5 Car Accessories Every Uber and Lyft Driver Needs
One of the top reasons why car stocks are down is that more people are using public transportation and rideshare companies to get to their destinations. According to a recent study, it’s estimated that 36% of Americans use a ridesharing service, like Uber or Lyft, at some point in their lives.
Uber employs 3 million drivers and Lyft has 1.4 million drivers, who provide up to an estimated 15 million rides each day. Working as an Uber or a Lyft driver is good for someone who needs a side source of income because of its flexibility.
In addition to having a reliable car, there are a few accessories drivers should get to make their jobs easier. If you’re interested in becoming a Lyft or Uber driver, take a look at some of the top gadgets available.
Dash camera
Getting involved in even a minor accident is never fun, and an unfamiliar third party in your backseat can stress you out even more. If the customer becomes injured during a car accident, they could hold you personally accountable, which could result in termination from your job along with other legal troubles.
A camera for your dashboard is relatively inexpensive and protects your integrity in the event of a collision. It’s easy to install and also doubles as a great way to monitor your vehicle when you’re not around, deterring break-ins and hit-and-runs.
Car phone mount
If you don’t own a GPS unit, the only other practical option for driving passengers through unfamiliar territory is to use your smartphone. Your phone’s GPS works just as well, but it can be a hassle to keep looking down on your phone every time you need to take a turn.
Not to mention, taking your eyes off the road too often can also be unsafe for both you and the passenger. With a car phone mount, you can see your route clearly in front of you at all times. You can even find some for under $10.
Mileage app
Drivers who use Uber and Lyft need to keep track of the miles they drive. When it comes time to file your taxes, you need to know how many miles you’ve driven. Uber and Lyft only keep track of the miles you’ve driven while on rides.
Mileage apps like Everlance and Triplog are completely free for up to 30 trips a month and can be installed right onto your phone. You can also upgrade to a premium version for as little as $4 a month, which includes unlimited trips and tools to help you keep track of your expenses.
Phone chargers
Depending on how many customers you get in a day, you may be stuck in your car for 8 hours or more. Your phone may run out of battery fast, especially if you’re using it to stream music or for navigation.
A portable phone charger will ensure that your phone is always charged while you’re working. Consider getting charging cables for both an Android and an iPhone. This way, you’ll be prepared if your passenger needs to use one for the duration of the ride.
Aux cord
An aux cord lets you listen to your favorite music while on the job, or let the passenger have control of the driving playlist. If you don’t have one of these cords and don’t like what’s playing on the radio, you’ll have to drive in silence or listen to the distracting noise of a busy city.
While some passengers don’t mind, it could make others feel awkward. It could also get potentially boring, which could lead your mind to wander. This is means you’ll be less engaged and aware of your surroundings. This gadget is very cheap and an excellent way to boost morale.