Gear Up for Success: Must-Have Rideshare Accessories Plus Other Helpful Tips

If you own a car and are looking for ways to earn a living, becoming an Uber or Lyft driver is a viable option. But before applying, you must equip your vehicle for it. Start by investing in aftermarket accessories that’ll help make your ride ready for this new adventure.

What Aftermarket Rideshare Accessories Should I Buy For My Vehicle?

There’s a plethora of options when it comes to aftermarket car accessories. If you have a limited budget, it can be hard to pinpoint which ones to prioritize. To help you gear up for your ridesharing gig, here are the top must-have accessories on our list:

Phone Mount

Most states have laws that limit or prohibit the use of cellular phones while you’re driving. The problem is that you’ll need to glance at your phone most of the time for navigation. Luckily, a phone mount can solve this problem.

Aside from helping you keep your hands on the wheel, a phone mount will also make your interior look more tidy and professional.

Dash Camera

A camera can help you feel more secure while driving. It records the road, so it can tell your side of the story in case you get involved in an accident, like a collision.

Some dash cameras can also record what’s happening inside your ride. These devices can make your passengers feel safe. However, check your local laws about recording inside a ridesharing vehicle before installing any camera.

Some cities require drivers to display a sign that notifies the passenger that there’s an active recording device during the trip. Meanwhile, other cities strictly prohibit the use of any recording devices inside a ridesharing vehicle.

Charging Cables and Cable Holders

If you’re going to be on the road for a long time, it’s a good idea to pack charging cables.

If your device battery dies during the trip, you’d have to find a way to reach the destination without relying on Waze or Google Maps. That might not be a problem for seasoned drivers, but those who are new to the ridesharing gig might struggle.

It’s also a good idea to bring an extra phone charger for your passengers. It isn’t uncommon for passengers to ask if they can charge their phones or tablets in the car. If you have the budget, invest in a car charger with multiple USB ports. You can also buy cable holders to keep your charger cables organized.

Aux Cable

Driving all day can be tiring and stressful. Listening to your tracks can help keep your spirits high. An aux cable lets you connect your smartphone to your car’s audio system. You can plug one end to your device and the other to your car’s aux input.

You can also ask your passengers if they would like to be the DJ for the whole trip. Let them connect their device to your audio system. Who knows, you might also find their playlist entertaining.

All-Weather Floor Mats

These mats can protect your floor from spills and dirt. They’re easy to clean and maintain, so you won’t have a hard time keeping your interior tidy and inviting for your next trip. It’s a great way to get better passenger ratings and tips.

Mini Trash Can and Barf Bags

You’ll never know what to expect during your trips, and a trash can usually comes in handy. There are many trash cans that can fit in the glove compartment, behind the passenger seat, and in other locations, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.

Also, if you’re going to do trips during the night, it isn’t uncommon to encounter drunk passengers. Having barf bags is a must. You don’t want to be cleaning up vomit after the trip or having your car cleaned by a professional multiple times a week.

Back Support

Driving for long periods can put a lot of strain on your back. Adding extra lumbar support to your seat can help reduce back pain. There are many memory foam lumbar pillows available on the market, so you won’t run out of options to choose from.

Helpful Tips for Ridesharing Drivers

Aside from getting helpful accessories, here are other tips that’ll help you thrive in your ridesharing hustle:

Get Familiar With Your Area

Waze, Google Maps, and other navigation apps are great guides, but they can limit your trips to set routes. Most ridesharing companies will allow you to navigate the road independently, especially if you know a shorter route.

So familiarize yourself with the roads and highways in your area. If you spend time doing this, you’ll learn which roads to avoid or take during rush hours and other high-traffic periods throughout the day.

Take note that this is only applicable if you’re carrying a single passenger. Drivers are required to follow the app’s directions on shared rides.

Look for Special Events

If you’d like to earn a lot from this gig, keep an eye out for special events, as they usually end with a lot of people looking for a ride home. Make sure you’re in the area before the event ends.

Although this trick will surely help you find more passengers, there’s also a downside to it. Expect heavy traffic getting in and coming out of the area. Some roads could be closed during events, so you have to watch out for that.

Rest When You Can

Life as a ridesharing driver can be both exciting and stressful. So whenever you have the opportunity to rest, take it. Grab a coffee or take the night off if you find yourself nursing a headache or nodding off behind the wheel.