If you drive for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart or another delivery service, your vehicle isn't just transportation. It's how you earn a living. And when your car is in the shop, you're probably not making money.
Whether you're delivering dinner around Long Beach, picking up passengers in Gulfport or driving all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast, those extra miles can take a toll on your vehicle.
The good news? A little preventive maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs, unexpected breakdowns and lost income.
Here are some practical ways to keep your vehicle running and your money in your pocket!
1. Your Driving May Count as Severe Service
Here's something many drivers don't realize: Your vehicle's owner's manual may have two maintenance schedules, one for normal driving and another for severe driving conditions.
And no, "severe" doesn't necessarily mean driving through mud or hauling heavy equipment.
Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, extended idling and extreme heat can all qualify.
Sound familiar?
If you're constantly starting, stopping, waiting for orders and making short deliveries, you may need certain maintenance services more often than the average driver.
Don't have your owner's manual? No problem! Search online for your vehicle's year, make and model followed by "owner's manual." Most manufacturers offer free digital copies. Look for the maintenance schedule and check whether your driving habits fall under severe service.
2. Stay on Top of Oil Changes
Oil changes are one of the most important things you can do for your engine, especially when you're driving for a living.
Many modern vehicles recommend oil changes somewhere around 5,000–7,500 miles, although some require shorter intervals and others can safely go longer. Your vehicle's severe-service schedule should determine when yours is due.
Here's why that matters.
Let's say you drive 200 miles a day, five days a week. That's 1,000 miles a week! You'll reach 5,000 miles in just five weeks.
And don't forget about idling. Your engine keeps running while you're waiting for passengers or orders, even though your odometer isn't adding miles.
Check your oil level every week or two if you're putting on serious mileage, and watch for leaks or changes in oil consumption. If your vehicle has an oil-life monitor, pay attention to it, too.
Save Money on Oil Changes at CRC!
Here's a benefit that can really add up for Chuck Ryan Cars customers.
If you purchased your vehicle from CRC, we'll arrange to have your oil changed at our cost! That means you're paying what we pay, without a dealership markup.
We send vehicles out for oil changes, and the shop also checks important maintenance items, including your tires, brakes and fluid levels.
It's an easy way to stay on top of maintenance without paying more than necessary.
And when you're driving hundreds of miles a week, those savings can add up!
3. Give Your Tires Some Extra Attention
Delivery and rideshare driving can mean plenty of turning, braking, accelerating and navigating parking lots. All that driving adds wear to your tires.
Here's what you should do:
Check tire pressure at least once a month. If you're driving unusually high mileage, check more often. Use the recommended pressure on the sticker inside your driver's door, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire.
Rotate your tires approximately every 5,000–7,500 miles, unless your vehicle manufacturer recommends something different.
Watch for uneven wear. Tires wearing more on one side may indicate an alignment or suspension problem.
Check your tread depth. Insert a penny into a tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is around the legal minimum of 2/32 inch, and it's time to replace the tire. Tires may need replacing sooner for safe wet-weather driving.
Here's a money-saving tip: Properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy and help your tires last longer. When you're filling up your tank several times a week, every little bit helps!
4. Stop-and-Go Driving Is Tough on Brakes
Think about how many times you brake during a typical delivery shift.
Traffic lights. Stop signs. Parking lots. Driveways. Restaurants. Apartment complexes.
It adds up!
Frequent braking can wear down your brake pads faster than steady highway driving.
Have your brakes inspected during regular service visits, especially if you're driving a lot of miles.
Pay attention to these warning signs:
Squealing or grinding when braking
Vibrations when you press the brake pedal
A brake pedal that feels soft or different than usual
Your vehicle pulling to one side when stopping
Taking longer than usual to stop
Don't wait until worn brake pads damage your rotors and turn a relatively inexpensive repair into a much bigger bill.
And if your brakes aren't working properly, don't keep driving.
5. Don't Overlook Your Cooling System
Anybody who's spent an August afternoon on the Mississippi Gulf Coast knows how hard your air conditioner works!
But your engine's cooling system deserves attention, too.
