Starting Mobile Oil Changing Business

35 comments
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Everybody needs oil changing servicing. Every 3 or 4 months a car typically needs oil replacement or a tune up. With a hectic office schedule, dropping off and picking up kids to and from school, and doing groceries in between, one can really be lost in thick of things.

Situations like these create a lot of inconvenience and unnecessary stress. A lot of stress can be easily taken cared of and solved by hiring mobile oil changing service provider who can work on your vehicle without disrupting your day to day schedule. This mobile oil change business guide will show you how you can open up your own venture.

Here are steps to start your own profitable mobile oil change business.

Register a business name

Professionalize your business by registering a business name. Search the web if your chosen name is in used. If not, register it at once. Go to your city clerk office and register your business. Then open a bank account in your business name.

Get mobile oil changing business license

All businesses have legal processes for it to be allowed to operate. Visit your nearby city hall to inquire about the license, permits, and other necessary documents. Fill out the necessary paper work and file these important documents away.

Financing your business

Starting your own mobile oil changing business really doesn’t require too much capitalization. You could certainly apply for a loan if you want to. However if you have a low charging credit card, you could use it and make good debts instead of bad debts with it.

Gather your equipment

Doing oil changes require certain equipments. If you are to be professional at what you do, make sure you have the following tools: oil filter, type of oil and how much in quarts, an oil pan, an adjustable wrench, newspaper, old rags or paper towels, funnel, and a portable ramp if you have one.

Know the basics of oil changing

Nothing substitutes than actually doing one oil change by yourself. Once you have done 2 or 3 of them then the rest will be a snap. Here are a few tips how to change oil.

If you have a ramp, align your car carefully on top of it.
Place the oil pan directly under the oil hole under your car. Place old newspaper under the oil pan. Newspaper absorbs oil spills.
Loosen the bolt holding the oil in.
Allow the oil to drain completely before unscrewing the old oil filter using the adjustable wrench.
Before placing in the new oil filter, put some old oil into the rim of the new one.
Bolt the screw back in place and pour the engine oil.

Advertise your business

Invest on a few brochures, flyers, business cards and stickers. Give them out to people you meet and of course in your neighborhood. Talk with a few figures of influence in your community to help you with your business campaign and endorse your services. Talk to a few shops as well if you can place ads in their shops. Give out printed t-shirts that advertise your business name. Get loud and crazy so people will notice you.

