Making Every Mile Comfortable
If you live with arthritis, the repetitive motions of steering, shifting, and even sitting for long periods can turn a simple grocery run into a real challenge. Fortunately, modern vehicle features and a few clever adjustments can transform your driving experience into something much smoother and more supportive. With that in mind, here are 20 driving tips to reduce the discomfort.
1. Leverage Heated Seating Functions
Most newer cars come equipped with built-in seat heaters that act like a giant heating pad for your back and hips. Turning this feature on even during the summer months can help soothe stiff muscles and increase blood flow to your spine while you drive. Starting the heat a few minutes before departure can make joints feel much more limber.
2. Install a Steering Wheel Cover
Look for a large, cushioned steering wheel cover at a local auto parts store. Increasing the effective diameter of your steering wheel means less grip strength is required while driving. This helps take pressure off the small joints in your fingers and palms while cornering or cruising down the highway.
3. Adjust the Lumbar Support
The small vertebrae in your lower back require regular support, or they’ll force you to slump and put pressure on your hips. Many cars allow the bottom of the driver’s seat to move forward to support the curve of the lumbar spine. Spending extra time adjusting this feature can make a big difference.
4. Use a Swivel Seat Cushion
Maneuvering in and out of modern cars can cause pain if arthritis affects the knees or back. A rotating seat cushion mounted to the driver’s seat allows the body to turn toward the exit door more easily, helping the legs move out with less effort.
5. Optimize Your Mirror Placement
If turning your neck to check blind spots is difficult, widen the angle of your side mirrors. Adjust them so that only a small portion of your car is visible, maximizing your view of adjacent lanes. This setup minimizes the amount of neck movement required.
6. Try a Key Turner Aid
These arthritis-friendly tools attach to a standard car key and allow the use of the whole hand to grip and turn. They are especially helpful for older vehicles with manual ignitions.
7. Switch to a Soft-Touch Gear Shifter
For those who find shifting uncomfortable, aftermarket gear shift pads can provide added cushioning, or a rotary/dial-style shifter can be used instead. These options reduce strain on the wrists.
8. Adjust the Steering Column Tilt
Raise or lower the steering wheel so that elbows remain slightly bent while holding it. Many drivers overlook this feature, but it helps distribute arm weight evenly across both shoulders instead of placing strain on the wrists.
9. Apply a Pedal Extender
Reaching for pedals can strain ankles and hips if mobility is limited. A pedal extender brings the gas and brake pedals closer, allowing for a more comfortable seating position.
10. Wear Compression Gloves While Driving
Fingerless compression gloves provide gentle pressure that can reduce swelling in the knuckles during a commute. They also help keep hands warm, which can prevent stiffness when the air conditioning is running.
11. Utilize a Gas Cap Opener
Twisting open a gas cap can be difficult with arthritis. A simple rubber grip tool kept in the glove box can make the task much easier and less painful.
12. Set Your Seat Height Properly
The seat should be positioned so that the hips are slightly higher than the knees. Using the car’s height adjustment feature can make standing up at the destination much easier.
13. Switch to an Automatic Tailgate
Automatic liftgates eliminate the need to manually lift a heavy trunk. With the press of a button, the trunk opens and closes, reducing strain on the hands and shoulders.
14. Keep a Door Handle Extender Handy
Sometimes called a "car cane," this portable handle hooks into the latch on the door frame. It provides a stable grip for support when sitting down or standing up from the seat, improving balance and confidence.
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15. Use Panoramic Rearview Mirrors
A wide-angle rearview mirror can reduce the need to twist the torso or neck when checking behind the vehicle. This makes lane changes easier and more comfortable.
16. Look for Thin-Spoke Steering Wheels
Vehicles with thinner spokes offer more places to rest hands and thumbs. This reduces the need to maintain a constant, tight grip and allows for more flexibility in hand positioning.
17. Program Your Power Seat Memory
Power seats often include memory settings that store preferred positions. This is especially helpful if multiple drivers use the same vehicle, eliminating the need to readjust manually each time.
18. Add a Padded Center Console Cover
Resting an arm on a hard surface for long periods can cause discomfort. A memory foam console cover provides cushioning and helps maintain proper shoulder alignment.
19. Schedule Frequent Rest Stops
Even with an ergonomic setup, staying in one position too long can lead to stiffness. Stopping every hour to stretch and move around helps improve circulation and reduce joint discomfort.
20. Invest in a Blind Spot Detection System
Modern sensors that alert drivers when a vehicle is in the blind spot can reduce the need for excessive neck movement. These systems act as an extra set of eyes, providing added confidence and safety.
