Abby B. In this article, I’ll be sharing 17 side hustle ideas for car lovers, where some are car-related and others may leverage on other skills you have. I’ll also provide recommendations of what you’ll need to start and provide more tailored options for making an extra income with cars.
*This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link!
17 Best Side Hustles For Car Enthusiasts
If you love using social media, you’ll be shocked to know just how much brands pay for you to promote their products or services. Instead of endlessly consuming others’ content, try making your own for cars!
It will take some time to grow your social accounts to a good number of followers (about 10k) where brands start to approach you. But if you’re doing it for the love of cars, it won’t feel like much.
Best platforms to start with are TikTok, YouTube shorts and Instagram Reels. I would suggest making videos reviewing cars or car-related products right from the start (even if it’s unpaid) so brands know what to expect from you.
2. Offer mobile car detailing services
One of the most specialized way to make money as a car enthusiast is to learn automotive detailing and offer it as a service.
You can watch the video I’ve included above on how a young man started his own solo car detailing business after school and how he plans to expand it further in the future. The profit margins are great!
Mobile car detailing services are usually priced higher since you’ll need to go to the customer’s location, instead of them coming to you. It also takes less overhead costs to start compared to a full-fledged detailing workshop.
Easiest way is to start small!
| What do I need to start? | – Tools for car detailing – Vehicle to offer mobile services |
If you have a growing social media media account and content plan laid out, you can make an income faster (compared to waiting for sponsorships) by promoting affiliate products. This can come down to promoting car wash soaps, car accessories or even handy automotive tools.
Once a person clicks on your affiliate link and make a purchase, you’ll earn a commission – usually a percentage of the sale amount.
It’s important to be genuine and promote products or services that you use or tried out yourself. Some affiliate marketplaces to check out are Amazon Associates, CJ affiliate, Clickbank, Share-a-sale and Rakuten Advertising.
| What do I need to start? | – Affiliate products or services you can promote – Social media account with growing followers |
If you’re already on the TikTok or Instagram short video bandwagon, consider creating long-form content for YouTube as well. It doesn’t have to be long but should cover the topic thoroughly – in most cases, a 10-minute video should be enough.
Still new and lack resources to build your content? One of the easiest way to make content for the automotive segment is to provide detailed comparisons (car X vs. car Y) – highly doable even without owning the car.
Sharing useful information for cars on untapped topics can go a long way! Reduce decision fatigue by having your tripods and gears in a specific position in your studio or garage.
Interesting YouTube channels for car niche:
| What do I need to start? | – A camera to record – Portable microphone for better sound – A video editing software |
Read: What I spent for my vlogging gear in first 6 months
5. Start a podcast for the car niche
Love talking more than editing photos and videos? Creating your own podcast makes you a content creator as well.
You can choose to record audio files of yourself talking about cars and related topics, or get a guest to join you. This doesn’t have to be someone famous, getting the next knowledgeable guy in your area to give their insights work too!
I personally listen to podcast for self development but there are all kinds of podcasts out there. Podcasts are much easier to listen to compared to videos and takes less attention. However, it still takes some social media promotion to get your podcast found by your ideal audience!
| What do I need to start? | – Good desk microphone – Set of quality earphones – An audio editing software |
Check out: 70 podcasts in the automotive niche
There are an assortment of topics you can cover within the car niche but it truly depends on your own personal interest. Are you more interested in car repairs, car accessories or just mesmerized by beautiful cars?
Regardless which one you’re more inclined towards, there are subtopics you can write about – in extensive length!
Compared to YouTube videos and podcast episodes, a blog allows you to write in greater depth. It’s the reason why people still Google for answers than just resorting to the first two.
If you prefer writing against others, you can still make a good income writing for your own automotive blog. Share educational information for vehicles and car maintenance!
Blogging can be a difficult project to get into without the right knowledge so I’d recommend starting with this beginner course!
