Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I recently started a mobile oil change business.  I offer oil changes, topping off all under-hood fluids, tire rotations, even AC recharge.  Here in Colorado, it can get very windy.  Sustained winds at 35-45 mph, and gusts as high as 60 are not uncommon. Right now I use a large rubber mat under the vehicle to prevent any fluid spills.  When it is windy, it takes 3 times as long to perform an oil change. The when the oil is draining, at first the stream goes right into the pan, however when the oil stream slows and gets smaller, the wind can blow it all over the place.   Does anyone have suggestions on how to alleviate this problem.  60 minute oil changes are eating my profits.


-------------------------

Chris Ward
Peak Performance Auto
www.peakperformanceauto.net

Hi Chris,

Yes those windy days can be a pain. The best I can offer is to add to your "tools of the trade" a block that you can put under your oil pan to raise it up higger so that the oil has less distance to drain. The lesser the distance the lesser the blow effect. You may want to also carry a few various sizes of cardboard that can be folded and stood up to place (wedge in) under the vehicle to help block the wind. Mobile oil change is a great business but you do have to be creative sometimes to deal with weather issues.

Hang in there!

melrics

-------------------------

Melinda

http://www.melrics.com