In the 21st century, it's not unheard of to pick up a side hustle by becoming a rideshare driver for Uber or Lyft. It's a relatively manageable, laidback gig that can get you some extra cash. If you own a vehicle, you might as well - right? While Uber may approve of your employment, they need more insight into your vehicle before giving you the green light. Uber and Lyft require their drivers to submit a vehicle inspection annually to ensure their customers receive safe and reliable trips. You must pass this full inspection before generating this income. Here's what these rideshare companies look for:
- Body - The vehicle's body should be free from any damages to pass the vehicle inspection.
- Doors - All four (or more) doors on the vehicle must be able to open and close from both the inside and outside. Passengers must be able to unlock and lock their corresponding doors (in case of emergencies).
- Seats - The front of the vehicle must be adjustable. So if your power seating is malfunctioning, you need to get that fixed.
- Seat Belts - Each Uber vehicle has to have at least five seat belts, and they must be functional.
- HVAC - Your air conditioning and heating system must be fully functional for the comfort of riders.
- Windows - Windows must be operative and free of cracks. Stickers or labels must not limit the visual range of the people inside the car. Additionally, the windscreen wipers and fluid must be in working order.
- Mirrors - The vehicle's mirrors must be free of cracks, intact, and functioning.
- Horn - You'll need a working car horn, as it is a way of alerting other drivers of your intentions.
- Lights: All exterior lighting of the car, including headlights, high beams, taillights, turn signals, stop lights, etc., must be working at 100% capacity. During the inspection, your tech will check the efficiency of each individual bulb. If the headlights are too opaque or yellowed, you may fail the assessment.
- Tires - One common mistake people make before an Uber inspection is not checking their tires. All of your tires should have even and adequate tread. You can always do the penny test to see whether you need to replace your tires before the inspection takes place.
Other honorable mentions that your inspector will probably check are the engine (and related parts), suspension system, steering system, exhaust system, and braking system. All of these must be fully functional and safe for both you (the driver) and your potential passengers.
An Uber inspection usually only takes around 30 minutes of your time, and it can be well worth it if you're committed to the job. If you want to get started in this business, please take your vehicle to Knight Automotive today!