Not looking to invest in anything yet? Check out my article for step-by-step guide on how to set up a blog.
| What do I need to start? | – A WordPress Website – Domain name & hosting – Passion to write for a specific niche |
Read: Why I invested in a blogging coach before doing anything else
7. Join roadshows to showcase your unique cars
If you’re a car enthusiast, chances are you own your own set of unique cars or car. Regardless, which it is, if your vehicle is unique enough and known in the market, you can join roadshows to showcase it.
Roadshows can be a source of income if you’re paid to showcase your car. However, if it is the other way around (you need to pay to be showcased), it can still be a good platform to build your social connections within the field that you love.
That itself will open doors to endless great opportunities!
Don’t have a vehicle? You can become an attendant at roadshows or work part-time for the committee hosting such events.
| What do I need to start? | – Car or cars to showcase – Part-time job roles for roadshows |
8. Take photos of cars and sell stock photos online
Already seeing beautiful cars on a daily basis? You can monetize your passion by taking photos of them and selling stock photos online. Of course, you can only take these photos with the permission of the owners!
Take things further by learning photography the professional way. It will greatly boost your photo-shooting skills, allowing you to even become a photographer for car launches or car-related events.
If you’re wondering who will be needing these photos, think again. Not all blogs or large websites have relevant images to use within their content. They will resort to paying for quality photos of cars or vehicles from others (like you!).
Selling stock photos may not make much in the beginning, but it’s an ideal side hustle for those looking to build passive income in the long run. Sales can come in at any time!
Stock websites you can join to start:
| What do I need to start? | – A good camera – Photo editing skills – Consistency to upload photos frequently |
9. Become a freelance writer for other automotive websites
Into writing but don’t want to go through the process of building a blog from scratch? You can become a freelance writer for automotive blogs instead.
It’s best to write for automotive blogs that are in your main language or English if you’re able to. Since cars are very much different and localized depending on the country, it’s also good that you write for one that’s based in your country. Your knowledge is much more relevant that way!
Freelance writers can earn up to $100 per article and even more if they’re specialized in writing for a niche e.g. automotive. So don’t spread yourself by writing for too many niches.
This beginner freelance writing course is the one I took myself to start my writing career. It has everything you need to start earning from clients all over the world including how to pitch on the right topics!
| What do I need to start? | – Writing skills – Good command of English or the language you intend to write for – Promote your freelance writing service |
Check out: How to start freelance writing and make money (the ultimate resource)
10. Source spare parts to resell to other car lovers
My dad loves modifying his car – it’s an endless spree! If there’s one thing in common about car lovers, it’s their need to modify to make their vehicles unique.
A side hustle you can get into is buying and selling second hand spare parts for cars. It may need some upfront investment to purchase and space to store, but if you have both – there’s nothing to lose.
Alternatively, you can sell without really owning the products in the first place. Just have to help others source the product and take a cut.
It’s best to start small and not make any huge investments until you know what sells!
| What do I need to start? | – Knowledge of spare parts – Ability to source spare parts for cheap – Platform to market and sell |
11. Become a part-time mechanic
The busiest time for car workshops is on the weekends. If you’re into part-time work, consider becoming a part-time mechanic on your off-days. Easiest side hustle to get into if you’re handy at fixing vehicles!
It is best to have relevant background to work as a mechanic, but passion can go a long way. Start by learning the basics of car maintenance and you can learn as you go.
Based on U.S. News, auto mechanics make an average of $46,880 in 2021 with the higher side being $59,950. These figures are for a full-time role but you should get a good overview. It should also vary according to your location!
| What do I need to start? | – Knowledge and experience on car repair – Part-time job roles |
12. Sell die-cast cars on Etsy or eBay
I get it – not everyone wants to work with complicated cars or have enough time to take up a heavy side job. What if all you love are die-cast cars and toy cars?
You can still make money selling die-cast collectibles on marketplaces like Etsy or eBay. Rare limited edition ones can get you a really high price.
