Every car owner should follow a regular maintenance schedule that includes oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations. Uber® or Lyft® drivers may need to get their car serviced more often. A full-time ride-hail service driver can put up to 1,000 miles per week on their car, or around 50,000 miles per year. Here are some items you’ll need to check to keep your car and business moving.

A Ride-Hailing Service Driver’s Guide to Car Maintenance

Every 3,000 Miles

Once you hit 3,000 miles, check the fluids in your car, including oil, wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. You’ll know they need to be topped up if the liquid doesn’t go to the line indicated on the dipstick.

This is also a good time to make sure various elements in your car are in working order. Inspect the battery and cables, belts, engine hoses, lug nuts, bolts, and engine air filters. If you’re not sure how to check these items on their own, bring your car to an auto repair shop for maintenance services.

Every 6,000 Miles

It’s recommended that most maintenance checks and oil changes occur around every 6,000 miles. However, since drivers with ride-hailing services use their cars much more often, it’s likely that they’ll hit this number quicker than the average driver. This may call for more frequent maintenance.

During an oil change, an auto mechanic can look over your car for any issues. They can also lubricate the vehicle’s chassis and top off the engine coolant. Have the tires rotated to ensure they wear down evenly, and check your spark plugs and wires, as well. They usually last about 30,000 miles, but give them a once over to ensure they’re in good working condition.

Every 12,000 Miles

Get more extensive work and checks done on your vehicle every 12,000 miles. Have the brakes inspected to ensure you and your customers are safe on the road. You should also have a professional look at the timing belt, which is essential to the function of your engine.

This milage marker is a good time to have the wheel alignment checked. While this is usually done every 2-3 years, driving more frequently could require the wheel to need realignment sooner. Have the heat and air conditioning checked for the comfort of your passengers, as well.

If you need help maintaining your ride-share vehicle, our expert auto mechanics at Fort Mitchell Garage can help. We’ve been serving the Covington and Park Hills, KY, areas for over 100 years, and can work on vehicles of any make or model. We offer oil changes, as well as brake pad, heating and cooling, electrical services, and alignment maintenance. Visit our website or call (859) 431-3326 to make an appointment.