
Your car isn’t just a car—it’s your paycheck. Every trip you take, every passenger you drop off, that’s how you pay the bills. But guess what? You might be unknowingly damaging your own hustle. Yup, those little things you do while driving? They’re slowly beating up your PCO car.
What happens next? Expensive fixes, days stuck in the shop, and annoyed passengers. Not exactly how you want to run your ride-hailing gig, right?
No worries, though! Let’s talk about the 5 top driving habits that are damaging your car—and exactly how to stop them. Let’s fix this so your rides stay smooth and your wallet stays full.
1. Slamming the Brakes Like It’s a Race Track
We’ve all been there: a scooter zips out of nowhere, a delivery van stops abruptly, or you’re just rushing to hit that next ride request. But stomping on the brakes isn’t just jarring for passengers—it’s brutal on your car.
Why it’s bad:
- Brake pads wear out 50% faster (RAC study).
- Rotors warp, leading to shaky steering wheels and pricier fixes.
- Suspension components take a beating, costing £200+ to repair.
Fix it:
- Follow the 3-second rule: Keep enough space between you and the car ahead.
- Ease off the gas early when you see red lights or slowing traffic.
- Pretend there’s a hot coffee in the cup holder—smooth stops keep it (and your passengers) spill-free!
2. Letting Your Engine Idle Like It’s a Day Spa
Waiting for a ride request? Cranking the AC while parked? Idling feels harmless, but it’s a silent profit killer.
Why it’s bad:
- 1 hour of idling = 1 gallon of wasted fuel (Energy Saving Trust). That’s £6+ down the drain daily!
- Engine oil breaks down faster, increasing wear.
- Spark plugs get gunked up, leading to misfires and rough starts.
Fix it:
- Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for >60 seconds.
- Use parking mode on your ride-hailing app to avoid idling between jobs.
- Upgrade to a hybrid or electric PCO car—they’re built to handle stop-and-go without guzzling fuel. (Psst… our PCO car hire options are perfect for this!)
3. Flooring the Gas Pedal Like You’re in Fast & Furious
Aggressive acceleration might feel fun, but it’s murder on your engine—and your wallet.
Why it’s bad:
- Rapid acceleration burns 40% more fuel than gradual starts.
- Transmission parts wear out faster (think £500+ for repairs).
- Tires lose tread quicker, especially if you’re peeling out from stops.
Fix it:
- Imagine there’s an egg under the gas pedal—press gently!
- Use eco mode if your car has it—it smoothens acceleration.
- Hybrids/electric cars excel here—instant torque without the engine strain.
4. Ignoring Tire Pressure Like It’s a Horoscope
“Eh, the tyres look fine.” Famous last words. Underinflated tyres are stealthy budget drainers.
Why it’s bad:
- 6 PSI underinflated = 3% worse fuel economy (Department of Energy). That’s £100+ wasted annually.
- Tires wear unevenly, cutting their lifespan by 25%.
- Poor handling increases skidding risks in rain.
Fix it:
- Check tyre pressure weekly—most fuel stations have free pumps.
- Set reminders on your phone for monthly checks.
- Invest in a portable tyre inflator—they’re £20 and fit in your boot!
5. Skipping Oil Changes Like They’re Optional
“I’ll do it next month.” Spoiler: Next month turns into never, and suddenly your engine sounds like a coffee grinder.
Why it’s bad:
- Old oil sludges up engines, causing overheating and breakdowns.
- Fuel efficiency drops by 2% for every missed oil change.
- A seized engine could total your car—yikes!
Fix it:
- Stick to your car’s service schedule (usually every 5,000-10,000 miles).
- Use synthetic oil—it lasts longer and protects better.
- Opt for a rent-to-buy PCO car—many include maintenance plans so you never miss a service!
Bonus Tip: Choose a Car That Can Handle the Grind
Not all cars are cut out for PCO life. If you’re driving an old petrol guzzler, you’re fighting an uphill battle.
Upgrade smarter:
- Hybrids (Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq): Save £1,500+ yearly on fuel.
- Electric cars (Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3): Near-zero maintenance and no fuel costs.
- Durable models (Skoda Octavia, Honda Civic): Built to handle high mileage.
(Check out our PCO car hire deals for affordable, PCO-ready vehicles!)
Drive Smart, Earn More
Your PCO car is more than just wheels—it’s your livelihood. Ditch these bad habits, and you’ll see fewer repair bills, happier passengers, and more cash in your pocket.
- Brake smoothly.
- Stop idling.
- Accelerate gently.
- Check tyres monthly.
- Never skip oil changes.
Ready to upgrade to a car that works for you? Explore our rent-to-buy PCO cars. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you!