If you are a rideshare worker, you understand that your job is more than just driving others to their destinations. Because you are self-employed, you need to do everything in your power to impress your riders and keep them safe. Doing this increases the chances you will be able to help more people and make more money.
Whether you drive for Uber or Lyft (or both), one of the most important things you should be doing is keeping your car clean. These days, especially, people are obsessed with cleanliness and sanitation, and in order to compete, you need to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your car looking as clean as possible. If you need help sprucing up your car or installing accessories, such as satellite radio, let Autohaus Automotive help.
1. Helps Prevent Viruses
One of the best reasons to keep your car clean is to prevent the spread of viruses. Whether it is the flu, a cold, or coronavirus, these particles can stay on surfaces for a certain period of time. Since you drive around a wide variety of strangers over the course of a shift, you have no idea what germs and viruses they are bringing into your vehicle. Thoroughly cleaning after each ride with a strong disinfectant kills any bugs that may be present.
The best way to clean the interior of the car is to spray the seats, console, and door handles with an EPA-approved disinfectant. Do not wipe it off right away. Rather, leave it on for at least 15 minutes or, ideally, until it is dry. This means taking more time between rides, but it is important to keep everyone safe.
2. Gives Riders a Good Impression
One of the first things riders notice when they get in your car is the cleanliness and state of the vehicle. You do not need to drive a new car to make a good impression, but you need to upkeep your vehicle regularly. No, you do not need to hit the car wash after each ride or even each day, but the exterior should be free from dirt and grime. Focus on the small details of your car. Wipe down the steering wheel and console, so they are nice and shiny.
Make sure the floor mats are not only clean but also in good shape. If your interior has seen better days, perhaps it is time to invest in new mats or even redo the upholstery. When you take care of your car, it makes riders feel like you care about them. And, as a bonus, you will probably make more money.
3. Better Tips
There are numerous things you can do to make better tips, and having a clean vehicle is one of them. Not only do riders feel like they are riding in luxury, but they also feel like you are taking care of them. Although offering water, mints, and other extras may be out, thanks to the coronavirus, there are other things you can do to make your riders want to give you more money.
Instead of waiting for your rider in the car, get out and open the door for your passengers. Yes, this is a grand gesture that will impress most riders, but there is an additional bonus for you. You are more than likely wearing gloves, and opening the door not only keeps the exterior free from finger and handprints, but it also reduces one cleaning step since you will not have to clean the door handle after each ride.
4. Better Ratings
As a driver, you understand that it is important to keep your ratings high. Riders who get into a messy, rundown, and dusty car will likely be inclined to leave a bad rating. By keeping the interior and exterior squeaky clean, you will impress your customers, who will want to give you five stars. Other things you can do to boost ratings is to ask them what type of music they would like and to read their demeanor. Some riders want a conversationalist, while others prefer to ride in silence.
5. Gives Riders a Better Sense of Safety
These days, especially, people are worried about catching a virus and getting ill. For some, the thought of riding in a stranger’s car that has transported many other people is terrifying. Although many of these people will probably choose to stay home, some may have no other choice but to use a rideshare vehicle.
Calm their fears by following all CDC guidelines for cleanliness and safety. Wear a mask and make sure your riders also wear one. Wear gloves and explain to your customers what you are doing to keep things clean and sanitized, so your riders feel safer and more at ease.
6. Protects Riders and Drivers
Along the same lines of giving riders a sense of safety, keeping your car clean does protect both your riders and you from getting sick. Disinfecting clears out all germs and viruses that cause sickness, but you should also do your part to make sure sick people do not get into your vehicle.
You should never work if you feel ill or have symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a fever. You also have the right to deny a ride to any customer who gets in your car with those symptoms. By doing so, you are being responsible and doing everyone a favor by protecting their health.
7. Keeps Customers Clean
Customers hire rideshare for numerous reasons, such as a ride to the airport, grocery shopping, or a night out. Some people may be on their way to a nice dinner or special occasion and are dressed to impress. The last thing you want is for them to brush up against a dirty car, sit on a dusty seat, or expose their clothes to pet hair.
Stepping out of the car dirtier than they came in will not make them happy and may land you with a pricey dry-cleaning bill. By keeping your car clean, you can rest assured your customers will look great and be happy with their experience.
Contact Autohaus Automotive
For many people, having a clean and neat car is a source of pride. When your job is driving others around, taking steps to keep your car tidy and spic and span is even more important. The biggest reason is to keep your riders safe and healthy, but having a clean vehicle also helps you make a better living.
Contact Autohaus Automotive for all your car needs. To keep the interior of your car clean, use their PermaSafe disinfectant. To improve the exterior’s appearance, check out their vehicle wraps or paint protection. They can provide you with new floor mats or leather to keep your seats looking like new. They also have a variety of audio and video accessories to help your riders enjoy their riding experience.
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