These 5 Habits Can Increase Your Car’s Running Costs
As a PCO driver, the high running costs of your vehicle can eat into your profits. While expenses like fuel and weekly PCO car hire fee aren’t avoidable, your other car-related costs are manageable.
Speeding and low tyre pressure are some of the main causes of higher running costs. With minor changes in your driving habits, you can reduce these costs and increase profits.
Let’s look at the driving habits you should avoid to lower your car-related expenses.
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Article Highlights
Avoid these driving habits to keep your running costs low:
- Aggressive driving
- Neglecting regular maintenance
- Poor route planning, and more.
Sudden Acceleration and Braking
Hard acceleration and braking can result in more fuel consumption. It can also cause the tyres and brakes to wear out quickly.
This results in more fuel expenses and frequent repairs for private hire drivers. If you use a PCO car hire plan, the car provider only handles the routine maintenance or repairs. You are billed for any major damage caused by negligence or aggressive driving.
Smooth driving reduces the stress on your vehicle, which results in less frequent repairs. This can help you avoid extra repair costs and protect your earnings.
Also Read: Tips to Reduce Fuel Cost as a Private Hire Driver
High RPM
Consistently driving at higher RPM can cause more fuel burn. Keep the RPM under control and follow speed limits. Driving beyond the speed limit can also result in fines or penalty points on your licence.
If your car has adaptive cruise control, use it on motorways or long stretches of road to save fuel. However, it’s not suitable for stop-start London traffic.
Using the Wrong Gear (In Manual Cars)
Gear selection is important in manual cars. Driving in a low gear at high speed or using a higher gear while moving too slowly causes unnecessary strain and wear. Watch your car’s power band to change gears at the right time.
Get a PCO-ready car with Fleeto on simple terms. It doesn’t matter if you want the ease of an automatic vehicle or prefer a manual car, our simple and affordable plans are designed to fit your driving style with everything you need included in the weekly fee.
Hard Cornering
Sharp cornering at high speeds puts stress on your vehicle’s suspension and steering system. The best practice is to slow down before the corner, then steer gently at a steady speed through the corner. This reduces stress on the car’s suspension and extends the lifespan of tyres, brakes, and other components.
Also Read: What to do if Your Hired PCO Car is Damaged in an Accident
Drive Worry-Free With Fleeto!
Choose a transparent PCO hire contract and start earning.
Poor Route Planning
Use navigation apps with live traffic updates like Waze or Google Maps to check your route and the live traffic situation. If a passenger recommends a route, check it on the app to see if it’s clear. Avoid long-distance pickups to minimise dead miles.
For airport transfers, pre-checking the routes helps you avoid detours or delays, which can decrease fuel consumption. Route planning also helps you complete more jobs every shift.
Final Thoughts
Small changes in how you drive and plan routes can lower your car’s running costs. However, the right driving habits can help keep your costs under control. Follow the above-mentioned tips to keep more of what you earn.
Start Earning Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to improve your PCO car’s fuel efficiency?
Sudden acceleration and braking are the most common causes of low fuel efficiency for the PCO drivers. Drive smoothly to avoid burning extra fuel.
Does driving slowly save fuel?
Driving slowly can help you save fuel, but maintaining a stable RPM is more important. Most cars offer better fuel efficiency at steady speeds between 40 mph and 50 mph.
Is maintenance included in a PCO car hire contract?
Yes, most PCO car hire companies include maintenance in the package for a fixed weekly fee. This removes the hassle of booking maintenance on your own while keeping your car roadworthy.
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Lower Your Running Costs With Our Reliable Car Fleet!
At Fleeto, we provide well-maintained PCO cars that keep your running costs low and profits high. Regular servicing and replacement vehicles are included in the package, so you spend less time worrying about breakdowns and more time on the road earning income.