Long periods of idling, summer heat and stop-and-go traffic can put additional demands on your vehicle's cooling system.
Check your coolant level about once a month when the engine is cold, and keep an eye on your temperature gauge while driving.
How to check your coolant: Park on level ground and let the engine cool completely. Find the translucent coolant reservoir under the hood. Most have MIN and MAX markings that let you see whether the level is correct without opening anything. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's specific instructions. If the coolant is low, use only the type recommended for your vehicle.
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
If your vehicle begins overheating, pull over safely, turn off the engine and have the problem checked before driving again.
A small cooling-system problem can turn into major engine damage if you ignore it.
6. Don't Forget the Smaller Maintenance Items
When you're driving for hours every day, little problems can become big headaches.
Here are a few other things worth checking:
Windshield wipers: Inspect them monthly and replace them when they streak, skip or stop clearing your windshield properly. Many need replacement about every 6–12 months.
Air filters: Have your engine and cabin air filters checked during regular service visits. Many vehicles call for inspection or replacement around 12 months or 12,000–15,000 miles, but dusty conditions may require attention sooner.
Battery: If your battery is several years old, have it tested periodically, especially before the Gulf Coast summer.
Lights: Check your headlights, brake lights and turn signals regularly.
Fluids: Keep an eye on your oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid and other fluids your manufacturer recommends checking.
If you're transporting passengers, a clean cabin, functioning seat belts and comfortable air conditioning are important, too.
Pay attention to unusual noises, warning lights and changes in how your vehicle drives. If something doesn't sound right, don't ignore it.
7. Take Five Minutes Before Your Shift
You don't need to be a mechanic to spot certain problems before they leave you stranded.
Before heading out, take a quick walk around your vehicle.
Do your tires look properly inflated?
Are there any fresh fluid leaks underneath?
Are your headlights, brake lights and turn signals working?
Are any warning lights illuminated on your dashboard?
Do you have enough fuel for your shift?
Is your phone charged, and do you have a working charger?
Keep a flashlight, basic emergency supplies and your vehicle's tire-changing or tire-inflation equipment in the car.
Five minutes of preparation could save you hours of frustration later.
8. Keep a Maintenance and Mileage Log
When you're driving for a living, keeping good records can save you money and help prevent problems down the road.
Record your oil changes, tire rotations, repairs and other maintenance. You'll know exactly when your next service is due, have a better idea of what to budget for repairs and be able to spot problems that keep coming back.
And here's another benefit: A documented maintenance history may help your vehicle's resale or trade-in value because you can show how well you've cared for it.
You don't need anything fancy. Your phone, a notebook or a simple spreadsheet will do!
Here's another money-saving tip: When your oil change, tire rotation and brake inspection are due around the same time, try scheduling them together. Fewer trips to the shop mean less time away from work.
Also, keep track of your business mileage. Depending on your tax situation, you may qualify for deductions related to using your vehicle for work. Accurate records can make tax time much easier. Ask a tax professional which deductions apply to you.
9. Make Sure Your Insurance Covers Your Work
This isn't exactly a maintenance tip, but it's too important to leave out!
Don't assume your regular personal auto insurance covers delivery or rideshare driving.
Coverage can vary depending on your insurance company, the type of work you do and whether you're actively transporting passengers or deliveries.
Some drivers need additional coverage or a special endorsement on their policy.
Before accepting rides or deliveries, talk with your insurance provider to make sure you're properly covered.
Your Vehicle Is Your Livelihood. Take Care of It!
When you drive for a living, taking care of your vehicle means taking care of your income.
Regular maintenance won't prevent every breakdown, but it can help you avoid expensive surprises, extend your vehicle's life and keep you working.
At Chuck Ryan Cars, we've spent more than 50 years helping Mississippi Gulf Coast drivers find dependable transportation. And we know how important it is to have a vehicle you can count on.
Whether you're driving across Long Beach or putting hundreds of miles on your vehicle every week, a little maintenance today can save you a lot of trouble tomorrow.
And remember, if you purchased your vehicle from CRC, ask us about getting your oil changed at our cost. We're always happy to help our customers keep their vehicles on the road!
