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How a High School Hustle Turned Into a $182,500 Mobile Car Wash Business

Imagine starting a business with just a few hundred dollars, only to see it grow into a full-time gig earning as much as $500 a day. Meet Tyler, a young entrepreneur who transformed his car-washing skills into a profitable mobile detailing business. From folding towels at 6:30 a.m. to perfecting the shine on luxury cars, his journey is proof that with dedication and attention to detail, anyone can turn a passion into profit. Let’s dive into Tyler’s story and uncover how you can follow in his footsteps.

The Origin Story: From Driveway to Business

Tyler’s journey began at 15, washing cars in his driveway with his dad. “We never took our cars to the drive-through car wash because it damages your paint,” he explains. Leveraging his skills and a close-knit community, he started offering his services to neighbors and church members. By the time he graduated high school, he had built enough momentum to pursue the business full-time.

A Day in the Life of a Mobile Car Detailer

Tyler’s day starts early—often at 3:30 a.m. for a gym session before work. By 6:30 a.m., he’s folding towels and filling his 100-gallon water tank with spot-free water to avoid leaving mineral stains on clients’ cars. His arsenal includes a variety of cleaning solutions for every job: degreasers for dirty tires, detailers for exterior paint, and brushes for hard-to-reach crevices.

Each car takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to clean, with prices ranging from $75 to $100 per vehicle. The attention to detail is unmatched, from carefully avoiding scratches on high-end finishes to using a foam cannon for a flawless wash. “Even the type of tire dressing matters,” Tyler says. “Water-based gives a nice matte finish, while oil-based can sling and make a mess.”

The Numbers: Costs and Profits

Running a mobile detailing business isn’t without expenses. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Chemicals and supplies: Around $20 per car
  • Water: $3 to fill a 100-gallon tank, enough for 10–12 cars
  • Van and setup costs: $27,000 for the van, $6,000 for the setup, and $2,500 for equipment

Despite these costs, Tyler’s lean operations and repeat clients ensure solid profits. On a busy day, he can wash five cars and take home nearly $500.

The Secret Sauce: Customer Experience

What sets Tyler apart is his obsessive attention to detail. From ensuring frameless windows are spotless to removing grime from door crevices, he delivers a level of quality that clients notice and appreciate. This dedication has earned him repeat customers and even opportunities to detail luxury cars like a Bugatti Chiron, Ferrari LaFerrari, and McLaren P1.

“You’re too good at doing this,” a friend told him, encouraging Tyler to focus more on pricing and marketing. As a result, Tyler plans to raise his prices to better reflect the value he provides.

Advice for Aspiring Detailers

Thinking about starting your own mobile detailing business? Tyler shares these tips:

  1. Start small: With $100, you can buy basic towels, chemicals, and a hose. For $250, you can expand with brushes and more chemicals.
  2. Avoid common mistakes: Don’t use hard tap water or wash cars in direct sunlight—both can leave spots. Instead, invest in spot-free water and shaded work areas.
  3. Focus on quality: Clients remember the little things. Pay attention to details like removing grime from hard-to-reach areas and using the right products for the job.

The Bigger Picture

For Tyler, this business is about more than money. “I love what I do, and I want to deliver the best results,” he says. While the work is physically demanding, it’s rewarding—and it’s giving him the financial freedom to plan for his future. Whether it’s expanding his team or spending more time with family, Tyler’s vision keeps him motivated.

Take the First Step

If Tyler’s story has inspired you, why not start your own venture? With minimal upfront investment and the right mindset, mobile car detailing could be your ticket to financial independence. Start small, focus on quality, and watch your hustle pay off—one car at a time.

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