According to the Census bureau, the average US commute is 24.4 minutes with a fair portion driving more than 90 minutes each way to work. Whether your personal commute averages 25 minutes or is upwards of 90 minutes each way, a commute causes stress – on your vehicle and you behind the wheel.
Stop and Go or Highway Miles?
Understanding some things about your commute will help you anticipate wear and tear on your car. Stop and go traffic is detrimental to gas mileage. Cautiously approach stops instead of slamming breaks. The same can be said of starts – quickly accelerating will greatly reduce fuel efficiency. Stop and go driving also puts more wear on suspension, brakes, and steering components. You may find your brakes wear earlier than expected. However, if your commute is more cruising and highway miles, you will notice more wear on tires. It is wise to check the tread frequently as performance decreases with reduced tread.
Is my car reliable?
A reliable, safe, and fuel efficient car is the beginning of every commute. Whether new or used, read online forums like Edmunds.com to get professional as well as consumer reviews of new and used cars you wish to purchase for commuting. Make sure you take care of regular scheduled maintenance with regular visits to an auto repair facility. It may seem tempting to drive a “commuter beater” but the maintenance required on an older car may not be worth it when considering frequent and costly repairs.
Reduce Mental & Physical Stress
Your commute is demanding on your mind and body as well. Spend some time looking for ways to reduce your stress load while driving. Getting plenty of rest is key. Have you ever fallen into that “auto pilot mode” while driving the same route every day? This phenomenon increases when you are tired. Listen to music or audio books that are relaxing and inspiring, not loud and distracting. If your company allows it, occasionally working from home is a great break for your car, mind, and body. Adjusting your commute times to be off-peak hours reduces time spent in heavy traffic. Think about changing your routine. Consider biking to work, using public transportation, or even carpooling with fellow employees.
