Working World

If you believe the commercials, we buy our cars based on horsepower, sex appeal and ego. But when you’re crawling along city streets pockmarked with potholes or parked on the 405, what you really want is a vehicle fine-tuned for the ever-longer daily commute.

The following are some features to look for when shopping for a commuter car in L.A.

• Save bucks on gas. Don’t buy a more expensive grade of gas than you need; your car’s manual says which octane to burn. Keep a steady foot on the gas pedal. Slow down; high speeds waste fuel. Eliminate fast starts and roaring accelerations. Be skeptical about manufacturer gas mileage claims. Monitor your own miles per gallon. It’s easy.

• Great visibility. You’ll be safer, and feel more relaxed, in a vehicle with big, clear windows on all sides, and nothing blocking your blind spots. Driving with the glare of sun in your eyes is stressful and dangerous. You need tinting for the upper part of the windshield, while tinted side or rear windows that lower visibility at night are a no-no.

• Supportive seats. Seats should be comfortable, but not couch-potato plush. At the end of a long commute (or vacation trip), firm, orthopedic-type bucket-style seats leave you less road-weary and stiff.

• An arctic a/c. A cool interior greatly reduces rush hour stress and fatigue. Closed windows block the roar and exhaust of passing trucks. You want a system that won’t take half your commute to crank up or have problems any time soon. Every year, get it checked.

• Automatic transmission. Automatics shift more efficiently than humans and are less tiring to drive than standard shift. A stick may be fun on a winding road overlooking the Riviera, but for bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Sepulveda Pass — go automatic.

• Reliable cooling. Most breakdowns on Southland freeways are from cooling system failure. Before buying a commuter car, have a trusted mechanic check the radiator, hoses, thermostat, temperature gauge and other cooling system components. It’s a must to prevent overheating and protect your engine.

• Avoid bad vibes. It’ll be years before they fix the bumpy streets of L.A. — you need a good suspension in your commuter car. Choose a supple suspension that soaks up bumps and potholes over a stiff, punishing ride. Include some bad streets in your test drive.

• Feel-good sounds. For your commute, opt for relaxing, fun, personal favorites over depressing news or talk shows that make you crazy. Tailor your car’s CD collection to keep you relaxed and mellow.

• Reliability rules. Always opt for a car with a good track record for mechanical reliability. Your commuter car must start every morning without fail and not break down en route.

• Custom gauges. A frill? Not really. When a warning light comes on, what do you really know? Not much. Custom gauges you can eyeball while driving do a better job of keeping you in touch with your car’s condition.

• Be prepared. Join an auto club. Get a cell phone with reliable reception where you live, commute and work. Keep your spare filled with air. In your trunk, keep jumper cables, a plastic gas can, an old jacket and an earthquake kit. An inexpensive folding camp chair takes the pain out of waiting for help. In your glove compartment, keep a disposable camera, an accident/emergency checklist, paper and pens. Being shook up after a breakdown or accident is no time to improvise.

• Drive smart. Don’t speed, weave in and out of lanes or tailgate. Keep your eyes and ears on the road. Change lanes carefully, yield to tailgaters and, most importantly, keep your cool.

The goal of your commute is to drive in carefree comfort and get home alive and well at day’s end.

 For even more tips on keeping commuting costs low, read Commute Getting Expensive? Keep Your Car in Peak Condition.

Bert Wetanson is a freelance writer who has contributed over 60 articles to Working World. His goal: "to give readers practical tools for success in the tough L.A. career market."