In 2019, studies showed that Americans spend 35 minutes commuting every day. It does not come as a surprise that people develop a feeling of attachment toward their cars. Another survey shows that 64% of drivers consider their car as a friend.

This attachment doesn’t stop there. Some drivers would prefer a worse scenario than experiencing car damage. 15% of respondents would prefer a broken bone than a car breakdown, and 13% would rather part ways with their significant other than their car.

Car maintenance

If humans have grown to love their cars this much, vehicles must receive proper care and maintenance. Paying close attention to the condition of a car will prevent breakdowns, hassle, and commuting nightmares. Among the most common car problems that drivers experience are flat tires, engine overheating, and transmission issues.

Considering that experts categorize commuting as “severe driving,” it is best to bring one’s car to the nearest car repair shop in Salt Lake City. It is also crucial to bring it to a shop that specializes in its brand—whether it be Honda, Nissan, Toyota, etc.

The following is a checklist for car maintenance drivers can check on their own to apply proper preventative measures. These will keep drivers from being stuck in the road and spending a significant amount of money for repair:

• Oil levels
• Air filter
• Tire pressure
• Indicators, brake, and lights
• Fluids
• Safety equipment and systems

How to get quality time out of the daily commute

Since being stuck on the road could be unavoidable on the way to work, some drivers find entertaining ways to avoid wasting golden, precious time. Doing these little things will help prevent idle time in the car while the light’s still red:

• Sing in the car

According to Digital Music News, the length of an average song is 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Do the math, and an average daily commute would amount to 10 songs. Curate a driving playlist, and jam to it in the morning. Maybe the mood is for musicals or pop-rock—whatever it is, music is proven to reduce the level of stress-related hormones.

• Introspection

Self-reflection is exceptionally beneficial to everyone’s mental health because checking in oneself helps us ground our emotional state and realigns our sense of purpose. “Time in,” as Psychology Today puts it, is “a period in which a person checks in with themselves to see where they’re at emotionally.” While behind the wheel, drivers can think about their goals, the energy they want to carry for the day, and what they want to contribute for the day.

• Listen to podcasts

In podcasts, the listener processes the information derived from the exchange of the speakers in the podcasts. Often, these are insightful, informative, and creative, which is why people find entertainment in them. Listening to these can lead to broadened horizons, new interests, and engaged critical thinking skills.

The takeaway

People spend a considerable amount of time in their cars. Therefore, making it a safe space is crucial to reduce the risks of driving. They can also spend their time in the car for self-improvement and entertainment.