Essential Tools PCO Drivers Should Have in Their Car
PCO drivers face many challenges on the road, like flat tyres, a dead car battery, passengers leaving a mess behind, and more. These issues can cost you valuable time and negatively impact your ratings. Whether driving your own car or using PCO car hire, having the right tools in your vehicle is essential to staying on top of potential challenges and having a smooth experience.
In this article, we will mention what those tools are to help you tackle any unexpected events on the road.
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Article Highlights
Here’s what you need in your car for stress-free journeys:
- Phone Mount
- Cleaning Kit
- Water and Snacks
- Tyre Inflator and Jump Starter
Phone Mount
Holding a phone in your hand while driving is illegal. It could lead to fines or even licence suspension. Using a phone mount in your car can help you avoid fines while keeping an eye on the phone. Here’s what to look for when buying a phone mount:
A Strong Suction or Magnetic Base: Get one which has a strong base and doesn’t wiggle around on sharp turns and sudden brakes to minimise the risk of falling.
Adjustable Viewing Angles: You will need to check your navigation app while driving. So, get a mount that has a 360-degree rotating ball joint. This will allow you to tilt, swivel, or rotate the phone to portrait or landscape orientation easily.
Vibration-proof Phone holder: Check if the phone holder has a vibration-damping feature. It will help keep your phone stable on rough roads.
Cleaning Kit
A car with clutter, spills, dirt, or foul smells can negatively affect the passenger experience. Having a cleaning kit in your car helps you deal with the mess quickly and keeps your car looking clean throughout the shift.
A cleaning kit normally includes:
Microfibre Cleaning Cloths: These cloths can remove dust without leaving dust scratches on the paint and windows. Keep multiple cloths in your car for dry and wet cleaning.
Dashboard Wipes: These are pre-moistened wipes designed to clean the dashboard and other surfaces prone to collecting dust and fingerprints. After cleaning, these wipes leave a protective layer on the surface to prevent fading or cracking from sun exposure.
Air Freshener: Odours from food or passengers can quickly accumulate inside the vehicle. Keep an air freshener with a subtle scent to create a fresh environment.
Handheld Vacuum: It allows you to clean tight spaces quickly. Common examples include corners, the space between seats, and under floor mats. The vacuum should be rechargeable or powered by your car’s charging ports.
Water and Snacks
PCO drivers have little time for breaks or meals. Plus, the long shifts behind the wheel and the stress of traffic can drain your energy level. Keep the following in your car to avoid this:
Water Bottle: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and slow reaction time, compromising your safety on the road. Drinking water regularly can help you avoid that. So, use an insulated bottle that can keep the water fresh for hours.
Energy Bars: Energy bars are packed with carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to provide a quick boost of energy. Just make sure the bars you use are made of natural ingredients such as oats, nuts, or dried fruit.
Read: How to Spot and Stop Driver Fatigue Before it’s Too Late
Tyre Inflator & Jump Starter
Unexpected breakdowns due to low tyre pressure can be frustrating. Similarly, a dead car battery means lost time and income from your shift. Having tools like a tyre inflator and jump starter in your vehicle can help you stay on top of these issues.
Tyre Inflator: When buying a tyre inflator, look for a model with a maximum pressure of at least 150 PSI to support a wide array of tyre sizes. Important features include an auto-shutoff to prevent overinflation and a digital pressure gauge for accurate pressure readings.
Jump Starter: A jump starter helps start your car when the battery is dead by delivering the required current. When buying a jump starter, look for one capable of delivering 600-1,000 amperes, which is standard for PCO vehicles.
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Conclusion
Being a PCO driver isn’t just about carrying passengers from one point to another. It’s also about staying ready for the challenges you may face on the road. Having the above-mentioned items in your vehicle is an excellent way to do so because they help you boost passenger satisfaction, improve safety, and minimise downtime. So, follow the tips we mentioned in this article and save time, stress, and money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PCO drivers use bus lanes?
PCO drivers cannot use bus lanes during operational hours. Doing so could lead to penalties and points on the licence.
Who else can drive my PCO car?
Only PCO drivers are allowed to drive their hired cars. No one else, even a family member, can drive the car unless your contract permits.
Is PCO car insurance expensive?
PCO car insurance can be expensive. However, drivers who hire their PCO cars do not usually have to worry about private hire insurance as it’s covered by their car provider.
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