Okay, so a few months back, I got it into my head to figure out whether I could make more cash detailing cars or wrenching on them as a mechanic. I’ve always been into cars, you know, keeping them shiny and running smooth. So, I decided to dive in and get my hands dirty, literally.
I started by checking out what people usually pay for each service. I found out that auto detailers generally make something like $25,000 to $60,000 a year. It’s a pretty wide range, I know. Seems like it depends on how good you are and where you’re doing it. The top guys, the ones who really know their stuff, they’re pulling in the higher end of that. For mechanics, though, it’s a bit more. They usually earn between $30,000 and $70,000. Again, it varies, but it looks like there’s more money to be made there if you’re skilled.
First off, I went the detailing route. I figured I’d start with what I enjoy most – making cars look their best. I got some basic supplies: soaps, waxes, a few different types of cloths, and a buffer I picked up second-hand. I practiced on my own car first, then on a couple of friends’ cars. It took forever! I mean, we’re talking hours to get one car done properly. And it’s not just a quick wash; it’s the whole deal – washing, waxing, cleaning the inside, everything.
- Washed and waxed the exterior.
- Cleaned the interior, including vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and treating the leather.
- Detailed the wheels and tires.
After a few tries, I started to get the hang of it. I even did a few cars for neighbors to test the waters. The feedback was good, but the pay? Not so much. I was making some money, sure, but not as much as I hoped. Most people don’t want to pay a lot for detailing, even though it takes ages.
Then, I thought, “Let’s see what the mechanic side is like.” I reached out to a buddy who runs a repair shop and asked if I could shadow him for a while. He agreed, and I spent a couple of weeks watching and helping out where I could. I learned a ton about diagnosing problems, replacing parts, and doing general maintenance work.
My Takeaway
Here’s the thing: being a mechanic is tough. It’s not just about knowing how to turn a wrench; you need to understand how cars work inside and out. But, it pays better. My buddy was making a decent living, and his business was always busy. People need their cars fixed, no matter what, so there’s always work.
After my little experiment, I realized that while I love detailing, it’s probably more of a side gig for me. The real money, at least from what I saw, is in being a mechanic. It’s harder work, and you need more training, but if you’re serious about making a career out of working on cars, that’s the way to go.
So, that’s my story. I went in thinking one thing and came out with a whole new perspective. If you’re into cars and thinking about which path to take, I hope my experience helps you out. It’s all about what you enjoy and what you’re willing to learn, but now you know where the money’s at!
