Whether you’re driving a brand new jet-black luxury saloon, or a four-door that’s been in the family for years, keeping your vehicle in good shape is important. As an Uber partner-driver, you don’t just use it to get from point A to point B, it’s an essential part of how you make money.

Preventative care and mindful driving can keep your car on the road rather than in the garage. Consider these seven tips to minimise wear and tear and save money.

How to care for your car

Stick to the routine maintenance schedule
Manufacturers often recommend repairs, check-ups and fluid changes at regular intervals such as every 15,000 miles. Review your owner manual to find the specifics for your vehicle because skipping these could lead to costly repairs.

In some cases, your warranty may depend on you following routine maintenance guidelines. However, you can compare quotes from your dealership and independent mechanics and go with the cheapest option.

Change your oil regularly
Changing your motor oil and oil filter are regular maintenance requirements that deserve extra attention. Oil cools, cleans and lubricates the engine, helping prevent potentially damaging metal-to-metal contact. An oil and filter change is relatively cheap, but if you put it off for too long you’ll need to replace the entire engine.

Experts suggest using mileage-based rather than time-based recommendations to determine when it’s time for an oil change. Check the vehicle’s owner manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Certain newer cars have an oil life monitor that indicates when you need an oil change based on mileage and how you’re driving. If yours doesn’t, check the oil’s colour and viscosity. If it looks dirty or feels gritty, consider getting an oil change even if you haven’t hit the mileage marker.

Let the car warm up
When it’s cold outside, it can take a few minutes for the oil to warm up and keep all parts of the engine lubricated properly. Use the temperature gauge as a measure – when it reaches the mid-point, you should be ready to go. Before then, try to stay at low speeds rather than jumping on a motorway and don’t rev the engine.

Check your tyre pressure
The air pressure in your tyres can affect their lifespan as well as your car’s fuel efficiency. Look inside the driver’s side door or the owner manual to find your vehicle’s recommended PSI. Try to keep the tyres inflated to that point to prolong their life and save money.

Regularly getting a tyre rotation also extends their life as it allows them to wear down evenly. It can lead to a smoother trip as well as increased fuel efficiency.

Go easy on the brakes
Brake pads wear down over time and, when only 20% (or about 20 millimetres) remains, it’s time for a change. If you hear a squeal when you’re braking, that’s a good indicator that they’re worn.

Going easy on the petrol and brakes is generally good practice, as slamming on the brakes can wear out the brake pads more quickly than easing to a stop. Plus, riders often appreciate a smooth journey.

Use the hand brake
One way to reduce wear on your gearbox is to use the hand brake – also called an emergency brake or parking brake – when parking your car. Putting your car into park and releasing the brake pedal before engaging the hand brake puts stress on the gearbox because the gearbox holds the car in place. A better procedure for your gearbox is to come to a stop, press the brake pedal, engage your hand brake, put the car into park and then release the brake pedal. This can be especially important when parking on steep hills as there’s added pressure.

Save money on your repairs and maintenance
Even if you’re not a mechanic, some regular maintenance tasks can be handled at home. Changing a car battery, headlights, brake lights and oil are often simple jobs. You may be able to find instructions in the manual, or video walk-throughs online. If you’re not comfortable with the DIY approach, get quotes from several garages before paying for a service.