10 Essential Items That Make Summer Driving In Austin Bearable

In case you haven’t stepped outside in the last few weeks, it is painfully obvious summer has arrived in Austin. Long gone and long from coming back are the days of crisp mornings and evenings. Now, your morning greeting when you walk out the door is a blast of warm, sticky air to the face.

But hey, we still live in Austin, so it can’t be all that bad.

When you get off work after a long day, what’s waiting for you in the parking lot? You guessed it. A car in which you could bake cookies. You’ll probably leave the cookie dough at home, but here are 10 items you need in your car to help you bear the Austin summer.

10.) Hands free capability for your cell phone

You shouldn’t text or talk on the phone while driving. You’ve seen the commercials, and you know it is just common sense to keep your eyes on the road instead of on a little screen in your hand. Texting and talking on the phone is a big no-no in Austin. If you’re caught, Austin police officers won’t think twice about writing you a big, fat ticket.

9.) Reusable grocery bags

A few years ago, one of the most controversial issues in Austin was whether or not grocery stores and other retailers could give customers disposable plastic bags. There was some angst at first, but now, Austinites take it in stride when they forget their reusable bags. Keep a few in your car for when you need to swing by the grocery store on your way home from work.

8.) TxTag

Have you ever tried to get from Buda to Round Rock any time between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. or 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on a weekday without taking a toll road? It isn’t pretty. You might get there sometime this century, but don’t count on it.

A TxTag allows you to use area toll roads at the cheapest rate possible. You can fly through toll plazas knowing you’re not going to receive a hefty bill later.

7.) Steering wheel cover

It doesn’t have to be fancy. In fact, it can be an old, ratty towel. Whether it’s a brand new purchase from your favorite auto parts store or some makeshift contraption you cobbled together, your steering wheel cover just needs to get the job done. And that job is shielding your steering wheel from the sun’s beating rays so you don’t burn your palms and fingers.

6.) Sunglasses

They’re called the dog days of summer for a reason. The sun up early in the morning and stays up well into the evening. You need a pair of sunglasses in your car at all times. They can be cheapos you pick up at a gas station. They just need to keep you from squinting the whole time you’re behind the wheel.

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