Your vehicle can help you get to and from work, but it does much more than that. It is used to run errands, meet up with friends, and go on vacation. For some, it is also a source of income.
From Uber to Grubhub and Shipt, there is no shortage of opportunities for you to make a little money with the use of your car whenever you have a few extra minutes. Although having the extra cash in your pocket is nice, you can't forget that every time you get behind the wheel you're putting wear and tear on your vehicle.
That doesn't mean you should stop giving rides or delivering groceries! It just means you have to do a little extra to make sure your car is well taken care of.
Stay Safe on the Road
The worst thing that could happen as you increase the time you spend on city roads is get into an accident. Not only will it shut down your operations for the day, it could cost you the ability to go to your regular job, pick up the kids, and you could have to stay away from your moneymaking app of choice for days, or even weeks, while you wait to repair or replace your vehicle.
Go above and beyond to avoid getting into an accident. That means doing things that you've heard of before, like not texting and driving, but it also means being mindful of road dangers that include:
- Sun glares
- Missing and obstructed road signs
- Potholes
- Malfunctioning intersection lights
Maintain a Maintenance Schedule
Taking your car in to get the oil changed can be irritating. Especially if you have to take time off of work to keep an appointment, but it is extremely important when it comes to the longevity of your vehicle.
Not only should you make sure you get your oil changed regularly, but there are many othermaintenance-related things you should have done to your car. Doing things like inspecting your timing and serpentine belts, checking your battery, and replacing your windshield wipers when they smudge your view can keep your car running in tip-top shape, and it can keep you safer on the road too.
Changing your oil yourself or going to a place like Jiffy Lube is better than nothing, but if you have the time and the money, you should schedule an appointment with a full-service garage that can also provide your vehicle with an inspection. This will enable you to uncover potential problems early.
Make Repairs Right Away
Speaking of uncovering potential problems early, once you are faced with a repair that needs to be made, you should schedule an appointment right away. Although many repairs can be costly, and they can also be inconvenient, it's important to schedule a repair as soon as you uncover a problem.
Making repairs as soon as they are discovered will reduce the likelihood that you'll find yourself stranded on the side of the road or in the middle of an accident. It can also prevent more costly repairs later on down the road.
Keep It Clean
Maintaining the inside mechanics of your vehicle is important, but it's also important to keep your vehicle clean. Not only does it ensure your car looks professional, especially when it comes to picking up riders, but it can also prevent the need for costly repairs.
If you live in a cold weather climate, roads are salted regularly. All that salt can cause corrosion on your vehicle, and it can be hard on the moving parts under the hood.
Not only should you drive through the carwash, you should also keep the interior of your car clean too. It will make driving more comfortable, it will make your car look more professional, and it can preserve the interior of your vehicle.
Keep an Eye on Your Tires
It's important to have your tires checked whenever you're having routine maintenance done on your vehicle, but you should keep an eye on your tires in between appointments too.
Having the proper air in your tires is extremely important. It's much better to have air pressure that's a bit too high than too low, as low tire pressure can cause a blowout. Not to mention, it can put more strain on your car. Check the air pressure every few weeks if you drive your car a lot.
You should also keep an eye on your tire's tread. If you have bald tires or poor tread, they should be replaced to enhance your stop time.
Drive Smoothly
Taking care of your car is important, but your habits matter too. How you drive your car can either make it last longer or it can cause you to visit the repair man more than you would like.
There are many bad habits you should break. They include:
- Suddenly shifting from reverse to drive
- Revving your engine before it is warm
- Stomping on the gas
- Stomping on the brake
- Riding your brake
Know What You Can Write off on Your Taxes
Owning a vehicle isn't cheap, and the more you drive, the more expensive it gets. By the time you pay for gas, maintenance, and repairs, you may think making extra money on the side by driving isn't worth it.
It is if you are careful about how you file your taxes! There are many tax deductions for Uber drivers and delivery drivers. From writing off gas to car payments and oil changes, there are many deductions that you can take that will help keep you behind the wheel.
Your car can be a great source of income! You just have to make sure you take care of it so it doesn't end up costing you more than you earn. When you follow the tips on this list, you can make money with a vehicle you already have when it's convenient for you as long as you want.
