When you use your own car as a source of income, whether you transport passengers or make deliveries from stores and restaurants, you can’t afford for it to break down and spend days in the auto repair shop. Staying on top of regular maintenance helps keep your ride in good working condition, protecting your livelihood and your customers from inconvenience.

Why Rideshare Drivers Need More Frequent Vehicle Maintenance 

The average driver puts about 12,000-15,000 miles per year on their car. Rideshare drivers can potentially drive up to four times as many miles, meaning that your car is going to experience significantly more wear and tear. Add in the likelihood of your rideshare work requiring a lot of stop and go traffic, and the effect on your car can be extreme.

All this means that you cannot rely on the typical maintenance schedule for a rideshare vehicle. For example, auto repair shops recommend a typical three month/5,000-mile schedule for oil changes, but for full-time rideshare drivers, an oil change may be in order every two weeks.

A Suggested Rideshare Vehicle Schedule

If you drive for a rideshare company, talk with your auto repair shop about a maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle. They will likely recommend something similar to the following:

• Weekly: Every week, perform a visual inspection of your tires, checking for damage and adequate tread depth. Check the tire pressure and adjust if needed. Your weekly inspection should also involve checking the oil and scheduling a change if necessary, as well as refilling washer fluid.
• 3,000 Miles: After driving 3,000 miles, make an appointment at the auto repair shop for an oil change (newer cars and synthetic oil may be able to go 5,000 miles between oil changes). Ask the mechanic to check the fluid levels and inspect the exhaust for any brewing trouble.
• 6,000 Miles: It's a good idea to schedule service for chassis lubrication and an inspection of major components, like the battery and hoses. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles as well. 
• 12,000 Miles: Rideshare vehicles should get a full Vehicle Health Inspection. This includes checking the brakes and air-conditioning system, as well as the alignment. 

Keep your vehicle in good shape and your rideshare clients happy by scheduling regular service at Jim’s Auto Clinic in Cincinnati, OH. This reliable auto repair shop has served area drivers for more than 40 years, offering everything from oil changes to brake service. Schedule an appointment by calling (513) 662-6696 or learn more online.