Mobile mechanic cost: What affects your final bill for on-location repairs

Car troubles have an uncanny knack for striking at the worst possible moments. Your vehicle might decide to conk out while you’re in your driveway, stuck at work, or cruising halfway to your holiday destination. No one’s ever ready for it.

Thankfully, mobile mechanics offer a practical solution by bringing their tools and expertise right to your vehicle. They’re a convenient alternative to traditional workshops with services ranging from $50 for basic diagnostics to over $1,000 for major repairs. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what you can expect to pay per service and the key factors influencing your final bill.

How much do mobile mechanic services cost

The cost of any mobile mechanic service depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the car’s age, and the type (or extent) of work required. It’s also important to consider location-based pricing when budgeting for car repairs. For example, the cost of services may differ between mobile mechanics in Brisbane as compared to mobile mechanics in Central Coast due to regional factors and service availability.

Remember that these prices are only for a select sample of recent repairs and that additional factors can affect the cost of a mobile mechanic. 

What does a mobile mechanic do?

A customer booking mobile mechanic service for convenient car repairs (Source: iStock) 

A mobile mechanic is a fully qualified automotive professional who comes to your location rather than requiring you to visit a workshop. They bring their expertise, tools, and equipment directly to your vehicle to perform urgent repairs and maintenance services on the spot.

Mobile mechanics typically offer:

• Repairs to all major systems, including engine, brakes, transmission (clutch and controls), electrical, cooling, exhaust, suspension, driveshafts, steering, body, and air conditioning, among others
• Diagnostic inspections (with the option for quotes or bookings of repair)
• Pre-purchasing inspections
• Regular servicing (including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-ups, and spark plug changes)

While mobile mechanics can handle most common repairs, some limitations exist based on the job complexity, parts availability, car make, and working conditions. They’ll also advise whether the vehicle needs to be transported to a traditional garage for extremely complex repairs requiring specialised workshop equipment.

What other factors affect the cost of a mobile mechanic?

The cost of different car services can vary by hundreds of dollars. Consider these additional factors: 

• The average cost of a mobile mechanic is based on the length of time a repair requires, with average “per hour” labour pricing around $30 to $100+.
• None of the prices above reflects fees for parts and materials.
• The length of time your service provider might have to commute can affect the cost of a mobile mechanic, too. For example, mobile mechanics in Melbourne might charge higher rates due to longer commute times
• The urgency of the work is also a factor (e.g., emergency versus scheduled appointment).
• Even the day of the week can affect the cost, with weekend and holiday repairs often more expensive than weekday repairs.
• The specificity of the repair will also boost the cost, with specialised maintenance always costing more.

How much does a mobile mechanic charge in Australia?

There are no fixed industry rates or standard pricing for mobile mechanics across Australia. However, most charge between $30 and $100+ per hour for labour, with additional call-out fees typically ranging from $50 to $100 to cover travel expenses. Remember that quoted prices usually cover labour only, so you’ll need to budget extra for any replacement parts your vehicle requires. 

Do note that the average hourly rate of a mobile mechanic varies depending on their:

• Experience and skill
• Reputation
• Certifications and licensing
• Length of time in business

Though you will read that the cost of a mobile mechanic is usually less than a traditional mechanic working in a garage or repair shop, that is not always true. For instance, not all mobile mechanics are self-employed, and the employment cost is then calculated into the hourly rate, bumping it a bit higher. 

Fair Work Australia has set the RS&R for employed professionals:

You're hiring the mechanic as a contractor who arrives at your premises and works for a few hours. It can be a “one-off” or an ongoing exchange, but it is neither full- nor part-time employment. And because of this, the cost of a mobile mechanic might be higher to allow them to meet expenses like:

• Taxes and superannuation
• Insurance
• Travel 
• Supplies, equipment, and materials 

Factors affecting the cost of mobile mechanic services

A mobile mechanic might not accomplish all the work required in a single visit, depending on several factors. For example, some issues to be aware of include: 

• Location - A vehicle alongside a roadway might be unsafe or ineligible for extensive repairs.
• Parts required - Though most mobile mechanics are well-equipped with the tools needed to perform repairs, they cannot carry everything for every vehicle and might have to order a part or use specialised tools.
• The time frame for the repair - Almost all mobile mechanics offer emergency services. But late night and early morning hours might not be available, or they might come at a premium cost.
• The repair needed is well out of the ordinary, such as a bit of bodywork on an older or antique vehicle or a bespoke or custom part is required.

For the most part, a mobile mechanic will help you determine if the repairs needed are possible at the vehicle’s current location (or offer a diagnostic visit to help determine the matter). If not, you might be required to hire a tow vehicle or pay for multiple visits to accomplish the repairs.

A customer looking for mobile mechanic services after unexpected car breakdown  (Source: iStock)

Do I need a mobile mechanic?

When exploring the costs of a mobile mechanic, you also need to consider whether you need them to come to you. After all, most car and truck owners typically bring their vehicle to an auto repair shop or a dealership specialising in a single brand or make of car/truck. 

There are times, however, when a mobile mechanic is essential or desirable:

• Your vehicle is disabled (due to an accident, broken down, or simply sitting in the garage for an extended period and no longer running), and you prefer the repairs to be done “on the spot.”
• You want to save yourself the time and hassle of bringing the car to a repair shop or dealership, and you decide that the cost of a mobile mechanic is worth the convenience.
• Hailing/towing the vehicle is prohibitive compared to a mobile mechanic.
• You are considering purchasing a vehicle and want an expert to help you determine whether some problems or repairs can affect the price.

There might be other reasons you prefer to work with a mobile mechanic. In all instances, it is an excellent way to save time and spare you from the anxiety of driving a vehicle that might break down along the way.

Find a reliable mobile mechanic now

Ready to get your car sorted without the drama? Post a task on Airtasker describing what you need, when you need it, and your location. You’ll receive quotes from qualified mobile mechanics in your area and reviews from other Aussies who’ve used their services. Compare your options, choose the right Tasker for the job, and get your vehicle back on the road with minimal fuss.