Driving in summer: Tips to earn more for private hire drivers

For many people, summer is a time to slow down and soak up the sunshine. But for private hire drivers, the warmer weather can be one of the best times of the year to boost your earnings as there are plenty of opportunities to fill your schedule and make the most of the season.

​At Otto Car, we’re here to help you take advantage of the summer rush – whether that’s with our flexible Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans or sharing expert advice to keep your vehicle in top condition during the warmer months.

To help you get ahead, we thought it was a good idea to pull together a set of simple, practical tips to keep in mind – so you can work smarter, stay comfortable, and make the most of every trip this summer.

• Plan when to work in summer
• 5 tips to maximise your earning in summer
• Daily car checks for smooth driving in summer

Plan when to work in summer

There are lots of things to consider when deciding on your schedule to be out on the road – the most important thing is to be smart about it and prioritise times that you know will lead to meeting your daily earning goals. Here are some things to keep in mind:

​Summer holiday season advantage

• Make the most of airport jobs* – Airport shifts can be especially profitable – perfect for making use of your large boot space for luggage. Always keep your boot clear so you’re ready for passenger bags.
• Capitalise on less competition – Many drivers use the summer to take holidays, taking advantage of Otto Car’s exclusive benefit of up to 8 weeks’ payment breaks, which is great. But, for those that are around working, this means there’s fewer drivers on the road so could result in more work opportunities for you – so use this time to pick up extra trips and boost your earnings.

*Maximise your earnings further by avoiding Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) where possible, especially common around airports. Read our full guide on drop-off charges in London airports. Read our guides on airport drop-off charges for London airports and Manchester airport.

​Be smart with your breaks

• Work during high-demand hours – Many drivers find they earn more by scheduling shifts for peak demand times, which are often early mornings and late evenings.
• Takes your breaks strategically – Take time off during quieter periods in the day, which is helpful for you in the summer so you can enjoy some of the sunshine, perfect for your own wellbeing, then return when demand picks up, so you can make the most of your working hours.

​Track the train & tube strikes

• Plan around transport strikes – Keep updated on upcoming train and tube strikes, noting when and where they’ll happen so you can prioritise these areas. |
• Look for surge pricing opportunities – Transport strikes usually trigger surge pricing and more trip requests, so adjust your working hours and location to take advantage of the increased demand.

Use the weather to your advantage

• Keep an eye on the weather in advance – Set alerts for higher temperatures or sudden rain, as these conditions can boost trip requests – especially from riders avoiding hot or uncomfortable public transport. Check the forecast ahead of time so you can start work when demand is likely to rise.

5 top tips to maximise your earnings in summer

​1. Use Surge Pricing to your advantage

When rider demand outpaces available drivers, surge pricing activates – making each trip more profitable.

• Check the heat map in the Uber app for dark red “surge zones” and position yourself nearby.
• Even though other PCO apps like Bolt or FREE NOW don’t display surge maps, Uber’s zones give an idea of where fares are highest.

Top tip: Be aware of big London events and use Uber’s Trip Radar to pick up nearby jobs. TfL’s news and events updates can also help you plan ahead.

​2. Work peak times

Maximise fares by targeting periods of high demand:

• Early mornings, evening rush hours, and late-night weekends tend to pay more.
• Events like concerts or sports matches create demand spikes – plan to be close when they end.

3. Position yourself strategically

Your location can make or break your shift:

• Wait near transport hubs, nightlife areas, tourist spots, and busy shopping districts.
• Use your driver app’s heat maps to find high-demand zones.
• Tourists are more likely to book Ubers than walk – especially if they’re unfamiliar with the area, so stay close to tourist attractions.
• Stay updated on local events – festivals, marathons, and road closures can cause increased traffic and demand. Plan your positioning and routes accordingly.

4. Keep passengers comfortable

• Turn on the air conditioning in hot weather – passengers appreciate it, and it uses less range than you might think.
• Keep your car clean and smelling fresh to encourage good ratings and tips. Use our tips to spring clean your car as a helpful guide.

Top tip: Caring for your EV in hot weather is just as important as in the colder months. Check out our guide to looking after your EV in summer for practical tips. You might be surprised – harsh acceleration uses more of your range than using the air con.

5. Look after yourself

It might seem obvious but driving well starts with feeling well, so make sure you take extra care during summer:

• Stay hydrated – dehydration can affect concentration and coordination, which can be dangerous while driving.
• Keep snacks and water in your car.
• Choose the right sunglasses – if prescription, make sure they’re driving-safe (not overly dark).
• Take breaks when needed – hot weather can result in heavy traffic, which can be frustrating, but safety comes first.

We care about our community of drivers and want you to look after yourself just as much as you look after your passengers and your vehicle. We know private hire driving can be a demanding job, and maintaining your own wellbeing is essential for having a safer journey.

Explore our wellbeing tips for private hire drivers to help you stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for the road.

Daily car checks for smooth driving in summer

If your private hire car isn’t moving, you’re not earning – so it’s essential to stay on top of the basics. Keep servicing up to date and carry out simple daily checks to avoid costly downtime.

With your all-inclusive package on our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans, you already have peace of mind for major servicing – but daily essentials are still your responsibility to keep your car running smoothly and avoid taking time off for unexpected repairs.

Summer maintenance checklist:

• Check all external lights – Make sure they work and are clean.
• Test tyre tread depth – Use the 20p coin test to check they meet legal requirements.
• Check tyre pressures – Follow your manufacturer’s guidance; tyre checks are crucial in hot weather.
• Inspect your windscreen – Keep it smear-free to reduce sun glare and avoid accidents. If you park under trees for shade, double-check before setting off as things can land on your screen.
• Top up screenwash – Running out of windscreen washer fluid is an offence and can result in a fine.

Top tip: By keeping up with these checks, you’ll reduce the risk of breakdowns, avoid fines, and stay compliant. Remember: the police and TfL carry out spot checks at locations at busy locations. If your car fails, you could face a PCN and licence points.

Join our driver community

At Otto Car, we’re here to support our driver community every step of the way. We offer more than just a car; we provide the support, guidance, and community you need to succeed.

Explore our range of electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plan that fits your needs. With our all-inclusive plans, you know that the weekly costs are clear and there won’t be surprises.

Visit one of our hubs or call 020 8740 7444. The friendly Otto Team is here to help.

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