15 Automotive Side Hustles for Car People

Cars are not a casual hobby. Anyone who considers themselves a car person (and I'm assuming that's you) likely has a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from working on, collecting, or even just reading about automobiles. So why not put it to use to make a little cash?

From getting your hands dirty under the hood to typing out reviews, you could be using your knowledge of all things gears and grease to turn your passion for cars into more money.

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There's nothing like the shine of a freshly washed and waxed car. Some need more cleaning than others, though, and with a car detailing side hustle, you could enjoy the process of getting every surface and tight spot as clean as can be.

Choose between having customers come to you or traveling to them to do the work on-site. This side hustle can be a great way to get ahead financially.

Being a mechanic is often a full-time job, but there are also ways to make it a side hustle if you have the knowledge and a little spare time. Consider creating an account on a gig work site like TaskRabbit and offer to change oil, check fluid levels, or do other small tasks.

There's a thriving ecosystem of car nuts on the internet. Whether on YouTube, X, or TikTok, there's plenty of ways to break into that world. 

Create a social media account to talk about cars and automotive issues, and as you generate content and gain more followers, you can gradually start earning money from your social media activity.

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Similar to bringing your passion for cars to social media, if you're the chatty type, a car-related podcast might be a good side hustle option for you.

Use your podcast to talk about the latest automotive news or interview people in the car industry about what they do. You can enjoy the process of connecting with other car people and maybe even make some money from your podcast.

If you prefer writing about cars instead of talking about them, start an automotive blog and offer your thoughts.

Build your own site or create one with the help of platforms such as Substack or WordPress. You can also become a freelancer and write blogs for other automotive sites or news organizations.

People have to learn how to drive somehow, and you can help newbies in your side hustle as a driving instructor.

Ride along with students or work in a classroom, teaching them the rules of the road so they understand the basics of operating a vehicle.

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There are many ways to combine your love for cars with an interest in photography.

Work for an automotive company taking photos for publications or other places that need pictures of the product. Or, take photos for car clubs or car owners who want to show off their vehicles. If you live in an area with lots of car shows, the work should be plentiful.

Cars have plenty of parts, and there's always one piece that someone needs. So, become a source of spare parts as a side hustle. 

Try the vintage car market, where owners want something specific or authentic that you can source from a wrecked vehicle or by tracking down parts for your clients.

Model cars run that gambit from cheap miniatures to coveted collectors items. If you loved playing with toy cars as a kid, consider spreading that joy to other children (and adults) by selling car toys.

Perhaps you can source hard-to-find Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars. There are plenty of car enthusiasts who might come to you for antique toy options.

Use your knowledge of cars to teach other people about the vehicles you love. For example, become a part-time teacher for an auto shop class or help tutor automotive students.

Create lectures or classes for people who want to learn more about specific car topics, such as the differences between different models or the history of a car company.

If you've got a knack for art, you could set up a side hustle painting pictures of cars that their owners cherish. That, or you could learn how to paint pinstripes on cars and offer those services.

Branch out to find other unique ways to express your love for cars through sculpture or any other medium that uses your creative talents. You could then open an Etsy shop or sell your work at art marts. Again, car lovers, well, love car stuff — knick knacks and tchotchkes included. 

Consider part-time work at a local dealership selling cars. Help buyers find the best vehicles.

You'll have the joy of seeing the cars you love while offering your knowledge to those looking for the right vehicle.

Get a project car you can work on during nights or weekends and build up a classic that you can sell to someone else.

You'll need previous mechanic experience or an understanding of how a car works. Spend time doing extra research to ensure you're getting the right parts and look for each model.

Spend your extra time working in a museum that features cars and teach visitors about the vehicles on display.

A museum docent may show visitors around the museum, talk about the cars, and answer questions. You can work in a museum dedicated to cars or a museum with some cars as part of its extensive collection.

A car appraiser checks over a car to ensure there aren't any major issues and offers an opinion about the car's actual value.

An appraiser can check out any car, but you may be more likely to find work if you have expertise in exotic or luxury vehicles. So make sure you understand that type of market.

This and other side hustles on this list might become lucrative enough to give you extra cash to save for retirement.

You can use your interest in cars to put more cash in your bank account. Remain open to different ways to marry your talents with your love of cars as part of a side hustle.

Work that centers on cars can be a fun way to generate more income, but if you're open to a range of ideas, check out our list of the best side hustles for other options.