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Car and Driving Tips

Easy open. You can’t take the pain out of paying for gas, but you can make it less painful to pump it. Keep a disk-shaped, rubber jar opener in the car, then use it to twist off the gas cap.

Get a grip. If you have trouble gripping a steering wheel or gear shift, use golf, baseball or weight-lifting gloves when you drive.

Bag it. One AT reader recommends placing a large trash bag in the car seat. Getting in and out is easier because the bag slides with you.

Slide right in. It’s easier to move around in cars with vinyl or leather upholstery. If you have a car with cloth seats, consider putting in a vinyl seat covering.

Key solution. If you have trouble turning your car key, try building it up with electrical tape or trade in your keys for a keyless fob and starter that remotely unlocks your car and starts the engine.

Gloria

09 Sep 2011, 16:59

is there a "lazy susan" for the seat for my car? I have a bad back and I cant swivel

Bob Garmann

10 Apr 2011, 16:20

I can't tell you how hard it was to start my car. My grandson told me about a new product that eliminated the need for a key. He bought one for my 70 birthday and it is wonderful. it even unlocks the doors automatically and the trunk so easily. All i do is push a button and the car starts. the name on the box was www.gallotech.com . He said the guy knows a lot about my problem.

Gina

01 Dec 2010, 23:01

I agree with Deb. I own a PT Cruiser and it is so easy on my arthritic body. The height is perfect for getting in and out of the car, and mine has an adjustable driver seat so it's easy to find your personal confort level. Unfortunately, they were discontinued this year so I hope mine lasts forever.

Kath Higgins

04 Jun 2010, 13:02

Shifting my camry is quite painful. Does anyone know of a new or newer car with the shift on the column, or even a push button shift?

Sshar

28 May 2010, 10:54

I need something more than a rubber jar opener to get the gas cap off. Any suggestions?

Jackie

11 Dec 2009, 12:23

I have spinal stenosis and sciatic pain and find seat warmers are the greatest feature of our new Ford Flex! Heat is instant and just wonderful especially on long drives in cold temps.

Virginia

14 Sep 2009, 22:34

For those having trouble sliding in and out of a car, a large trash bag in the seat will help you to slide much easier.

Doug

01 Jul 2009, 20:30

For years I have suffered from wrist and hand pain from driving. In an effort to reduce the pain and make driving more comfortable, I developed The Palm Rest for driving (www.thepalmrest.com). It makes driving much more enjoyable. I hope you will give it a try.

Marie

25 May 2009, 09:47

We purchased a steering-wheel cover to increase the size of the steering wheel. It makes it a lot easier to grip. They are available at any auto parts department.

Deb

13 May 2009, 11:01

The best car I've found for ease of getting in and out is being discontinued (of course!). It's the PT Cruiser. I had looked at virtually every other car around until a car salesman told me he got a Cruiser for his mom because she had the same trouble. We've had two (I still miss the one that was totalled in an accident) and they are great! The seat is just the right height for sitting down and swinging your legs around, and it's just as easy to get out. It's also easy to drive.

marla

23 Apr 2009, 15:47

does anyone have a recommendation as to what model and make of car that is easier to drive as well as get in and out of? if not -do you know of a resource to refer to?

Donna

14 Mar 2009, 09:27

To get in and out of the car easier: Keep both feet on the ground. Place your bottom on the seat and swing both legs around together.

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Car and Driving Tips

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