Your vehicle is your business - protect your investment
As a gig driver, your car isn't just transportation - it's your entire business. A breakdown doesn't just mean repair costs; it means lost blocks, canceled deliveries, and missed income. The good news? Most breakdowns are preventable with proper maintenance.
This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your vehicle in top shape while driving for Amazon Flex, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, or any delivery platform.
1 Oil Changes: Your Engine's Lifeline
Forget the "every 7,500 miles" advice from your owner's manual. That's for normal driving conditions. Gig driving - with constant stop-and-go, idling, and short trips - is considered "severe" driving conditions.
Gig Driver Oil Change Schedule
Change oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, not 7,500-10,000
Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil
Conventional Oil
- + Lower upfront cost ($30-50)
- - Breaks down faster
- - Change every 3,000 miles
- Best for: Older vehicles
Synthetic Oil (Recommended)
- + Better engine protection
- + Handles heat better
- + Change every 5,000 miles
- Best for: High-mileage gig driving
Weekly Oil Check
Between changes, check your oil level weekly:
- Park on level ground, engine off and cool
- Pull the dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert fully
- Pull again and check the level between MIN and MAX marks
- Add oil if below the MIN mark (don't overfill)
- Note the oil color - dark/gritty means change soon
Recommended Gear for Gig Drivers
These are the tools and supplies we recommend keeping in your vehicle:
Portable Jump Starter
Don't wait for AAA - jump your own car in seconds. Essential for early morning blocks.
View on Amazon →Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
More accurate than gas station gauges. Check pressure weekly to extend tire life.
View on Amazon →OBD2 Scanner
Read check engine codes yourself. Know if it's serious before paying for diagnosis.
View on Amazon →Roadside Emergency Kit
All-in-one kit with jumper cables, flashlight, first aid, and reflective triangles.
View on Amazon →Portable Air Compressor
Inflate low tires anywhere. Plugs into 12V outlet or runs on battery.
View on Amazon →Mechanic Tool Set
Basic socket and wrench set for DIY maintenance. Pays for itself on first use.
View on Amazon →Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Better protection for high-mileage gig driving. Keep a quart in your trunk.
View on Amazon →LED Flashlight
Bright, rechargeable flashlight for night deliveries and roadside emergencies.
View on Amazon →Tire Repair Kit
Plug a flat tire yourself and get back on the road. Includes plugs and tools.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These recommendations are based on what experienced gig drivers actually use.
2 Tire Maintenance: Safety and Savings
Tires are your second-biggest maintenance expense after gas - but neglecting them costs more. Bald tires reduce fuel economy, increase braking distance, and risk blowouts mid-delivery.
Tire Pressure (Weekly Check)
Pro Tip: Check tire pressure when tires are cold (before driving). Find the correct PSI on the driver's door jamb sticker, not the tire sidewall.
- Under-inflated tires: Wear faster on edges, reduce fuel economy by 3-5%
- Over-inflated tires: Wear faster in center, reduce traction
- Invest in: A quality tire pressure gauge ($10-15) - don't trust gas station gauges
Tire Rotation Schedule
| Maintenance | Normal Driving | Gig Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Tire Rotation | 7,500-10,000 miles | 5,000-7,500 miles |
| Tire Replacement | 50,000-70,000 miles | 30,000-50,000 miles |
| Alignment Check | Annually | Every 6 months or after potholes |
Tread Depth Check (Monthly)
The penny test is easy:
- Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing down
- If you can see all of Lincoln's head, tires need replacing
- Check multiple spots on each tire
- Uneven wear indicates alignment issues
Cost-Saving Tip: Many tire shops offer free rotation with purchase. Costco, Discount Tire, and Sam's Club include lifetime rotation and balancing with new tires.
3 Brakes: Don't Ignore the Warning Signs
City delivery driving is brutal on brakes. Constant stopping wears pads faster than highway driving. Catching brake issues early saves money - worn pads damage rotors, turning a $150 job into $500+.
Warning Signs of Brake Problems
Stop Driving - Immediate Attention
- Grinding metal sound when braking
- Brake pedal goes to floor
- Car pulls hard to one side
- Brake warning light on dashboard
Schedule Service Soon
- Squeaking or squealing sounds
- Vibration when braking
- Soft or spongy brake feel
- Longer stopping distances
Gig Driver Brake Schedule
- Brake pad inspection: Every 10,000-15,000 miles (monthly for heavy use)
- Brake fluid flush: Every 25,000-30,000 miles
- Rotor replacement: Usually every 2-3 pad changes, or when thickness is below minimum
Money Saver: Many auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly) offer free brake inspections. Get a second opinion before authorizing expensive repairs.
