requires booking at least a couple of days in advance. Good service comes in high demand.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below and I will respond asap!

Gabriel G

Adept Automotive