As a driver for rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, you can make a living at your own pace. However, it’s important to remember that you’re doing so in your own vehicle, too. As convenient and flexible as this occupation may be, it requires car owners to be more conscientious about how they take care of their investments. If you’re hoping to counter the extra mileage and preserve the life span of your ride, stick with the following car maintenance schedule.

Weekly

At the end of a full week of picking up and transporting passengers, your car may have already suffered from speed bumps, extreme temperatures, and stop and go traffic. Therefore, it’s important to take an hour each weekend for a brief inspection.

Check that your tires are inflated to the PSI recommended in your car’s manual. Make sure all the exterior lights are working and that your turn signals are responding properly. It’s also important to pull out the engine oil dipstick to check on the condition of the fluid. If it’s dark brown and gritty, you need to spring for an oil change.

Every 3000 Miles

At this checkpoint, you may need to take your car in for an oil and oil filter change, but you can check your owner’s manual for a more specific answer. If you do head to a car maintenance professional, ask them to check on the belts and hoses inside the engine.

You’ll also want to top off your supplies of windshield wiper fluid and check on the amount of transmission and power steering fluid under the hood. Once they’ve been replenished, head to the rear of the vehicle to look for issues, such as a loose exhaust pipe or bumper cracks. 

Every 6,000 Miles

Now is a smart time to take your car to an auto repair center for a tire rotation, so the tread wears evenly and your set lasts as long as possible.

This auto tuneup should also include a battery inspection, as corrosion and contaminants have likely built up around the terminals. Make sure your mechanic adds lubricant to the chassis, refills your engine’s coolant supply and brake fluid, and tests out the spark plugs.

Every 12,000 Miles

At this final checkpoint, you should schedule a comprehensive brake inspection for your vehicle, especially if you hear high-pitched or metallic noises when braking. Chances are, the pads have worn down after this much mileage, and your car may be harder to pull to a stop.

This is also a good time to inspect the AC system, especially during the warmer months, as it may need more refrigerant to keep the interior cool for your passengers. Finally, have the car maintenance crew check on your suspension system, as the wheels may have been thrown out of alignment after months of potholes, speed bumps, and rocky roads.

If you’re looking for a reliable car maintenance center that can perform these services, get in touch with Ken Marcotte's Professional Auto Service. This Loveland, OH-based auto repair crew has over 30 years of experience maintaining cars. You can trust their ASE®-certified mechanics to pore over every detail and component in your rideshare vehicle. To learn more about their skills, visit the website or call (513) 683-7852 to schedule a tuneup.