Tire Pressure, Oil Change Light & Windshield Fluid – Are These Ruining Your Maintenance Score?

Are Tire Pressure, Oil Change Lights, and Windshield Fluid

As a Turo Power Host, your fleet’s maintenance isn’t just about ensuring a smooth ride for your guests—it’s directly tied to your success on the platform. A single maintenance issue reported by a guest could mean the difference between a 5 star review and a problematic score that affects your standing.

Turo’s maintenance standards require hosts to keep vehicles in top condition. Cars must comply with all local safety regulations, and some regions even mandate annual safety inspections. (Turo Help Center) Ignoring small details like tire pressure, oil change indicators, and windshield washer fluid might seem insignificant, but they can lead to guest complaints, negative reviews, and even temporary deactivation of your vehicles.

So, are these small maintenance issues ruining your Turo ratings? Let’s break it down and find out how you can stay ahead.

Why Minor Maintenance Issues Can Lead to Major Problems

Most Power Hosts focus on major mechanical concerns like engine performance and brake wear. But guests often notice the small things first—a warning light on the dashboard, a tire pressure notification, or an empty windshield washer fluid reservoir. These seemingly minor inconveniences can frustrate guests, making them feel like the car isn’t properly maintained.

Common Guest Complaints That Impact Maintenance Scores

🚨 "The tire pressure warning came on during my trip—should I be worried?"
🔧 "The oil change light was on the whole time. Did the host forget to service the car?"
💦 "I couldn’t clean my windshield because the washer fluid was empty!"

These types of complaints don’t just result in lower reviews; they can also affect your vehicle’s maintenance score on Turo. If too many guests report maintenance issues, your listing might become less visible, or worse—you could face temporary deactivation.

Let’s explore each of these issues in detail and discuss proactive solutions to avoid unnecessary guest frustration.

1. Tire Pressure Warnings – A Common but Preventable Issue

Tire pressure is one of the most frequent maintenance complaints among Turo guests. Even if the tires are perfectly safe, a low pressure warning light on the dashboard can cause unnecessary concern. Some guests may overinflate or underinflate tires trying to "fix" the issue, which could actually damage them.

Why It Happens

• Sudden temperature changes can cause fluctuations in tire pressure.
• Natural air loss happens over time, especially in older tires.
• Slow leaks or minor punctures may go unnoticed until a warning light appears.

How to Prevent Tire Pressure Complaints

✅ Check tire pressure before every rental. A quick check can prevent warning lights from appearing during a guest’s trip.
✅ Keep a tire pressure gauge in the glove box. This allows guests to verify the pressure themselves if they’re concerned.
✅ Reset the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor after adjusting the air pressure.

Real Life Scenario

🚗 A Turo host in Arizona noticed an increase in guest complaints about tire pressure. He found that temperature drops at night were causing the warning light to come on, even though the pressure was fine. By adding a pre trip tire check and resetting the sensors, complaints dropped by 80%.

2. Oil Change Light – It’s More Than Just an Indicator

Guests trust that a Turo vehicle is well maintained, and an oil change light can break that trust instantly. Even if the oil is fresh, forgetting to reset the oil change reminder makes guests think the vehicle is overdue for maintenance.

Why Guests Get Concerned

• Many drivers aren’t aware that oil life monitors are often time based, not just mileage based.
• Some guests assume an oil change warning = neglected maintenance.
• Seeing a warning light creates unnecessary anxiety during their trip.

How to Prevent Oil Change Light Complaints

🔧 Stick to a strict oil change schedule and document every service.
🛠 Reset the oil change reminder after every service to prevent confusion.
📌 Leave an oil change history log in the glove box so guests know the oil is fresh.

Real Life Scenario

🛠 A Power Host in Los Angeles had multiple guests complain about the oil change light. Even though he had changed the oil two weeks prior, he had forgotten to reset the warning. After implementing a reset policy after every oil change, guest concerns dropped significantly.

3. Windshield Washer Fluid – A Small Detail That Guests Notice

An empty washer fluid reservoir may seem like a minor issue, but it directly impacts visibility and safety. Guests rely on windshield fluid to clean dirt, bugs, or rain streaks off the glass.

Why This Issue Is Overlooked

• Many hosts don’t check the washer fluid regularly since it doesn’t seem like a big deal.
• High use areas (like dusty climates or snowy regions) deplete fluid quickly.
• Guests expect a hassle free trip and won’t think to refill it themselves.

How to Prevent Washer Fluid Complaints

💦 Check and refill washer fluid before every trip—it takes less than a minute.
🚘 Provide an extra bottle of washer fluid in the trunk in case guests need more.
❄️ Use an all season washer fluid in colder regions to prevent freezing.

Real Life Scenario

🌧 A Seattle based Turo host noticed a spike in guest complaints during the rainy season. Guests were frustrated that the washer fluid ran out quickly, affecting visibility. By ensuring regular refills and keeping a backup bottle in the car, guest satisfaction improved drastically.

How to Maintain a High Maintenance Score on Turo

Avoiding these common maintenance complaints will help protect your rating and keep your fleet in good standing on Turo.

Proactive Strategies for Power Hosts

✅ Perform pre and post trip inspections to catch small issues before guests do.
✅ Encourage guest communication so they can report concerns before they become complaints.
✅ Follow manufacturer recommended service schedules to stay ahead of potential issues.
✅ Keep an organized maintenance log so guests feel confident in your vehicle’s condition.

Final Thoughts

Your Turo maintenance score isn’t just about fixing major issues—it’s about preventing small complaints from adding up. By staying ahead of tire pressure, oil change reminders, and windshield washer fluid levels, you’ll improve guest experiences, protect your ratings, and keep your cars booked.

Have these small maintenance issues ever affected your Turo business? Drop a comment and share your experiences! 🚗💨

FAQ

What is the importance of checking tire pressure on a Turo vehicle?
Checking tire pressure regularly prevents warning lights during guest rentals, ensures safety, and avoids unnecessary concerns that could lead to negative reviews.

How can I avoid complaints about the oil change light?
To avoid complaints, always reset the oil change reminder after each service and leave a log in the vehicle for transparency.

Why should I keep the windshield washer fluid full for guests?
Guests expect a hassle free experience, and an empty washer fluid reservoir can impact visibility and safety, leading to dissatisfaction.

How can I ensure my vehicle maintenance doesn’t affect my ratings?
By proactively managing small maintenance details like tire pressure, oil changes, and washer fluid, you can improve guest satisfaction and protect your ratings.

How often should I check vehicle maintenance before each rental?
It’s recommended to perform pre and post trip inspections, including checking tire pressure, oil light, and washer fluid, before every rental to avoid complaints.