It’s happened to everyone: you get in your car to go to work and your vehicle won’t start.
There’s nothing more frustrating than finding an issue with your car, especially when you’re in a rush to get somewhere.
Well now, with the help of YourMechanic.com, you can skip the hassle of having to go to the repair shop and hire an expert mechanic to come right to your door.
For car repair customers, YourMechanic can be an excellent experience.
But what do the actual mechanics think of the job?
What is it like being a mobile mechanic?
How much money can you actually make?
Let’s take a deep dive into YourMechanic.
We’re going to break down everything you need to know about how it works and how you can earn money as a mobile mechanic.
What is YourMechanic?
YourMechanic is a mobile auto repair service that lets customers hire a mechanic to fix auto repairs from the comfort of their home.
All customers need to do is visit the website or app, describe their problem as best they can and get a quote.
Customers can then book an appointment and have a professional mechanic do the necessary repairs at their home or place of business.
The website and app are easy to use, and customers can book a service appointment seven days a week.
In some cases, the mechanic can do the repair as soon as the next day.
It’s ideal for busy customers who don’t want to have to leave work to take their car to get fixed.
It’s also a unique opportunity for skilled mechanics to do work in their neighborhood without having to work with one garage or dealership.
Related: The 9 Best Apps for YourMechanic Workers
YourMechanic can’t do major repair jobs on-site, but they do offer over 500 services.
You can have batteries, belts, hoses, and brakes replaced. You can have heating and A/C systems fixed.
You can have lights, mirrors, and sensors fixed.
YourMechanics don’t do major engine overhauls or major transmission work, but they do pretty much everything else.
The company has been in business since 2012, and they service customers in over 2,000 cities around the United States.
YourMechanic is dedicated to providing customer convenience and transparent pricing.
Their prices are typically 20% less than average car repair shops.
For customers, it’s an easy way to get a vehicle fixed without having to spend hours at a repair shop.
For mechanics, it’s an opportunity to work on the types of cars they love, interact with customers, and work on their own schedule.
What do YourMechanics do?
Mechanics make auto repair house calls entirely through the app.
The company connects mechanics with customers who need work done and provide access to all parts.
Once a mechanic books a job, they head to the customer’s home or office, diagnose the issue, and make the necessary repair.
YourMechanics aren’t expected to do intensive repairs, but they are equipped to work on brakes, alternators, tires, timing belts, brake pads, and all sorts of other issues.
Whether the problem is inside the car or under the hood, mobile mechanics have the skills necessary to complete most common repairs.
Mobile mechanics work independently.
They have the freedom to work the days, times, and hours they choose.
You can work seven days a week, one day a week, only at night, or just on weekends.
As a YourMechanic, you are in complete control of your schedule and have the opportunity to work as much or as little as you want.
Mechanics carry all of the necessary tools with them needed to do the job, including any required parts, lifts, or scanners.
Unlike working in most dealerships or shops, they get to interact with the customer and provide a personal level of customer service.
But their primary task is simple:
Diagnose the problem correctly and do the repair on-site.
YourMechanic offers over 500 services that mechanics can do on-site at a customer’s home or place of business.
How much do YourMechanics make?
Like most jobs in the ever-expanding gig economy, everybody has one major question:
What kind of income can I expect working there?
And, as with most on-demand gigs, with YourMechanic, the amount you earn depends entirely on you.
That’s because you decide how often you want to work.
You decide which services you want to perform.
You set your own schedule and only work on the jobs that you want to do.
The amount you earn per job depends on the type of service that needs to be done, so the pay fluctuates depending on what kind of services you perform.
What is it like being an independent contractor?
Mobile mechanics are independent contractors – and that comes with a variety of perks as well as drawbacks.
As an independent contractor, you have the freedom to work when and where you want.
But you’re also responsible for your own expenses.
You are not paid for the time it takes you to drive from job to job.
You are not compensated for mileage or the wear and tear you put on your car.
And since you’re not an actual employee of the company, you are responsible for paying your own taxes.
How much do I get to take home?
Just because you can earn $40 an hour doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to keep all of that as pure profit.
You’ll need to set aside a certain percentage of your income to pay your federal, state, and local taxes.
