I totally relate to the frustration of dealing with a problematic car while trying to make money with delivery apps like DoorDash. As someone who has used DoorDash part-time, I’ve found that having a reliable vehicle really makes a huge difference. When your car starts acting up while you’re out on multiple deliveries, it not only adds stress but also affects your ability to complete orders efficiently and safely. From my experience, planning your delivery schedule around your vehicle’s capabilities and maintenance needs is key. Some days, especially weekends, can be busy, leading to back-to-back orders as mentioned in the story where multiple deliveries were completed in short time spans. This fast pace can be rewarding financially but also taxing if your car isn't up to the challenge. It's smart to monitor how your car behaves with heavy use and to keep a mechanic’s contact handy in case sudden issues arise. When you start experiencing those 'weird' symptoms like unexpected stops or strange noises, it might be safer to pause deliveries to avoid risking the food or your safety. In my case, switching to shorter, local deliveries during car troubles helped maintain earnings without overstraining the vehicle. Another tip is to use delivery zones with slower traffic during peak activity times to maximize earnings while reducing wear and tear on your vehicle. Also, tracking your delivery earnings carefully as the author did (noting each order's pay) helps gauge how much effort you’re investing and when it makes sense to call it a day. Lastly, balancing DoorDash with family time, especially as a stay-at-home mom, requires good time management and flexibility. Setting clear goals for working hours and taking breaks to spend with family can improve both your productivity and well-being. Even though a troublesome car can be a big irritation, with the right approach you can still make the most out of your delivery gigs and enjoy your Sundays too.