If you’re not looking to buy and sell yet, start out by building a YouTube channel just to share videos of your personal collection of die-cast cars!
| What do I need to start? | – Collection of die-cast cars to resell – Expertise on car collections – Platform to sell the cars |
Check out: A grandad owning 6,500 die-cast cars worth £150,000 finally selling them!
13. Flip second hand items for profit
One of the fastest ways to make extra cash is to resell stuffs you no longer need. You may argue that this includes selling of your collection of die-cast cars and while that may be true, it goes far beyond that.
Even if you don’t own anything that can be sold, you can still start a side hustle out of it. Scout for cheap second hand goods that are related to cars and resell them for profit on sites like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
You can look for the items online or offline e.g. local flea market, but you’ll need time to make the visit and find the right items. I made a chunk of money selling things I no longer use in my spare time!
| What do I need to start? | – An eye to spot underpriced valued goods – Skills and platform to sell online or offline – A small budget to purchase your first second hand item |
Check out: How to start reselling things as a side hustle
14. Drive for Uber or Lyft
The easiest way to make extra money tomorrow is by using what you already have – especially if it’s a car. Since you’re a car enthusiast, you probably own a car yourself or have the means to source one.
If you’re looking for a side job that does not require much thinking and is pretty straightforward, driving with Uber or Lyft is a great option. However, it’ll take up your time and won’t pay as much if you’re just doing it on the weekends.
Don’t want to face people outside your full-time job? Deliver packages or food instead with Amazon Flex or Uber Eats.
| What do I need to start? | – A vehicle to drive – Smartphone to receive ride orders |
15. Teach others a skill via workshops or paid online courses
If you love teaching others, it’s possible to set up your own workshops or create online courses for others to purchase.
Unsure what to teach about? You probably have a set of skills that are important for new car owners or even seasoned ones. Try to make a list of the knowledge you have acquired as a car lover – is it something that’s beneficial to others?
Physical workshops are best for building long term relationships and if you’re focused on a certain area or state. On the other hand, although creating pre-recorded online courses take time, it’s a great way to make side income passively.
The common price points for a single payment short online course are $30, $47 and $67. To be honest, you can price it however you like but it’s entirely dependent on the value your customers are getting from the course.
You don’t have to be a pro to start teaching others – just be above average and learn as you go!
Some sites you can host online courses on:
| What do I need to start? | – A niched course idea – Well thought out module – Tools to record your lessons e.g. screen record, microphone |
Creating courses is too much work for you? Here’s a list of digital products you can make to sell on easy platforms like Etsy. I’ve made a quick guide on how to make these products too!
16. Become a certified driving instructor
Requirements to become a driving instructor varies depending on the state you’re living in. But the basic things to have is a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need to be above a certain age!
The New York state requires driving instructors to be at least 21 years old and employed by a licensed driving school. Individuals must then complete an Application for Driving School Instructor Certificate (MV-523) to get certified.
Driving instructors are usually needed on a full-time basis but part-time roles are considered for busier seasons. Something I would recommend if you love teaching and have the patience to do so!
| What do I need to start? | – Driving license – Relevant requirements based on state you live in |
Thought of setting up an ecommerce business but unsure what to sell? You can sell merchandises printed with automotive designs via print on demand.
All you need to do is sign up to POD fulfillments like Printify or Printful, create designs on Canva and upload them on merchandise such as t-shirts, phone cases, tote bags etc.
Sell your merch on Etsy or Shopify and your chosen fulfillment will handle the printing and shipping of orders to your customers.
It’s a side hustle I highly recommend if you have an eye for good design and want to make money passively. You can also purchase ready designs on creative marketplaces like Envato Elements or Creative Fabrica.
| What do I need to start? | – Basic designing skills – A laptop to work with – An initial niche and product |
Can’t decide what product to design and sell? Check out my product guides before deciding!
