Many workers around the UK require commuting to get to work. Data from Statista found that the average daily commute took between 15 to 29 minutes in 2022. Combine this with the Office for National Statistics’ 2021 census which found that 41% of respondents rely on a car to get to work on their commute, and we can assume those numbers might be higher now that more workplaces are encouraging a return to the office.
This means that around half of us who travel to and from our jobs could be spending upwards of an hour each day driving. But with commuting taking up a regular part of the working day, why not make it as comfortable as possible? In this article, we’ll look at the ways to make the inside of our vehicle a commuting sanctuary.Optimise your seatingComfort in cars should start behind the wheel. The more you enjoy sitting in your seat, the better your mood while driving and it could carry through into your workday. It might also help you to unwind while you drive home at the end of your workday.
Adjusting your seat by moving closer to or further from the pedals can help to reduce strain on your knees if you get aches or pains in your legs while driving. Similarly, adjusting the angle of the back of your seat can help with back pain if you slouch over the wheel while driving.
One thing you can do to increase the comfortability of the seats without switching them out is to purchase padded covers for them. Some of them even have built-in heaters for added warmth during the colder months.Regular cleaning and maintenanceFrom inside the cab to under the bonnet, one way to ensure a smooth drive is by keeping your car clean and maintained. Maintenance has a massive impact on how well our cars can run, whether this is topping up the fluids in your engine or changing the spark plugs. These keep your engine ticking over and can extend the life of the car.
If there’s anything you’re not sure about when you’re driving, it’s best to get the car seen to by a professional. Not only will it keep your car up to safety standards and extend its lifespan, but it will put your mind at ease knowing that it’s been marked as road safe.
The inside of your car is just as important to keep clean as the engine is. Life behind the wheel is often fast-paced, and the driver’s seat sees a lot of eating and drinking in it. Crumbs and rubbish can be forgotten about and can become hard and uncomfortable in the seat. Make sure you vacuum before it becomes a problem! A good car clean can also be a huge morale boost for yourself.Make the ultimate playlistMental comfort is as important as physical comfort when you’re driving. One way to maintain a positive mentality is by building the perfect playlist to keep us in high spirits on our way to and from work.
Research from the British Academy of Sound Therapy found that just 13 minutes of music is enough to clear your mind. Leading therapists have also confirmed that if you sing along to music while you’re driving, it can help to improve mood considerably.
A good thing to do would be to build your perfect playlist for when you’re driving your used Mercedes to work and keep your spirits high. We all have our personal music tastes, so you know exactly which tracks will put you in a good mood and what you can recite every word of. This can be anything from jazz rap to classic rock, but there are plenty of pre-existing playlists you can choose from.
Creating a comfortable environment in your car can do the world of good and make you excited to travel not just to work, but on any journey.