DIY Auto Repair Lift and Bay Rentals and Other Garage Spaces For Rent

What do you do when your car needs work but you have no garage space? What if your garage is too small or there’ just too much crap in the way, or you live in an apartment with no garage at all?

Rent a space.

You can rent space to work on your own vehicle, but unlike auto parts stores, there aren’t any national chains that offer rental garage space, so your options will vary depending on your location.

We explain all of your options to work on your car below — from DIY auto shops and garages to more unconventional alternatives.

DIY and Maker Space Boom

In recent years there has been a boom in “maker spaces” and DIY workshops including spaces for cars and motorcycles where you can rent shop space by the hour, day, week, or month.

Many major cities have at least one dedicated DIY shop, and often available space in regular shops, or even private homes, that you can rent.

Keep your eyes peeled, as some of these rental spaces also offer automotive classes, as well as orientations that cover the proper use of the sort of tools a home mechanic isn’t likely to have.

Often these are no-cost/low-cost and can get you up to speed quickly while helping you to grow your automotive repair arsenal. Most of these operations have hydraulic lifts available which make working under the car easy.

DIY Auto Repair Space Rental

Prices vary depending on the rental period you choose and the amenities available at the garage. Among the garages listed below, the average rates are around $30 per hour, $125 per day, $360 per week, or $600 per month.

The only downside to this option is that DIY garages aren’t available everywhere. Some of the garage spaces available for rent include:

DIY Auto Repair Space Rental Spotlight

Gearhead Workspace: Space to Wrench on Your Own Car

Gearhead Workspace in Chicago, IL is a fully equipped DIY garage for car and motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as a friendly environment for those who want to learn more about working on their own vehicles. Their custom-designed space offers everything you need to fix, tune, and supercharge your vehicles, including lifts, tools, and even professional help. That’s right, they have professional mechanics on staff who can help you get your ride running like a champ!

Gearhead Workspace is also a supportive community for auto enthusiasts, offering training classes, special events, tutorials, and even a lounge space where members can chill out and talk shop. They know that space is tight when living in a big city, so they’ve created a communal workspace where like-minded people can get together and accomplish goals in a safe and supportive environment and with the best amenities possible.

• Car & Motorcycle Lifts
• Standard & Specialty Tools
• Parts Ordering & Delivery
• Mechanics & Training Classes
• Wheel & Tire Storage
• Member Lounge & Events

840 W 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609
Wed to Fri 1 pm – 9 pm | Sat and Sun 9 am – 5 pm
reservations@gearheadworkspace.com | 312·489·8818

• Just Need Tools? See: Loaner Tools and Services From Your Local Auto Parts Store

Person-to-Person Garage Rental

If there isn’t an established DIY auto repair business near you, consider renting a space directly from the garage owner. There are several Airbnb-like sites that specifically serve the DIY auto repair space.

You can also look for space to rent social and selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Person-to-person garage rental options typically offer flexible payment options and rental periods, including long-term rental options if you’re restoring a vehicle.

Note that you may need to or want to sign a liability waiver and/or formal rental agreement when renting space directly from an owner. This will protect you and the owner from a legal dispute if you injure yourself, damage your vehicle, or damage the garage while working in the rental space.

Locally Owned Auto Shops, Garages

Call local auto shops and auto garages to see if they rent out the use of car lifts and car bays. They may not due to insurance and money reasons, but it’s a good place to begin your search for a car lift you can use.

Family, Friends, and Neighbors

My first car was built in a kind of borrowed/kind of rented but mostly unused detached garage at a high school friend’s parent’s house.

Who’s got an unused outbuilding, side yard, or other space that might facilitate your endeavors? Might they want to even help?

Let people know you’re looking. Find places to leave a simple note:

Workspace needed for an automotive project. Short term rent. Text Jeremy 555-555-1212

Look for bulletin boards at auto parts stores, service stations, and laundromats. Post the same message on your local Craigslist and social media. Someone that could use some cash and has some space just may call.

High Schools and Trade Schools

Call local technical schools and high schools that have automotive vocational programs. These facilities might be available for use or rent by the public, but you’d have to contact the administrative body in charge of your local facilities to find out.

Storage Units and Storage Yards

Storage units provide a place to keep your car, and some will allow you to work on your car at the facility. For a weekly or monthly rental fee, you can store the car and whatever parts or tools you need, making these units suitable for large or long-term projects.

Keep in mind that some storage units don’t have electrical outlets; if you need to use any power tools, check the unit’s amenities before renting. Storage units also do not offer lifts, of course, so they won’t be a viable solution for all repairs.

Public Parking Lots

For a small maintenance job like changing your oil, spark plugs, or air filters, you may be able to work on your car in a public parking lot. You should always ask the property manager or business owner if they are willing to let you make small fixes in their parking lots.

Public lots, such as those at auto parts stores, may not mind as long as you aren’t doing anything too involved and don’t make a mess or cause a nuisance.

Another possibility, your employer may also be willing to let you use the parking lot.

None of the retailers we contacted (including AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and Walmart) have a companywide policy that allows customers to do this, so the decision is up to the individual manager. If a store does allow you to use its lot, be careful not to spill any fluids or leave any materials behind out of respect for the property manager and other people using the parking lot.