- Tote bags for print on demand
- Tumblers for print on demand
- Phone cases for print on demand
- Posters for print on demand
- Leggings for print on demand
- Jewelry for print on demand
- Candles for print on demand
- Doormats for print on demand
- Hoodies for print on demand
- Pet products for print on demand
- Socks for print on demand
- Pajamas for print on demand
- Blankets for print on demand
- Baby clothes for print on demand
- Wrapping paper for print on demand
- Puzzles for print on demand
- Stickers for print on demand
- Athletic wear for print on demand
- Hats for print on demand
- Journals for print on demand
- Greeting cards for print on demand
- Mugs for print on demand
15 Mechanic Side Hustle Ideas
Based on the current trends, here are 15 mechanic side hustle ideas:
- Buy and sell used cars for profit
- Become an online car consultant
- Offer door-to-door car inspection
- Sell and change car batteries on a mobile basis
- Become an influencer to get sponsorships
- Promote affiliates for car-related products using social media
- Start a YouTube channel on car repair
- Build a podcast for car lovers
- Write for your own automotive repair blog
- Start a car rental business
- Write content for other automotive websites
- Source and sell spare parts for unique vehicles
- Design merchandise for car enthusiasts
- Offer automotive detailing services
- Create car-related products to sell on Etsy
11 Ways To Make Passive Income For Mechanics
These are 11 ways to make passive income for mechanics:
- Build a YouTube channel teaching others how to manage basic car repairs
- Share car-related content online with a blog
- Create short-form videos for TikTok or Instagram
- Become an affiliate marketer for automotive-related products or services
- Pre-record your car-related lessons to sell as online courses
- Teach others on how to start a mechanic business
- Sell photos of cars and vehicles on stock photography websites online
- Rent out your space or tools to others when not in use
- Sell digital products on Etsy
- Create books or how-to guides to sell on Amazon KDP
- Start a podcast for automotive topics
Which Side Hustle Should I Choose?
Unsure which side hustle for car enthusiasts you should go for? Here are the top 6 things to consider when deciding which side hustle is best for you.
- How much time can you commit to it?
- Consider how much time you can set aside for your side hustle for weekdays and weekends
- What type of income are you looking for?
- Do you want to make income actively or passively while you sleep?
- What sparks interest & passion in you?
- Choose a side hustle that aligns to your personal goals and interests as it keeps you motivated
- Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
- Different side hustles requires different level of communication with the outside world, are you comfortable meeting new people every day?
- What is your current partner or friend up to that you can leverage on?
- Doing something with a friend or partner makes things easier and more manageable
- How soon do you need to make extra money?
- Not all side hustles make the same amount of money in the same pace, do you need money today or in a year’s time?
Bottom Line
There are so many side hustles you can explore for car enthusiasts. Start by writing down your personal interests, then list down ideas on how they can be monetized.
The best way to get started with side hustles is to TRY. Pick at least one or two things I’ve shared above, give time and you’ll eventually find something that works for you!
In my experience, building passive income streams is the way to no longer trade time for money.
Here are 17 best side hustles for car enthusiasts:
- Become a social media influencer to attract brand deals
- Offer mobile car detailing services
- Promote affiliate links for car-related products
- Build a YouTube channel for car-related content
- Start a podcast for the car niche
- Share your knowledge of cars with your own blog
- Join roadshows to showcase your unique cars
- Take photos of cars and sell stock photos online
- Become a freelance writer for other automotive websites
- Source spare parts to resell to other car lovers
- Become a part-time mechanic
- Sell die-cast cars on Etsy or eBay
- Flip second hand items for profit
- Drive for Uber or Lyft
- Teach others a skill via workshops or paid online courses
- Become a certified driving instructor
- Design car-related merchandise with print on demand
I’m not one to brag, but blogging has changed my life. I’ve been able to earn an income passively while on a coffee date and traveling with my family. With everything, it takes time to learn and not an overnight success – to speed things up, get yourself a blogging coach before starting.
These are my blogging resources to help you out:
- Step-by-step guide how to start blogging in your free time
- Why you need a blogging coach right from the start
- Worried of exposing yourself? You can blog anonymously
Photo by Sven Wittrock
