Keep the car clean.
Pay attention to changes.
Give your vehicle a day off sometimes.
Drive smoothly and carefully.
Daily driving can leave your car needing a little TLC, from the coffee stains and hash browns on your leather interior to the aging tire treads and wear on your auto parts. But, with a few low-effort tricks, you can keep your commute and your ride fresh.
So read on, dear commuter, for cleanliness tips, mileage hacks and easy ways to build car care into your daily routine.
In this guide, you’ll learn how your daily commute can become a time to keep your car as healthy as it can be.
This article has everything you need to know about how to:
Keep messes under control
Notice changes to your vehicle
Make alternative transportation part of your plan
Add regular car care into your daily routine
Drive with your car’s long life in mind
Ideally, we’d tell you not to eat in the car at all. But if you’re commuting every day, those 40 minutes in the car may be your only time for breakfast or to snack after a hard workday.
Throw your coffee cups and food wrappers away at your destination, so they don’t contribute to smells.
Try to choose foods that are easier to eat without spreading mess—think protein bars over sticky donuts.
You can also put together a clean car kit for the front seat: keep a small garbage bag open in the car to gather trash and stow away messes, and store some wet wipes, shop towels, napkins, and a spray bottle of soapy water to keep any spills under control.
You’re driving to work in this car, whether you pay attention to it or not. Why not take a minute to mindfully and intentionally notice what’s happening in the vehicle and around you?
Make these three things a habit:
Check your surroundings
Take a moment to check in
Notice your vehicle
Familiarizing yourself with your car can start before you even turn on the ignition. Before you hit the old dusty trail to and from work, take a quick 360-degree look at your car and walk around the vehicle to check it out from all sides.
Look for:
Unexpected damage
Leaking fluid
Obstructions
This could be a sign of a collision into your car, which might need maintenance.
Oil, coolant, or other liquids underneath your car might signal of a problem.
By looking at the parked car from all sides, you can make sure nothing new is in the way that will impede your safe exit.
Next, take 30 seconds to sit in silence after starting the car and give your engine a moment to warm up. This can also be your moment to get mentally ready for the day.
Once you hit the road, really become one with your ride. Take time to make note of what it sounds like when you accelerate, the level of stiffness in the steering wheel, the responsiveness of the brake. If you make this a habit, when something about the car is off, you’ll know, and be able to explain what’s changed when you see a mechanic.
There’s a balance here. A car needs to be driven at least once a week to stay healthy, so you don’t want to leave your vehicle sitting unused for too long. But if you use it a lot after work or on weekends, making public transit part of your routine can keep your odometer low, extending the life of your warranty. So why not give your car a break?
Look up bus, train, or streetcar schedules in your city and spend your commute looking out the window, reading a book, or catching up on the family group chat. If you don’t live somewhere with good public transportation options, you can also try riding your bicycle to work or carpooling with a friend or co-worker who has a similar route.
Even switching up your commute just once a week can save some money on fuel, and that’s nothing to sneeze at.
If you got dealership financing, you probably qualify for a lower rate on your auto loan. You could save hundreds each month by refinancing with Auto Approve.
Get a free quote to see how much you could save.
Running on empty isn’t good for your car, so making a regular fuel stop part of your routine just makes sense. But there’s more!
Checking your oil, washing your windows, and popping a little air in the tires when needed—all these things are easy to do at your local gas station. These habits can help your car drive more smoothly and keep you safe on the road. And the deals on coffee are usually unmatched. So why not make giving your car a bit of attention a regular part of your work week?
Don’t forget to:
Use your car’s recommended gas type. If your vehicle model recommends or requires premium instead of regular, the cost might be a bother but listening to the owner’s manual can extend the life of your car.
Refill your windshield wiper fluid. There’s nothing worse than being caught with a dirty windshield on the highway, unable to do anything about it.
Say hi to the gas station attendant. Being friendly improves the day of others around you, and if you work with people, it’s good practice for the next few hours.
If you’re at a gas station with a car wash, all the better. Washing and waxing your car once a month or more can keep body work at bay by keeping your paint’s coating healthy. Also, it looks professional to come into work with a clean car—like you’re someone who cares about the details, and has their life in order. (If you don’t, that’s fine, but your car doesn’t have to give it away!)
To keep your car in peak condition, avoid:
Sudden starts and stops
Aggressive cornering
Excessive idling
Smooth acceleration and breaking will mean less wear on the transmission and brake pads for your car.
This can add stress on your suspension and tires. Take turns smoothly instead.
Leaving the car on won’t change how long they take to get ready, but it will strain your engine and waste your gas.
In general, drive prudently if you want to extend your car’s life.
Sure, it can feel like everyone else on the road during rush hour is out of their mind. Anyone driving faster than you is a maniac and anyone slower has to get with the program. And after another tough day at the dream factory, it can be tempting to throw caution to the wind and get out your aggression driving like you’re in Grand Theft Auto.
But you’ve got to save it for when you’re at home on your gaming console—if not for the safety of yourself and others on the road, then for the sake of your car.
Trying to speed during rush hour traffic or perform risky maneuvers to get in front of a couple other people is just asking for a fender bender. Not great for your car! At best, aggressive stops and starts will result in more wear and tear on your vehicle, and you still won’t get home much faster than if you just took a breath and turned on a podcast. Chill.
A great car is something to take care of. Avoid daily wear and tear with these tips and keep your car commuting with you for as long as you can.
And don’t forget to take care of the financial side of your vehicle ownership too.
With just a few clicks and no commitment, you can get a free quote to find out how much you could save.
