Winter can be one of the hardest times of year to work as a PCO or private hire driver. Dark evenings, cold mornings, icy roads, and heavy rain all make your shifts harder and more tiring. At the same time, passengers still expect safe, smooth journeys and clean, comfortable cars.
For PCO drivers, winter safety is not just about avoiding accidents. A breakdown or minor bump can mean lost income, cancelled jobs, and unhappy passengers. In this guide, we will share practical winter driving and car care tips for Uber, Bolt, and PHV drivers in London and across England, and show how Zoom PCO Hire can help you stay on the road with confidence.
Why Winter Is Different for PCO and Private Hire Drivers
All drivers face winter risks, but PCO drivers deal with them more often because you:
- Spend long hours on the road, often in the dark
- Work in busy city traffic and on fast A-roads and motorways
- Pick up passengers in places with slippery kerbs, side roads, and car parks
- Rely on your car to earn every week – if it is off the road, you are not earning
National Highways and motoring organisations regularly warn that breakdowns and incidents rise in winter, especially when temperatures drop, and roads are wet, icy, or snowy. The good news is that most winter problems can be reduced with a little extra preparation and a calmer driving style.
Pre-Shift Winter Vehicle Checks (PCO Safety Checklist)
Before you go online, take a few minutes to check your PCO car. It can save you hours of trouble later in the day. Many of these checks match advice from the AA, RAC, and Met Office.
1. Tyres
Your tyres are the only part of the car touching the road. In cold, wet, and icy conditions, they matter more than ever.
- Aim for at least 3 mm of tread depth for better winter grip, not just the legal 1.6 mm.
- Check pressures regularly; cold weather can lower them.
- Look for cuts or bulges and get any damage checked.
Some UK drivers, especially in colder areas, use all-season or winter tyres to shorten stopping distances in snow and ice.
2. Lights and Visibility
Short days mean you drive in the dark much more.
- Check headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights before your shift.
- Clean lenses to prevent dirt and salt from reducing brightness.
- Make sure your number plates are visible, a dirty plate can lead to a fine.
3. Fluids and Windows
Winter makes it harder to see clearly, so:
- Top up screen wash with winter-strength fluid to prevent freezing.
- Check that the oil and coolant levels are correct.
- Make sure wiper blades are in good condition and not splitting.
- Fully clear ice, mist, and snow from all windows and mirrors before you move – not just a small patch on the windscreen. Driving with poor visibility can lead to fines and penalty points.
4. Battery and Electrics
Cold weather is hard on batteries, especially if you make lots of short trips.
- If your car has been slow to start, get the battery tested.
- Keep a phone charger in the car so your apps and navigation never die mid-shift.
Extra Tips for Hybrid and EV PCO Cars in Cold Weather
Many PCO drivers now use hybrid and electric cars, which behave a bit differently in winter.
How Cold Affects EV Range
Cold weather can reduce EV range by around 15–20% in normal UK winters, and sometimes more in very low temperatures.
This happens because:
- The battery works less efficiently in the cold.
- You use more power to heat the cabin and demist the windows.
- Charging can take longer when the battery is cold.
Practical EV Winter Tips for PCO Drivers
- Warm the cabin and the battery using mains power before your shift, so you start with a warm car and a full range.
- Use heated seats and the heated steering wheel rather than blasting the cabin heat on full; they use less energy.
- Keep an eye on tyre pressures, as low pressures hurt both grip and range.
- Plan charging stops in advance if you do long motorway trips, and allow a bit more time than in summer.
Hybrid PCO Cars in Winter
Hybrids generally cope well in winter, but:
- Short trips may use the petrol engine more, as the system warms up.
- Smooth driving and gentle acceleration still help fuel economy.
- Pre-conditioning (if available) can also reduce misting and improve comfort.
Look After Yourself as Well as the Car
Winter shifts are tiring. To stay safe and protect your income:
- Wear warm, layered clothing so you don’t shiver at the wheel.
- Keep water and simple snacks in the car so you don’t rely on fast food.
- Take short breaks to stretch, rest your eyes, and reset your focus.
- If you feel very tired, log off and rest – one safe shift is better than risking an accident.
Police and road safety bodies often remind drivers that even experienced people can get into trouble in winter if they push themselves too hard.
How Zoom PCO Hire Helps PCO Drivers Stay Winter-Ready
At Zoom PCO Hire, we know winter can put a lot of stress on both drivers and cars. We aim to help you keep working safely and smoothly, without constant worry about the vehicle.
With Zoom PCO Hire, you can:
- Choose from well-maintained PCO cars, including hybrid, EV, and petrol options suited for Uber, Bolt, and other PHV platforms.
- Benefit from regular servicing and safety checks, so tyres, brakes, and fluids are kept in good condition for winter.
- Get support if your car has an issue – we want to minimise your downtime and lost earnings.
- Pick a PCO car hire or rent-to-buy plan that matches how much you drive and how long you plan to stay in the trade.
- If you are currently driving an older or unreliable PCO car and are worried about winter breakdowns, it may be a good time to talk to us about a more winter-ready vehicle built for long, cold shifts.
Final Thoughts
Winter driving can be tough for PCO and private hire drivers, but a little extra care makes a big difference. By checking your car before each shift, adjusting your driving style, and looking after your own comfort and rest, you can stay safer and avoid costly breakdowns. Hybrid and EV PCO cars also need more planning in cold weather, especially around range and charging. If your current car struggles in winter or keeps letting you down, Zoom PCO Hire can help you move into a more reliable, winter-ready PCO vehicle so you can keep driving and earning with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Driving & Car Care for PCO Drivers in London
How should I prepare my PCO car for winter driving in London?
Check your tyres, lights, screen wash, wipers, battery, and fluids before each shift. Make sure all windows and mirrors are fully clear of ice and mist before moving. Many UK motoring bodies, including the AA and RAC, advise carrying basic winter items such as a scraper, de-icer, warm clothing, and a torch, especially for longer journeys.
Do PCO drivers in the UK need winter tyres or all-season tyres?
Winter tyres are not a legal requirement in the UK, but they can shorten stopping distances in cold, wet conditions and provide better grip on snow and ice. For many London PCO drivers, good-quality tyres with at least 3 mm of tread depth are a minimum requirement. If you work in hilly or rural areas that see more snow, all-season or winter tyres may be a smart investment.
How much longer does it take to stop on icy roads in winter?
Guidance based on the Highway Code and winter safety campaigns suggests that stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer on ice than on dry roads. This is why you should slow down, leave a big gap to the vehicle in front, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration when it is very cold.
How does cold weather affect the range and charging of EV PCO cars?
Cold weather can reduce EV range by around 15–20% in typical UK winters, and sometimes more in very low temperatures, because the battery is less efficient and you use more power for heating. Charging can also take longer when the battery is cold. Pre-conditioning the car while plugged in, using efficient heating (such as heated seats), and planning charging stops in advance are all recommended by EV experts.
Do I need to change how I drive my hybrid or EV in winter as a PCO driver?
Yes, but the basics are the same as any car: slow down, drive smoothly, and leave more space. Hybrids may rely more on the engine when cold, so gentle driving helps improve fuel economy. For EVs, pre-heating, checking tyre pressures, and avoiding very hard acceleration will enhance range and comfort.
How can Zoom PCO Hire help if my current car struggles in winter?
If your current PCO car is old, unreliable, or often in the garage, winter can make things even worse. Zoom PCO Hire can help you move into a better-maintained PCO vehicle, on hire or rent-to-buy, with servicing and safety checks included. Our team can also help you choose between hybrid, EV, or other options based on where you drive, how long your shifts are, and how much charging access you have.
