PCO car hire allows you to start driving and earning without buying a car outright. It requires you to sign a contract to drive the car for a set period while the car provider takes care of maintenance and compliance.
With that said, just because the hire company takes care of the car doesn’t mean you can neglect it. After signing the PCO car hire contract, you are also responsible for keeping it in good condition, and if something goes wrong with it because of your negligence, you will be the one paying the price. That’s why it’s important to know your responsibilities before hiring a PCO car.
In this article, we will discuss the essential things you should do to keep the hired car well-maintained. Let’s get started.
Perform These Vehicle Checks Daily
You should perform several vehicle checks daily before starting your shift. This will help you spot issues early. For instance, you should check whether there’s a warning light on your dashboard. If there is, inform your car provider immediately as ignoring it will only make the issue worse.
You should also check your car’s lights and indicators because you could face hefty fines if your lights aren’t working right.
Next, look under the car for any suspicious puddles or drips, as that could be leaked oil, coolant, or brake fluid. Once you are done with the external checks, move inside the vehicle and make sure that the seatbelts are working fine, the car isn’t making any strange noises, and the wipers are functioning as they should.
These checks don’t take long, but can save you hundreds of pounds.
Keep the Fluids Topped Up
The hire company tackles routine servicing, but you should still keep an eye on fluid levels in your car. For instance, engine oil is the lifeblood of your car. Running low on oil could cause significant damage to the engine and lead to costly repairs.
The same goes for coolant. It’s meant to prevent overheating, but if it’s too low, your car can boil over and you will be the one paying the repair bill.
Brake fluid is another critical thing to consider. Low levels could affect the car’s braking performance and increase your risk of accidents. The worst part is that you will have to pay the car auto body repair costs yourself in case of an accident caused by faulty brakes. In addition, you could face TfL penalties and court dates because of negligence.
If you drive a diesel car, then pay special attention to AdBlue level. It keeps emissions clean and helps you stay compliant with ULEZ standards. Plus, your car may refuse to start with a low AdBlue level, so you should keep it topped up as well.
Tyre Care
The next important thing to look after is tyres. You can have the most advanced car with safety features, but if the tyres are neglected, your day can quickly become a nightmare, as neglected tyres are among the main reasons behind blowouts and accidents.
The first thing you should do is to keep the tyres properly inflated. Keeping them too soft or too stiff could increase your fuel consumption and shorten the tyres’ lifespan. You can check your car’s ideal tyre pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the handbook.
Your tyres’ tread depth also matters. The UK law states that your tyres should have at least 1.6mm of tread depth to be considered safe. Less tread means less grip and an increased risk of accidents, so pay attention to this aspect as well.
Cuts, bulges, nails, or odd lumps are some other red flags. If you spot any of these on your tyres, ask the car provider to replace them.
Keep it Clean Inside and Out
A clean car is about more than just appearance. It keeps you safe on the road and lowers your repair costs. Let’s take an example:
Your headlights must be fully clean to see properly on the road, especially during rain or fog. If they are coated in grime, your visibility will be badly affected, increasing the risk of an accident. Similarly, modern cars are loaded with sensors for parking, lane assist, and emergency braking. They stop working when covered with road filth, and you may end up rear-ending someone or scratching another car while parking.
Aside from technicalities, no passenger wants to travel in a car filled with crumbs, coffee stains, or unpleasant odours. If you ignore this, you will receive low ratings, which could directly affect your income.
Lastly, some PCO car hire contracts charge fines if you return the car filthy. So, wash your car regularly to avoid fines, reduce the risk of accidents, and protect your income.
Drive Responsibly
Your driving habits play a crucial part in your car’s condition. Stamping on the accelerator and slamming the brakes is the quickest way to wear out your car’s tyres, suspension, and many other components.
Overloading your car with passengers or luggage is another way to put extra stress on the engine and reduce its performance, which could be costly to restore.
Some drivers also tend to ride the clutch. This could burn out the clutch plates, and replacing them is not only expensive but also leads to downtime and lost earnings because your car is off the road due to repairs.
Driving gently, on the other hand, helps prevent all these issues and keeps more of your profits in your pocket.
Final Thoughts
Just because you don’t own the car doesn’t mean you are not responsible for keeping it in good condition. It’s true that the hire companies usually take care of routine servicing and maintenance, but your daily habits also play a crucial role in preserving the car’s condition and performance. If the car needs a check-up before the scheduled appointment and you fail to inform your car provider, then you will be the one paying the costs of repairs, not the company.
Always do your part to avoid unwanted expenses.