The best way to do so is to save a percentage of your pay every week.
Otherwise, you could be facing a steep tax bill when you file your taxes in April.
Note that independent contractors do not get any health insurance, vacation days, paid sick days, or benefits.
If those are benefits you expect and rely on, then you’re better off seeking traditional employment.
However, if you want the freedom to be your own boss, working as an independent contractor is ideal.
How can I apply to work for YourMechanic?
Whether you’re a master mechanic or a newcomer to the field, you can seek employment with YourMechanic.
Be aware that they do have a rigorous screening process, and it’s important to note that only about 5-10% of all applicants are approved.
To get started, head to their website.
You’ll need to provide some basic information, details of your experience, and any credentials or certifications that you may have.
You’ll also need to consent to a background check, a skills check, a criminal records check, and have your professional references reviewed.
YourMechanic has a stringent hiring policy, so you’ll need to prove that you have the skills (and a clean background) to get the gig.
In addition, most mechanics have ASE certification, but some only have dealer or factory training.
Pros and cons of working for YourMechanic
Every job has its pros and cons – and gig economy jobs are no exception.
So if you’re thinking about working as a mobile mechanic for YourMechanic, there are some upsides and downsides to consider before you apply.
Here are the biggest pros and cons of working for YourMechanic:
Pros:
#1 You have the freedom to make your own schedule
Having the option to work when you want and how often you want is a significant perk.
You can choose to work traditional 9 to 5 hours.
You can decide to work solely at night or on weekends.
That flexibility is perfect for anyone looking to balance their family life and work schedule.
The freedom to work when you want also allows you to supplement your steady income with a flexible, part-time job (if that’s what you’re looking for).
#2 You are essentially your own boss
Don’t like having a boss breathing down your neck?
Can’t stand someone looking over your shoulder at every little thing you do?
Mobile mechanics are independent contractors, so you are essentially your own boss.
But with that freedom comes the understanding that if something goes wrong, it’s all on you.
#3 You can work as little or as often as you want
If you need a full-time job, you can work 40 or more hours a week.
If you only want a part-time gig, you can work 2 or 5 or 10 hours a week.
The flexibility to determine your own hours makes this gig a viable option for many skilled mechanics.
#4 You can decide how long you want your commute to be
Tired of driving an hour to get to work?
Sick of sitting in traffic and wasting precious time?
As a mobile mechanic you can decide where you want to work, so your daily commute can be as short or long as you want it to be.
#5 You can get referral bonuses
If you refer another mechanic to YourMechanic, you can get a $100-$500 bonus.
You get $100 when they complete their first job and $400 when they complete the 25th.
Cons:
#1 It can be tough to get support
Mobile mechanics report that it can be difficult to get support if there’s a problem with a job.
If you read through some of the reviews readily available online, you’ll also find that many mobile mechanics say that getting corporate support is a challenge.
In fairness to the employees who work at the corporate level, they aren’t expected to be mechanics.
They don’t necessarily have first-hand knowledge of what the actual mechanics do.
They handle the company development, app, booking, and billing – the skilled mechanics are those who work out in the field.
#2 Inconsistent levels of work
Some mobile mechanics report that there isn’t enough work to make this a full-time job.
Keep in mind that this is dependent upon where you work as well as the days and hours that you prefer to be out in the field.
#3 You have to pay for your own expenses
As an independent contractor, you have to pay for your own expenses.
That includes paying for gas to get to the job, as well as things like rags, spill mats, and cleaning supplies.
On the upside, you can deduct those things as part of your business expenses when it comes time to pay your taxes.
So what is the final word?
You can make about $40 an hour as a mobile mechanic with YourMechanic.
But the pay alone isn’t all you need to consider before applying for the job.
You need to be skilled and have solid experience with fixing car problems and routine maintenance to get the gig.
Once you get approved to work, you can manage your own schedule and decide when and where you want to work.
It’s a great opportunity for a mechanic who’s looking to supplement their income or find a new way to do the work they love.
Our suggestion?
Give it a try.
As an independent contractor, there’s no commitment to sticking with the job, so try it out and decide for yourself if it’s the right gig for you.
