By Jonathan 
If you are a private hire driver, your PCO car is your source of income. However, driving the same car beyond its prime can hurt your earnings. For instance, the seats could wear out over time, the engine could become tired, and other components like brakes and suspension may require more maintenance than usual, resulting in higher expenses.
In addition, the private hire regulations keep changing, and older cars often don’t meet the latest requirements. If you are caught driving a PCO car that doesn’t comply with the latest standards, you could face serious penalties. That’s why it’s important to upgrade your car in time.
Now, if you are wondering, ‘I don’t have enough funds, how can I upgrade my car?’
The answer is that you can use a PCO car hire plan, as it allows you to get behind the wheel of a fully licensed private hire vehicle without hefty costs.
In this article, we will mention some useful tips to help you upgrade your PCO car smoothly, whether you prefer buying or hiring.
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Know When It’s Time to Upgrade
Your car starts showing signs when it needs an upgrade. For instance, if your fuel economy has dropped and you are constantly topping up at the petrol station, watching your fuel receipts climb higher, then it could be a sign that your car is past its best years.
Similarly, if the car’s air conditioning isn’t working properly or the engine keeps making strange noises despite your best efforts, then you should consider an upgrade. This is because passengers want to feel safe and comfortable when travelling. A car that doesn’t deliver on their expectations could instantly lead to negative feedback, which directly affects your reputation and the ability to earn.
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Choose the Right Upgrade Path
If you are on a PCO car hire plan, then upgrading your car is simpler and faster than you think. There is no need for credit checks, loans, or pointless paperwork. You just need to pick the right option that aligns with your budget and goals.
In most cases, PCO hire companies allow you to switch vehicles mid-contract. Ask your car provider if they offer this option. If they do, then take advantage of it. It’s the simplest way to upgrade your car and keep earning without interruptions.
If you want ownership, then consider a rent-to-buy plan where your weekly payments go towards owning the vehicle. A rent to buy plan includes all the services that a PCO car hire plan includes. The only difference is that it locks you into a long-term contract (3-5 years) and transfers the vehicle ownership to you once you complete the term.
In a PCO car hire contract, you never get the ownership.
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Consider Switching to an EV
Upgrading a car isn’t just about switching the model. It’s about getting a car that’s better than the previous model in all aspects. This means better fuel economy, lower maintenance costs, and improved driver and passenger comfort.
You can achieve this all by switching to a fully electric vehicle. EVs are exempt from the daily ULEZ (£12.50) and Congestion charges (£15), saving you over £27 per day. In addition, EVs have significantly lower charging costs compared to fuel, and they require less maintenance as well due to fewer moving parts. For instance, they don’t need oil changes or exhaust repairs, and their regenerative braking system reduces wear on brake pads and discs as well.
Although your hire company will deal with the car maintenance if you drive a hired EV, the ULEZ + Congestion charge exemption and their low charging costs can still save you hundreds of pounds in a month.
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Minimise Downtime During the Switch
Every minute counts in the PCO industry. The more time you spend off the road, the more earning opportunities you lose. That’s why it’s essential to minimise downtime when making a switch.
So, avoid returning your current car before getting the next one. Instead, pre-book your next vehicle so there’s no gap.
Some companies operate with waiting lists and pointless paperwork. Avoid them and pick a provider that offers instant or next-day handover. This will allow you to get back to work quickly. With that said, you should always keep your documents ready when upgrading your car. Even the fastest providers may want to see your PCO licence, proof of address (dated within the last three months), and national insurance number.
Delays may happen if you are not ready.
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Review What’s Included in the New Plan
If you are switching through a PCO hire plan, then review thoroughly what’s included in your plan. Not all hire packages are the same, and signing the new contract without fully understanding its terms could cause complications in the future.
Here are some essential services included in a PCO car hire contract:
Insurance: Includes coverage for car body repair and injuries in case of an accident.
Servicing and repairs: Avoid contracts that make you responsible for car maintenance. Reliable car providers deal with the servicing and repairs themselves for a fixed fee included in your weekly rental costs.
MOTs and Road Tax: These are also the car provider’s responsibility. So, make sure they don’t expect you to handle that stuff.
24/7 breakdown assistance: Even the most well-maintained cars can break down unexpectedly. Your car provider should offer 24/7 breakdown assistance so you are not left stranded in case of an emergency.
Final Thoughts
A timely upgrade of your car helps you protect your earnings and improve the passenger experience. If you plan to buy your next car outright, then pre-book it well in advance to minimise downtime. If you plan to use PCO car hire, then make sure you get an all inclusive package for a stress-free experience.
Whatever option you choose, just make sure you are working with a reliable car provider that puts your interests first.