Car Commuter Tips (or how to live in front of a steering wheel)

Tending to work from contract to contract, I never seem to know where I will end up next. Sadly, I have to commute and while I do prefer public transportation (yay environment!) sometimes I don't have much of a choice. My current employment location is in a town that has a public bus come twice a day. That's right. Twice a day.
I have no choice but to drive.

Yah, I definitely do not drive a Peugeot. But this blog needed a pic.

Here are my suggestions to make your travel a little bit easier.

1. Always have Water in the Car
While I detest anyone even thinking of buying bottled water (seriously, buy a Britta and metal can it), you really should have a bottle within your driving reach just in case you are stuck in traffic congestion.
And if you are lucky to have that bottle of water in your car during the winter, you will be able to do this neat trick.

2. Emergency Car Snacks
I believe this is why your car has a glove compartment. It ain't for gloves. It's for snacks. I recommend choosing something that can last several months, something that can't melt and something that you will actually eat in an emergency. Granola bars? Seriously. They can turn into bricks. Try a soft baked cookie.

Emergency car food of choice: a soft baked cookie.

3. Car Shoes
Wha? you say. Something comfy on your feet works wonders. My shoes currently are sandals. I am not wearing my work boots in my car (that doesn't have air conditioning) during my commute. That is not going to happen. Tight work shoes or heels. Say no. Your feet will thank you and your drive will be much more pleasant. Where you stick your stinky socks when you are driving home is completely your choice.

4. & 5.  An Emergency Car Kit and CAA/AAA
If you don't have an Emergency Car Kit you shouldn't be on the road. Add mittens to your kit, you'll use them. CAA is a godsend too. They rock. And if you use particular gas stations, they can swipe your CAA card to save yourself membership fees next time it needs to be renewed.

6. & 7. Properly Filled Tires with Tire Gauge (and an aside on Winter Tires)
If I hear you whine about gas prices and you don't own a tire gadge, you deserve it. Properly inflated tires save you money on your car's gas usage. The pressure of your tires is listed in your car manual or on a sticker in the inside of your drivers door. If you don't know how to use a tire gauge or an air pressure pump, ask your mechanic. They will probably show you this info for free and this will definitely save you money. I am overly diligent about the air in my tires and criticize my neighbour's tires too.

You should have Winter Tires if you live in Canada. Don't give me that global warming excuse. It should be law and yes, I know they are expensive. But trust me, the first time you try them you will be shocked at the difference. Your car will drive through snow like a hot knife through butter. They are wonderful.

8. Pre-programmed Radio Stations
While radio is not what it used to me, you'll need it to combat your sanity. If you actually have the income to buy satellite radio, go ahead.

Additional Must Haves: Air conditioning in 40 degree weather would be nice (I can dream). Washer Fluid. Good wipers. Clean windows. A cellphone (turned off!!!).