When you’re driving for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, or Amazon Flex, fuel costs can make or break your profits. Every extra mile you drive without a trip request eats into your earnings. That’s why choosing the right driving area is one of the smartest ways to save money and stay profitable.
At LA Elite Rentals, we help gig workers stay on the road with cheap rental cars for rideshare and delivery drivers—and we know a few tips to help you stretch every drop of gas.
1. Stay Close to Hot Zones
Driving far between pickups burns unnecessary fuel. Instead, position yourself near busy zones with consistent demand—like shopping centers, downtown areas, or restaurant clusters.
📍 For example:
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Uber & Lyft drivers: stick near airports, nightlife areas, or office districts.
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DoorDash & Uber Eats drivers: stay close to restaurant hubs or commercial strips.
The key is to minimize idle time and wasted mileage.
2. Use Apps to Track Demand
Apps like Uber Driver, DoorDash, and Gridwise show real-time heat maps of where rides and orders are peaking. Use these insights to stay within high-demand zones instead of chasing faraway orders.
Less driving between jobs = less gas wasted = more profit in your pocket.
3. Avoid Traffic-Prone Routes
Sitting in traffic drains fuel and wastes time. Learn your city’s rush hour patterns and avoid congested roads whenever possible. Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to plan efficient routes.
Even a small reduction in idle time each day can add up to major gas savings over time.
4. Choose Fuel-Efficient Cars
If you’re renting, choose an economy vehicle that goes easy on gas. At LA Elite Rentals, we offer affordable, fuel-efficient rental cars perfect for gig workers. Whether you’re delivering food or driving passengers, our cars help you save more and earn more each shift.
Many of our economy models get 30+ MPG, helping you spend less at the pump.
5. Plan Your Shifts Wisely
Work smarter by scheduling your driving hours during peak demand times. This allows you to earn more in fewer miles. For example:
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Rideshare drivers: focus on morning commutes, evening rush hours, and weekend nights.
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Delivery drivers: aim for lunch (11 AM–2 PM) and dinner (5 PM–9 PM) rushes.
The goal is to get back-to-back requests with minimal downtime.
6. Combine Trips Whenever Possible
If you’re using multiple apps (like Uber + DoorDash), try positioning yourself in areas where both services are active. That way, you can grab the nearest available trip and reduce “dead miles” between jobs.
Drive Smarter, Save More
You can’t control gas prices—but you can control how you drive. By choosing your driving area strategically, you’ll save on fuel, reduce wear on your vehicle, and boost your earnings.
At LA Elite Rentals, we make it easier with cheap, reliable rental cars for rideshare and delivery drivers that include maintenance, insurance, and unlimited miles.
Start driving smart today!
👉 Contact LA Elite Rentals to find the best affordable rental cars in LA and keep more of your hard-earned money every week.