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35 Comments

Lethan K. Armartey said on April 16, 2009
I just graduated as a certified tech. All in all i think this is what i need to do with that degree is to start my own business. I will rather open my own shop but i don't have a ton of money to invest so i choose this way and i am passionate about it. The whole automotive industry i love and i cant see myself doing anything else. My question is; am having problems with pricing i was thinking charge for the oil and filter with labor, oil and filter that i would get from the local parts store is that right or wholesale if there is such a think? and, as far as stocking oil and oil filters who could i contact to help with that?
Lethan K. Armartey said on April 16, 2009
Another question is, affordable equipment. for doing the oil change evacuating it.
Rick Harbit said on April 21, 2009
Lethan, I am doing the same thing. I work at the local NAPA store, therefore I can get parts cheap. I am getting familiar with NAPA suppliers therefore I can build a relationship with them and get my own account with them. I suggest you talk to your local NAPA store. They can set you up with a charge account. You can probably get all of their delivery vehicles as your first fleet if you are going to use their filters. Email me if you have any more questions.
Melinda said on May 19, 2009
We started our Mobile oil change business in 1999. It takes hard work and an outgoing personality to build up a customer base.
vic said on July 27, 2009
Do you need a special license or permit from your state? i currently reside in texas
Matt said on October 11, 2009
Hi, I live in Rhode Island. I don't see anywhere that I need a license or permit to do oil changes here. Anyone know?
Emilio said on February 2, 2010
I am doing a business plan to open a mobile oil changes business. Now I searching the market to see, for the profitability as well to who I will offer my services. I am living in Fremont, Califoria.
Melinda said on April 26, 2010
My husband and I have written a "How to Start" and a Mobile Lube Business Plan to help others interested in starting this business.
Tom Davis said on April 28, 2010
Atlanta, Ga. Melinda I would be interested in the "How to Start" document. Additionally, have others found that any special license is required outside of the normal licensing that any business needs?
Geraldo Espinosa said on May 6, 2010
hi just one question do i need a license permit to run a mobile auto oil changes in kansas city missouri.
Colten Sims said on October 11, 2010
I'm starting a Mobile Detailing business and would like to get into Mobile Oil Changing. What can you tell me about licenses and permits for these types of businesses? I appreciate your help.
Colten Sims said on October 11, 2010
I just asked you about permits in regard to Mobile Oil Changing... I live in Salina, Kansas. Thought you might need that info...
ANNIE said on October 28, 2010
Youngstown, Ohio I need to know how to get started in a oil changing business that would come to the customer's residence or work. What types of laws are there on the disposing of oil. How about in apartment complexes? What kind of license would I need to get? What type of insurance coverage is necessary to cover damages?
Arnie Davis said on December 14, 2010
Melinda, My name is Arnie Davis and I'm interested in starting a mobile auto changes business, how can I receive of get the how to start write plan from you? You can email me if you would please. I live in Greensboro N.C. and is currently in Iraq and this what I would love to do when I get back. I would appreciate your help.
mark rohm said on January 14, 2011
Stevensville, MI 49127. how do you get the plan to start your oil lube mobile / whats the charge
Billie Hainds said on February 16, 2011
It is illegal to transport USED OIL or WASTE OIL in Missouri without a Missouri Hazardous Waste Transporters License. You can change the oil, but you can't haul a single quart of used oil from a customer without that license.
Eli said on November 3, 2011
Does anyone know if you need any special permits or licenses in California? Or does anyone know a good supplier for oil and filters in California?
Isaac Weekly said on December 7, 2011
I am an Amsoil Dealer and been one for three years. I am working on my business plan for a mobile oil change, but stumped at sales forecast, what I need for my startup inventory, and a few other things. If anyone could please help me, with like a sample business plan that'd be awesome. I live in Brunswick, Maine. Known as either the "Oil Guy" or "Amsoil Dude." Which is nice but haven't gotten any leads everytime I have someone asking for Amsoil, they also want me to do the oil change for them. So if any of you could please give me some pointers that would be awesome.
Richard said on April 3, 2012
4748 W. Sierra Vista DR SUITE 161. Hello everyone I myself am trying to start up my mobile repair and oil change business. Any hints or suggestions? I don't have a van or truck yet but I have a business plan set up and I'm ready to do it.
Matt Hannon said on August 31, 2012
I Live in Norco CA and would like the information you are providing such as license and permits and any other help you can give. Please email me the business plan,, cooleytransport@gmail.com.. I would also like some advice on how to get a small business loan to purchase the equipment
AJ said on November 28, 2012
hey i'm also from california and i need to know if we need any permits or lic here or any other information would be greatly appreciated thanks
Doug said on January 12, 2013
Do I need a special license to start my own business of changing oil at my residents?
Dylan said on January 15, 2013
Hello i am a student at Red River College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I am in a student in the business administration program. i am doing a business plan on a mobile oil change questions. i have several questions on the legal issues as well as permits. if you could email me back i would like to ask you this questions. thank you very much
ed said on March 29, 2013
In north florida you do not need any permit or license if your office (place of business)is not within the city limits. You can transport up to 55 gallons at one time in an aluminum or other safe mode of transport to the recycling place of choice for the used oil and filters. It is not recommended that you keep any of the used oil or filters on your property for any length of time unless you plan to recycle it yourself in which you need permits to do so..
Hamma D said on September 21, 2014
Milinda please share your business plan, I badly need it. Many thanks
Randy Ross said on September 22, 2014
I guess we cannot edit our previous posts so you can also reach me at randyross@abqoilchange.com. Thanks
Sou said on March 13, 2015
I will be launching a mobile oil change in the bayarea. I'm looking for people that want to start there own mobile oil change business. I can show you how and give you all the customer base. Only in the bayare. San Pablo, Oakland area
mike said on March 26, 2015
So what permits do u need in california. I'm already buying everything. I know its possible just dont know how hard there going to make it to start it...
Mike Parker said on March 28, 2015
I live in Lincoln Ne. are there any special permits or epa for oil you are working with just checking. I want to every permit or anything I need so I can start next Monday. Thank you Mike Parker
P. Whit said on May 23, 2016
Hello I'm interested in starting a Mobile oil change business in Fresno Ca. would you be able to help me with permit and certification information?
Ced P said on June 3, 2016
I want to start my own mobile oil change business in Orlando FL I need help determining which licenses, permits and certifications I would need? Please help!
Alex S. said on October 19, 2016
Hello Melinda, would you be so kind to share your business plan, please? many thanks in advance.
klaus Falkenberg said on November 3, 2016
Hello Melinda, I'm very interested in the plan to start the mobile oil business. Already have the truck with the equipment but I will love your help with the info to start ASAP. THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR HELP, Best regards Klaus
Eddie Trevino said on June 6, 2017
hi Melinda, can you share the business plan, love to start one here in TX
farzane said on February 12, 2018
Hi, i want to start a mobile oil changing business. the costs of employment is so high at first and i wanna know dealing with repair shops is a good idea or not? what is your suggestions?