Complete Gig Driver Maintenance Schedule
Bookmark this schedule and set reminders based on your mileage:
| Task | Frequency | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | ||
| Check oil level | Weekly | Free |
| Check tire pressure | Weekly | Free |
| Check all lights work | Weekly | Free |
| Every 3,000-5,000 Miles | ||
| Oil change (synthetic) | 5,000 mi | $50-80 |
| Tire rotation | 5,000-7,500 mi | $20-50 |
| Every 15,000-20,000 Miles | ||
| Air filter replacement | 15,000-20,000 mi | $15-30 DIY |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000-20,000 mi | $15-25 DIY |
| Brake inspection | 15,000 mi | Free-$30 |
| Every 30,000-50,000 Miles | ||
| Brake pads | 30,000-40,000 mi | $150-300 |
| Transmission fluid | 30,000-50,000 mi | $100-200 |
| Coolant flush | 30,000-50,000 mi | $100-150 |
| Spark plugs | 30,000-50,000 mi | $100-200 |
| New tires | 30,000-50,000 mi | $400-800 |
| Every 60,000-100,000 Miles | ||
| Timing belt (if applicable) | 60,000-100,000 mi | $500-1,000 |
| Serpentine belt | 60,000-100,000 mi | $75-200 |
| Battery replacement | 3-5 years | $100-200 |
DIY vs. Professional Service
Some maintenance is easy to do yourself and saves significant money:
Easy DIY (Save $50-100)
- ✓ Check/top off fluids (oil, coolant, washer)
- ✓ Air filter replacement (5 min, $15)
- ✓ Cabin air filter (10 min, $15-25)
- ✓ Wiper blade replacement (5 min, $20-40)
- ✓ Headlight/taillight bulbs (15 min, $10-30)
- ✓ Battery terminal cleaning (10 min, free)
Leave to Professionals
- • Brake pad/rotor replacement
- • Timing belt replacement
- • Transmission service
- • Wheel alignment
- • Suspension work
- • Anything electrical/computerized
YouTube is your friend: Search "[your car make/model] + [maintenance task]" for step-by-step videos. ChrisFix and Scotty Kilmer are excellent channels for beginners.
Gig Driver Emergency Kit
Keep these items in your car to handle common roadside issues:
Essential Items
- • Jumper cables or portable jump starter
- • Tire pressure gauge
- • Spare tire + jack + lug wrench
- • Flashlight with extra batteries
- • Reflective triangles or flares
- • Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches)
Fluid & Supplies
- • Quart of engine oil (your car's type)
- • Gallon of coolant/antifreeze
- • Windshield washer fluid
- • Fix-a-Flat or tire sealant
- • Duct tape
- • Zip ties
Vehicle Maintenance & Tax Deductions
Important: You can only deduct vehicle expenses ONE way - either standard mileage OR actual expenses, not both.
Standard Mileage (Simpler)
$0.70 per mile in 2025
- + Includes gas, insurance, depreciation, AND maintenance
- + Just track miles - no receipts needed
- + Better for most gig drivers
- - Can't deduct maintenance separately
Actual Expenses (Complex)
Deduct business % of all costs
- + Can deduct all maintenance costs
- + Better if you have expensive repairs
- - Must track ALL expenses
- - Must calculate business use %
Either way: Keep all maintenance receipts! You may want to compare methods at tax time, and receipts prove expenses if audited.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should gig drivers change their oil?
Gig drivers should change oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, more frequently than the 7,500-10,000 miles recommended for normal driving. Stop-and-go delivery driving puts extra stress on your engine oil.
What is the most important maintenance for delivery drivers?
Oil changes and tire maintenance are most critical. Fresh oil protects your engine from high-mileage wear, while properly maintained tires ensure safe deliveries and prevent blowouts that could strand you mid-shift.
Can I deduct vehicle maintenance on my taxes as a gig worker?
If you use the standard mileage deduction ($0.70/mile in 2025), maintenance is already included. If you use actual expenses, you can deduct the business-use percentage of all maintenance costs. Keep all receipts.
How many miles can a car last doing gig work?
With proper maintenance, most modern vehicles can last 200,000-300,000+ miles. The key is consistent oil changes, transmission service, and addressing small issues before they become major repairs.
Keep Rolling, Keep Earning
Vehicle maintenance isn't exciting, but it's the foundation of a profitable gig driving business. A reliable car means more completed blocks, fewer cancellations, and consistent income.
Set calendar reminders for oil changes, check your tires every week, and listen to your brakes. These simple habits will keep you on the road and earning.
Your car is your business partner - treat it well and it will take care of you.
Related Articles
Gig Worker Tax Guide
Maximize deductions and save on taxes
Multi-App Income Strategies
Combine platforms for maximum earnings
Earnings Calculator
Calculate your real hourly rate after expenses
Getting Started Guide
New to Amazon Flex? Start here
About Glen Meade
Founder of FlexDriverGuide and SideQuestHustle.com. I've spent years researching gig economy platforms and interviewing hundreds of drivers to bring you strategies that actually work. My goal is to help you maximize your earnings while avoiding common pitfalls.