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Being a rideshare driver is a popular side hustle, and the most successful rideshare drivers know there are essential items they must have in their car at all times in order to make consistent money. From creature comforts for passengers to automotive accessories and gear, the key to being successful—i.e., making money—is to be prepared for anything.
For insight, we reached out to the great team at The Rideshare Guy. It's the number-one source for rideshare drivers to get tips and advice from their peers, and senior RSG contributor Sergio Avedian offered up some great advice on what it takes to be successful.
"My advice to newbies as well as veterans has always been 'don't work hard, work smart,'" Sergio says. We've compiled a great selection of essential rideshare driver gear below. Keep reading for more excellent advice from Sergio on what it takes to be a rideshare driver.
Essential Gear for Rideshare Drivers
3-Channel Dash Cam
Perhaps the most important gear purchase a rideshare driver will ever make, a three-channel dash cam can protect you, your property, and your vehicle in the event of an incident.
The forward-view dashboard camera records any traffic incidents that may occur, potentially absolving you from liability and saving you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in repairs, and the cabin cam films every ride and every passenger, which could be critical evidence in the event of an altercation. We like the Vantrue N4S because it offers all of these features (and more) at an affordable price.
Cooling Phone Mount
Your phone is your lifeline. It's how you get fares, how you keep connected to your loved ones while you're driving, and how you make the money you need to be successful. It's also how you stay focused on the road; fumbling for your phone is a sure-fire shortcut to an accident.
Get a quality phone mount to keep your phone in sight and within reach. We like almost everything iOttie makes, and this cooling mount ensures your phone doesn't overheat and shut down during those 12-hour shifts behind the wheel.
Multi-App Management
Every successful rideshare driver knows that driving only for Uber or Lyft is not a lucrative strategy. "One must work both Uber and Lyft... to stay busy during downtime on one app," Sergio says. "It's also crucial to know when to say no to trips that aren't worth it—low-paying, long pickups, or unsafe locations can kill your earnings."
A multi-app management app like Mystro (above, for iOS or Android) or Maxymo (below, Android only) lets drivers manage both Uber and Lyft simultaneously. Drivers can set filters based on criteria like distance, payout, and time, and these apps will automatically accept or reject rides that meet your criteria. By optimizing trip selection and minimizing downtime, you can earn more money and drive more safely.
Water-Resistant Car Seat Covers
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on seat covers, and why would you? They age and stretch, tear, and get stained. Instead, pick up this complete set of universal, water-resistant leatherette seat covers that won't cost a week's worth of earnings to replace. They're far better (and way more attractive) than those cheap plastic seat covers.
They come in a variety of colors to match any interior, are a cinch to install and remove, and fit most sedans, trucks, pickups, and SUVs. They even cover the back of the front seats to protect them from kicks and scuffs. And if a customer spills their drink, it wipes right up.
Fast Car Charger
Rideshare drivers often run multiple devices at once, so having a multiport fast-charger (or two!) is essential. This mighty mite from Anker claims to offer the first USB-C port with 100 watts of charging power. It's perfect for customers who need a jolt of juice in a hurry; just run a 10-foot cord to the back seat. The other USB-C provides 45 watts of charging power, which is plenty to keep your devices such as phones and GPS units sufficiently and consistently charged. A USB-A port is there if you need it. Best of all, Anker offers an 18-month warranty.
Multi-Charging Cables
Don't say "no" to your customers. Instead, let them charge any device with a multicharging cable. Whether they use an iPhone, a Samsung, or another brand, this pair of six-foot charging cables will let them plug in and relax.
All-Weather Floor Mats
Your floorboards take a lot of punishment, especially in the back. Prevent costly carpet repairs and preserve your car's resale value by adding a set of all-weather floor mats. We like TuxMats because even though they're custom-fit, they're generally more affordable than brand names like WeatherTech while providing comparable coverage and protection. They even come with a limited lifetime warranty. Just be sure to order the right mats for your vehicle.
Music Streaming Service
Traffic reports are nice, but terrestrial radio has never been less relevant than it is today. Get rid of the commercials and annoying DJs and sign up for a music streaming service such as Amazon Music. If you have an Amazon Prime account, you already have access to the Basic tier with commercials; sign up for the Unlimited tier for $12/month and get millions of songs uninterrupted. Alternatively, sign up for Spotify or Apple Music to keep the music pumping, the podcasts chatting, and the vibe relaxed.
