Many Uber drivers feel that they should earn more for the time they spend driving. However, the common Uber driver overlooks some obvious details that can leave more money in their pockets if they’re careful enough.

Time to become aware of them and start earning more, isn’t it?

Change your driving style with the help of an OBD2 scanner

Never thought of getting a handy device such as an OBD2 scanner? Working as an Uber driver but don’t find it necessary? Think again.

Or perhaps you haven’t been aware that OBD2 software connected to a car computer can help an Uber driver reduce excessive car expenses and make MORE money from their driving?

You’re about to find out how it’s possible.

An intelligent OBD2 scanner helps you get more money in your pocket at the end of the week by changing your driving style.

Here’s how Uber driver, Matt, saved $20-$30 a week on fuel using one of the best OBD2 apps – GOFAR:

Now that you know how the GOFAR OBD2 scanner works, you can get it and cut your fuel costs by an average of almost 10% and up to 20% or even 30%.

It’s simple to set up and use.  You install it in a couple of easy steps, and then all you have to do is make sure the Ray light is BLUE. It means you’re driving efficiently and not burning money.

Also, you can focus on the road because the real-time feedback you get works in your peripheral vision and isn’t distracting.

Want to know the best part? GOFAR is not only an affordable OBD2 app, it’s also a car diagnostic app.

Just plug the OBD2 bluetooth into the OBD port under your dashboard, and you’ll get your car diagnostic secrets revealed. Nothing else is left hidden under the dashboard.

It gets even better.

All the faults are expressed in plain English! No need to learn those complicated OBD2 codes and no technical knowledge required.

That’s not all.

Besides monitoring your driving behaviour and car’s health, it enables you to:

Take Advantage of Tax Deductions

To boost your Uber earnings, you should aim at keeping your tax deductions as low as possible.

You can achieve that if you know which tax deductions you can claim, especially if you’re using the same car for private and business matters like most Uber drivers do.

But it can get quite tricky and overwhelming.

Here are some of the business expenses you can claim:

  • general maintenance, upkeep and car washes,
  • fuel costs,
  • parking and toll fees (but not illegal parking fines, of course),
  • insurance,
  • your tax accountant’s fee if you hired any,
  • vehicle licensing or registration,
  • safety equipment,
  • mobile phone bills (for business purposes only),
  • and even up to 50% on snacks and drinks provided to your passengers (but not your meals during work).

Detailed neat records of your business-related costs go without saying when we talk about tax returns because you need proof for every single cent.

If you can’t cope with this complicated financial part of the business, find a qualified accountant who’s knowledgeable about the specifics of Uber tax returns.

Some Uber and Rideshare tax specialists – like this one in Australia – even offer a free Uber Tax Info Pack.

These experts can get you more back on your expenses as they know all the ins and outs of the tax system specific to an Uber driver.

Remember – you’re NOT working on a salary, but as an independent contractor. So, make sure you report ALL your earnings to stay away from legal troubles.

Get Ride share Insurance

As an Uber driver, you can’t make any money without your car, right?

Why risk ending up in a car accident without being insured, then?

If that happens, you won’t be able to earn a living while your car is being fixed. Is it worth it? Especially when you know you and your riders can be properly covered for a small premium.

Here are some insurance facts Uber drivers need to know:

To figure out which insurance is right for you and how to find it, watch another helpful video.

In case you didn’t know it, so far, you’ve realised that getting appropriate rideshare insurance is a smart upfront business investment. After all, it can save you a lot of money in the long run if you need it someday.

Plan Your Breaks

We understand that you cannot predict exactly when you’ll need a bathroom break. But it’s not impossible to figure out approximately when you’ll need to have a quick bite during your shift.

Don’t you agree?

That’s why you should plan your breaks as much as possible.

Picking up pricey and unhealthy snacks from local petrol stations when hunger strikes leads to wasting money, doesn’t it?

A sure-fire way to prevent it is to plan your meals. Prepare healthy snacks at home and take them with you. Just make sure they have NO odour so that your clients don’t feel uncomfortable.

Have a few bottles of water near at hand. An extra bottle offered to your thirsty passenger can boost your tips and ratings.

What’s more, you can at least map out nearby restrooms in your driving area just in case. That’s how you’ll save time spent driving around in search of a free parking space in a busy area. Also, you won’t waste fuel.

Manage Your Routes and Time Wisely

It’s true that being an Uber driver means that you can work whenever it suits you best. But is that time also perfect for your riders?

If you don’t take it into consideration, you’re likely to work harder and waste more money at the same time. Instead, you should work smarter.

Here’s what it’s all about.

Time and place greatly matter here.

Staying close to the downtown is also highly recommendable. The demands for Uber drivers increase particularly when the town is packed with tourists and there are plenty of events.

So, develop a strategy for yourself. Think about what people in your town are usually doing at certain periods of the day and week. Also, consider where they might be going at those times, e.g. to work, to the airport, theatre or a restaurant for dinner.

These insights will enable you to figure out when and where there’s the greatest demand for your services.

Think twice before you reposition yourself during a shift and don’t forget to switch the engine off while waiting for a passenger for more than a couple of minutes in order to save fuel.

Find your perfect timing and location. Don’t let driving around alone to pick up riders from different town areas eat up most of your profits.

Optimizing Your Income as an Uber Driver

When driving is your main source of income, every single detail matters. So, next time you sit behind the wheel to make some cash, make sure you:

  • drive smoothly and efficiently,
  • know the ropes of Uber tax deductions,
  • manage your time wisely and plan your breaks,
  • make the most of your whereabouts,
  • are covered by a rideshare insurance.

Get that right and you’re bound to fatten up your wallet with all these tips and a reliable OBD2 scanner. Order the gadget that monitors and improves your driving. It will help you become as efficient as a Formula 1 racing driver.

Besides, with the 60-day money-back guarantee, it’s totally risk-free, isn’t it?

If you don’t like it, you can return it with no hassle at all.

Danny Adams sitting in a chair with a laptop

Danny Adams

Co-founder of GOFAR and with a Computer Science background from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Aerospace, Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (Honours), UNSW. I want to transform data from cars into useful services so -> drivers save time & money -> emissions fall -> Australian roads are safer. So we built an ATO-compliant logbook app called GOFAR. I write to help you understand how to use GOFAR to maximise business travel. Reach out via support@gofar.co.

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This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice from GOFAR. We recommend consulting with an independent legal, taxation, or financial expert to ensure the information is applicable to your specific situation. Please note that relevant regulations and laws may evolve over time.