If you’re a taxi driver, you would already be aware of the importance of taxi maintenance. However, with a busy schedule, it is easy to forget about the basic maintenance that your taxi requires to operate smoothly. But you need not worry. There are a few simple things you can do to maintain your taxi’s performance and keep its resale value intact.
Regardless of whether your taxi is brand new or an older model, it is possible to keep it in excellent condition by giving it the attention it deserves. To help you get started, here are some useful tips for taking care of your taxi:
How To Maintain A Taxi?
1. Clean Your Vehicle Regularly
To maintain the appearance and value of your vehicle, it’s essential to clean it regularly. Consider scheduling washes and wax treatments every six months or doing it yourself to protect the paint job and prevent corrosion from road salt on the undercarriage, especially if you live in a cold climate.
2. Get Routine Maintenance
All vehicles come with a recommended routine maintenance schedule based on miles driven, which you can find in the manual or request from the dealership. To ensure your taxi runs smoothly, mechanics usually perform an oil change and multi-point inspections every 5,000 miles or six months, depending on the make and model. Mechanic checks also include essential fluid levels and worn items like air filters or wipers and alert you if any issues require further attention. You can save money by learning how to perform basic maintenance yourself.
3. Don’t Skip Tune-ups
Tune-ups are essential for every vehicle, and it’s best to replace older parts that have worn out with new ones. These parts include spark plugs, filters, valves, belts, and hoses. You can ask the service department for cost estimates before these tune-ups so you are prepared for expenses when the time comes.
4. Check Fluid Levels Regularly
Checking fluid levels regularly is essential in maintaining your vehicle’s performance. You can select a day each month to check engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid and create a handy checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything. It’s best to check the brake and transmission fluids at least twice a year, preferably every six months, to avoid significant issues with your vehicle. Waiting until it’s time for an oil change to check your fluid levels is not recommended, as it could lead to costly repairs later on.
5. Pay Attention To Your Tire Tread
It’s important to check your tire tread regularly. If you have low tread, your vehicle can become uncontrollable, especially when driving in bad weather. However, there are simple and affordable ways to check your tire tread. One option is to use a tread depth gauge, while another option is to use a penny.
To use a penny, insert it into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing outward and upside down. If the head is fully visible, it’s likely that you need new tires. It’s recommended that you take your car to a tire dealer to confirm.
6. Keep The Tires Inflated
Maintaining proper tire inflation is crucial for vehicle safety and optimal fuel efficiency. If you own a newer car, you may receive an alert on the dashboard when the tire pressure is low. If this feature isn’t available in your car, you can purchase a tire-pressure gauge to monitor your tires’ air levels.
To determine the correct inflation levels for your car, refer to the sticker located inside the driver’s door pillar. If the pressure is low, you must immediately inflate the tires to the recommended level.
To Wrap Up:
As a taxi driver, ensuring that your vehicle is in optimal condition is paramount. These are some great tips that will help you keep your taxi in the best condition, saving you from costly repairs and increasing your profitability in the long run. In case you’re planning to become a driver and searching for rent-to-buy taxi programs, Taxi Rent, the most trusted taxi rental service in Cambridge, is here to offer you the best rental plans. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about the plans!