7 Proven Ways to Keep Your PCO Licensed Car Well Maintained
Private hire vehicles require more maintenance than regular cars due to their higher usage. Skipping car maintenance can result in many issues such as unexpected breakdowns, low fuel efficiency, and unhappy customers.
Whether you are driving a hire vehicle or one you own, regular upkeep will help you earn without interruptions.
Here are some practical tips to keep your car in top shape.
Article Highlights
Regular upkeep is key to PCO success. Follow these proven tips to stay on the road and keep customers happy.
- Stick to a regular service schedule
- Check tyres weekly
- Monitor engine oil level
- Keep your car clean inside and out
- Don’t ignore warning lights
- Keep up with MOT and PCO checks
- Drive smoothly
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
MG 5
£115/week
MG HS
£250/week
Toyota Corolla
£200/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
Toyota Prius Plus
£220/week
Toyota Rav4
£270/week
Hyundai Ioniq SE
£200/week
Hyundai Kona
£125/week
Stick to a Regular Service Schedule
Most car manufacturers recommend full service every 12,000 miles or 12 months. However, as a PCO driver, you will hit that mileage limit way before the year is up. Keep an eye on the odometer and take your car for service as soon as you reach that figure.
Key checks during the service:
- Engine oil and filter change (only for non-EVs)
- Brake pads and fluid
- Coolant, wiper fluid, and air filters
- Battery performance
Make regular servicing your priority to get the best performance out of your car.
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Check Tyres Weekly
Your tyres should be in good shape to confirm safety. Here are some checks to perform on tyres:
- Minimum tread depth: 1.6mm (legal limit)
- Correct tyre pressure (check the vehicle manual)
- Look for punctures, uneven wear, or bulges
Worn-out tyres not only increase the risk of accidents but also affect the passenger experience. Set a day every week to perform these checks.
When getting a car through PCO car hire, check the tyres and confirm that they meet the above requirements before signing the contract.
Monitor Engine Oil Levels (Non EVs Only)
- Engine oil is the lifeblood of any petrol/ diesel car.
- Check it every week to confirm its level doesn’t drop too low.
- Dirty oil can affect the engine’s quality and performance.
- Keep a bottle of recommended oil in your boot at all times. If the oil level is low, top it up before starting your shift.
Checking oil level only takes five minutes but prevents costly repairs and downtime.
Keep Your Car Clean (Inside and Out)
Passengers only care about what they see and smell the moment they open the car door. Keeping your car clean from the inside and out leaves a great impression on passengers.
Exterior Cleaning
Grime and road salt can eat through a clear coat and expose bare metal.
- Wash your car at least once a week and after heavy rain.
- Use proper shampoo and dry it off to avoid water spots.
- Apply some wax for shine.
Interior Cleaning
- Vacuum the seats.
- Remove dust from the dashboard.
- Clean the windows properly to improve visibility.
- Wipe down the steering wheel and gear shift.
Tip: Keep a small cleaning kit in your boot to deal with unexpected spills or clutter mid-shift.
Don’t Ignore Warning Lights
Warning lights indicate that your car needs immediate attention. Ignoring them could lead to costly issues.
- Act immediately when a warning light turns on.
- Use an OBD-II scanner to get a clue about what’s going on.
- Still don’t understand the issue? Take the car to a mechanic or inform your car provider.
Every car sold in the UK has an OBD port. If you don’t have a scanner yet, you should own one. They cost between £15–£50 and can save you from many headaches.
Keep Up with MOT and PCO Checks
- Your car has to pass a TfL vehicle inspection every six months.
- The inspection can catch anything that makes your vehicle unfit to carry passengers.
- Get your car fully serviced before the inspection date.
- Cars older than three years need to pass an annual MOT as well.
- Driving a PCO car without MOT certificate is illegal.
No matter how good your car looks, passing these checks is essential to keep it road-ready.
Contact us today for simple, flexible MG 5 PCO hire plans.
Drive Smoothly
- Aggressive driving wears down tyres and other components of your car.
- This results in more trips to the garage, more downtime, and more money lost.
- Drive smoothly to improve your car’s lifespan.
Make gentle driving a habit to prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle in top shape.
If you want to learn what happens during PCO vehicle inspection, please read our thorough guide here.
Start Earning Today.
Conclusion
Your car needs to be in excellent condition to perform its job properly, and regular maintenance is the best way to achieve this goal. So, treat your car well and it will return the favour shift after shift. The more you take care of it, the more profitably it will run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old can a PCO car be?
10 years. Cars that are older than 10 years are not allowed for PCO use.
Can I drive a PCO car with regular insurance?
No, you need PCO insurance, also known as hire & reward insurance, to legally drive a PCO car.
How do i know if my car is suitable for PCO use?
If your car is less than 10 years old and meets TfL’s emission standards, it can qualify for PCO use. However, further inspections and checks are required to confirm its safety and reliability.
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