So you’re trying to make a little extra money. Maybe you’re between jobs, saving for a trip or trying to get the kids through college. Maybe you just like driving! Whatever the case, there are a couple things you need to know before you get your vehicle inspected by Uber or Lyft if you’re going to start driving!
First off, if you haven’t gotten caught up on your routine maintenance, you’re going to want to get that handled. Whether it’s an oil change, tire rotation, new spark plugs, differential service, or basic fluid, hose and belt changes — you’ll need to get everything up to snuff.
Your vehicle’s recommended maintenance guidelines should help out here, but it’ll also depend on how much you’re going to be driving. Believe it or not, short trips in stop and go traffic are far harder on a vehicle than prolonged freeway driving. So if you plan to pick up riders here and there, you might want to take a second look at the extreme condition recommendations your owner’s manual could have listed.
Next, you’ll want to at the very least vacuum and wipe down your car. Magic eraser pads are great for getting scuff marks and scratches out of your vehicle’s molding and interior panels, and shampooing your carpets and dash mat can go a long way. If you really want to get down to brass tacks, even removing and washing any cloth seat covers can make your upholstery look brand new.
Last, get ready for the weirdness. If you’re going to drive around Old Town Scottsdale, Mill Ave. in Tempe, and sometimes even downtown Phoenix late at night on a weekend you’ll have to learn quick when to let people out when they’re starting to look sick. Sometimes plastic floor-mats are worth it. We’d also recommend carrying vomit bags (like on an airplane) or large gallon zip-lock bags just in case.
All in all it’s a great either full-time or part-time gig, and it’s becoming more and more popular in such a car-based commuter town like Phoenix and its surrounding communities in the Valley of the Sun.
And as always, The Auto Shop can help you get ready to start driving with Uber or Lyft! Give us a call today when you need auto repair in Phoenix and we can get you in the black on the blacktop!