5 scheduled vehicle inspections for Uber and Lyft drivers

Driver services such as Uber, Lyft and Postmates are always popular. As more and more people move into this driving profession, they are starting to use their personal vehicles for work. Without proper maintenance, this will cause additional wear and tear on your vehicle. Here's a look at 5 scheduled checks for Uber and Lyft drivers to help protect your vehicle. 

1: Regular tire checks

Tires are one of the most important elements of vehicle safety, handling, braking and driving. As Uber and Lyft drivers, it's important to get your tires checked regularly:

• Clothing: Tire tread is vital to vehicle safety, handling and braking. Early detection of uneven tread wear can also help alert you to camber problems that are common with Uber and Lyft drivers. You can read our guide to tire tread depth here. 
• Air pressure: Low air pressure can lead to road safety hazards, tire damage and reduced fuel consumption. If you often have low tire pressure, look for signs of a nail in your tire.
• Tire age: While you don't need regular tire age checks, it's a good idea to note these dates. Once your tires are 5 years old, the rubber may begin to oxidize, which can lead to and/or exacerbate car accidents. You can read our tire age guide here. 

2: Regular oil and filter checks

When driving is your profession, it is especially important to keep the engine in good condition. Perhaps the most necessary service (and one of the easiest to forget about) is an oil change. Your oil lubricates your engine, keeping all parts moving smoothly. It also helps regulate engine temperature. This small vehicle maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in engine damage. It is important to check your engine oil regularly:

• Oil level: Engine oil can age over time. 
• Composition:: Dirty oil does not perform as well as fresh engine oil. 
• Oil filter: Your filter helps trap contaminants in the oil, but it needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly.

3: Regular alignment checks

Bumps, potholes and other road obstacles can interfere with wheel alignment. The more often you drive (especially on less paved roads), the more likely your vehicle is to lose balance. As such, Uber and Lyft drivers are particularly prone to alignment issues. If the wheels are not aligned, this can lead to accelerated and uneven tire tread wear. This can come in many forms:

• The tread wears out on the inside of the tire and the outside half of the tire looks like new.
• The tread is worn on the outside of the tire, but the inside half of the tire is like new.
• Only one of your tires goes bald and the rest are still like new

Here's a quick test: The next time you find yourself in an empty parking lot, try taking your hands off the wheel for a very short time while you're driving at a slow speed. Does your wheel turn in one direction or does it continue to move relatively straight? If your wheel is spinning, you must camber. 

4: Replacing the brake pads

Driving for Uber, Lyft, Postmates and other services can put extra strain on your braking system. The most common problem we hear from drivers is worn out brake pads. Your brake pads press against the metal rotors, slowing and stopping the car. Over time, the friction material of the brake pads wears out, reducing the responsiveness of the brakes. Checking your brake pads regularly can help keep you and your passengers safe on the road.  

5: Fluid check

Your vehicle relies on a vast network of parts and systems to keep it moving forward. Many of these parts and systems use a special fluid that must be flushed and replaced regularly. Performing preventive flushes can help you avoid more costly vehicle maintenance, damage, and repairs in the future. During a scheduled oil change, your mechanic should check:

• Brake fluid
• Radiator fluid (coolant)
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid

Chapel Hill Tire Car Care for Uber and Lyft Drivers

When you find your vehicle needs service, take it to the nearest Chapel Hill Tire Service Center. We regularly issue special coupons specifically to support Uber and Lyft drivers. Our auto repair mechanics proudly serve the Triangle's large 9 location area in Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Carrborough and Chapel Hill. You can make an appointment here online or give us a call to get started today! 

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