Wireless Earbuds
Make and take hands-free calls—or just squelch the banter from the back seat—with a set of universal earbuds like these from Soundcore. Apple iOS users may choose to opt for AirPods, but there's no need for rideshare drivers to spend that kind of money on work-related gear.
Car Air Freshener
A fresh-smelling car is a must for any pleasant ride. We like Drift air fresheners because they're subtle and effective. They clip to your visor, and the infused stone or wood blesses your car's cabin with one of more than a dozen scents. Better yet, when the scent dissipates—or you just want to change things up a bit—you can simply buy refills.
In-Car Camera Recording Sign
Customers always appreciate honesty, and an inexpensive placard or sticker, like this two-sided one for your windows, will not only let your passengers (and potential thieves) know they're being watched and recorded, but will also demonstrate your confidence in your driving ability.
Wireless Carplay Screen
If your car doesn't have an infotainment screen, pick up a wireless CarPlay screen like the Intellidash Pro X10. It gets rave reviews for its simple plug-and-play installation and super-responsive touchscreen. And while it's not cheap, it's a small price to pay to take your vehicle to the next level.
If your car has an infotainment system but requires you to plug in your phone to access CarPlay or Android Auto, cut that cord by picking up a wireless adapter like this one from OttoCast.
Interior LED Strip Lights
Elevate your tips by elevating the vibe. Interior lights aren't for everyone, but your nighttime passengers might love the vibe they create on the ride home from the club. They're easy to install, don't cost much, and can take your vehicle—and your tips—from ho-hum to "hot damn!" with the touch of a button.
Hand Sanitizer
Providing hand sanitizer to your guests is a considerate gesture that not only helps them stay healthy but also helps you maintain a clean car. With countless strangers constantly getting in and out of your vehicle, hand sanitizer can help your rear door handles, window buttons, and door latches stay germ-free and clean. It'll also cut down on the number of times you have to get back there and clean up between rides.
Facial Tissues
Creature comforts like water bottles, hand sanitizer, and tissues are always welcomed by passengers. This four-pack of Kleenex cube boxes ensures you'll always have some on hand that aren't taking up much space. Of course, the large boxes are available too.
Small Water Bottles
Keep a case of eight-ounce water bottles in your trunk, and stash a couple or a few in the back seat for your passengers to help themselves to. It's another considerate touch that goes a long way. It also might cut down on those "Hey, can we stop at this store?" requests to help you get where you're going faster so you can pick up your next fare sooner.
Rain and Wind Deflectors
These handy little things let your passengers crack the rear windows even when it's raining or you're on the freeway. They are model-specific, so be sure to order the right ones for your vehicle. Your riders will thank you.
Glass Cleaner Wipes
A clean car is key, so remove those fingerprints and smudges from your windows by stashing a package of glass-cleaner wipes in your center console. They make glass cleanups a breeze—and can also quickly spiff up your infotainment screen, door handles, window buttons, and anywhere else people might touch.
Car Duster
You work hard to keep your vehicle clean, and there's no quicker or easier way to give your car's exterior a quick dust while waiting for your next fare. There are dozens of car brushes on the market, but the California Car Duster is the OG. It features a classy wood handle and a cotton mop head with a proprietary wax treatment that quickly removes light dust, leaving your car shiny and dashing.
Interior Cleaner Wipes
Take your car from decent to dazzling with some interior cleaning wipes like these from Chemical Guys. They're fantastic for dashboards, door handles, steering wheels, seatbacks, headrests, and anywhere else inside the vehicle. They smell nice too.
Disposable Plastic Umbrella Bags
Depending on where you drive—we're looking at you, Pacific Northwest—you may get quite a lot of passengers jumping into your car with wet umbrellas that drip water onto your floor or, worse, your seats. A bulk pack of umbrella bags is a cheap but considerate way to keep your rear floorboard from getting soaked and to show your customers that you care.
Car Visor Extender
Successful rideshare drivers know that the most lucrative rides are often those predawn runs to the airport that result in a money-making airport pickup. Pick up a visor extender to make sure you're prepared if you have to drive directly into the setting or rising sun.
Vomit Bags
Those late-night pickups at a bar or club are always a crapshoot. You never know what kind of shape your customer will be in. Be prepared for anything by stashing some disposable barf bags in your car. At some point, they're bound to save you time, money, and hassle. Pick up a multipack; you'll be glad you did.
Mileage and Expense Tracker App
Don't waste time and money behind the wheel. Get a mileage and expense tracking app to take the hassle and headaches out of figuring out the cost to be your own boss. There are a slew of tracking apps for gig workers and rideshare drivers on both the App Store and Google Play; MileIQ (above) and Gridwise (below) are the most popular among rideshare drivers.
Car First Aid Kit
Rule number one in rideshare driving: Be prepared for anything and everything. A portable first-aid kit with bandages, alcohol wipes, and more can potentially keep blood stains off your interior.
Jump Starter and Tire Inflator Combo
Yes, you could buy a portable jump pack and a portable car air compressor, and probably spend less—but why carry two devices when the NOCO BoostAir AX65 does it all in one compact unit? We reviewed the BoostAir and were blown away by how easy, handy, and efficient it is. Save space in the trunk and get it all in one.
Portable Tire Inflator
If you're looking for a cheap tire inflator to stash in your car, you could do worse than this one from AvidPower. We named it Best Overall in our roundup of the Best Portable Tire Inflators because it works great—and it's often found on sale.
Portable Jump Starter
A portable jump starter can save you from potentially embarrassing (and money-squandering) situations. This one, from one of the top names in the jump-starting game, is affordable and easy to use.
Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit
Hey, breakdowns happen. Get back on the road fast with a car emergency roadside assistance kit. There are dozens on the market—from small, no-frills kits to full-blown, complete packages designed to cover any situation. Get the one that's right for you so you can get back on the road and keep picking up those fares.
LED Emergency Road Flares
When breakdowns happen, it's critical to make sure other drivers see you and your vehicle on the side of the road. Toss a set of rechargeable LED road flares in your trunk, and make sure an unfortunate mishap doesn't turn into a life-altering catastrophe.
Ice and Snow Removal Kit
This is another geographic necessity for some rideshare drivers. Stash an inexpensive snow brush and ice scraper in your trunk if you drive where snow is a threat.
Personal Water Bottle
Don't drink the tiny bottles of water you buy for your passengers, and don't end up with a floorboard filled with empty plastic water bottles after your shift. Instead, get an insulated, vacuum-sealed water bottle like this one from YETI and stay hydrated all day (or night) long.
Personal Cooler
This one, friends, is just for you. Pack your lunch, drinks, and snacks so you don't have to waste valuable time and money by stopping to eat and drink.
Trunk Organizer
With all this stuff you're gonna need to be a successful rideshare driver, you also need a way to keep it all stashed and organized. Get a trunk organizer with a pocket for everything so you don't waste valuable time looking for that one thing you need.
Rideshare Driver Advice from an Expert
Sergio Avedian is the senior contributor at The Rideshare Guy, one of the top communities and podcasts for rideshare drivers. He's been driving for years and has learned some key lessons along the way.
"Becoming a successful rideshare driver takes more than just owning a car and signing up for Uber and Lyft," Sergio told us. "The most successful drivers treat it as a business.
That means keeping a clean and well-maintained vehicle, being punctual, and dressing in a way that shows professionalism, he advises. "First impressions matter—when a rider enters a fresh-smelling, tidy car and is greeted with a friendly attitude, it sets the tone for a five-star experience and plenty of potential tips," he says. "Consistency in these small habits lays the foundation for increased earnings.
Sergio maintains that the key to success is strategy. "Top drivers don't just go online and accept every trip offer—they understand when and where to drive," he continues. "Every city has its own rhythm; learning local traffic patterns, event schedules, and peak hours can significantly boost earnings."
But knowing where and when to drive isn't the only key to being a successful rideshare driver. "Financial discipline and self-care are often overlooked but just as important," Sergio reminds us. He recommends that drivers track every mile for tax deductions and save a portion of each week's income for maintenance, slow periods, and depreciation. Most important, don't neglect your health.
"Long hours in the car can take a toll physically and mentally," he says. "So taking breaks, stretching, and staying hydrated makes a big difference."
Sergio had one last key piece of advice for rideshare drivers:
"Rideshare driving can offer incredible flexibility and income potential," he says, "but only if approached thoughtfully. Treat it as a business, keep learning, and stay sharp—these are the marks of a truly successful driver."
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