Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 24th November 2020

Climate change, overpopulation and other global problems are prompting a lot of people to act and fundamentally change their habits. While some people will change their diet to a local one with a smaller carbon footprint, others will choose to get rid of their car. This is a radical change for anyone to make, and like most other life changes and new habits, it might take a while to get used to. Nonetheless, in the long run, going car-free can prove to be an excellent way of living.

Is It Better to Not Have a Car? 

First of all, living without a car is much better for your personal health. Taking a walk to work every morning can be full of benefits for your body. And, if your workplace is far from your home - don't worry - you can use public transit, or see if commuting by bicycle is a possibility in your area. Most public transit systems allow passengers to carry on bicycles or small scooters. This can be a great bonus for your health, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, and work at a desk all day. Leaving your car behind is good for the environment. The impacts of heavy traffic was first reported on years ago. Traffic congestion first became a problem in the 1950s, caused by people moving out into the suburbs and working in the city, and not shopping locally. The increasing availability of cars to the middle class helped to create the perfect storm.

At that moment, many thought the situation would only get worse with time. Unfortunately, these people were right. Today, different factors are at play, and with remote work becoming more and more prevalent, and other forms of commuting more prevalent, it’s time to ask yourself - do I really need a car? Sometimes, not owning an automobile can be painful. Cars are a big part of our lives. Cars seem to make the world go round. There is an option of renting a car for time when it is absolutely necessary. Many companies have a vast catalogue of vehicles and can provide an ideal car for you. You can turn to the usual car rental suspects such as Hyrecar if you’re looking for a more “scheduled” option like carpooling. Another benefit of not owning a car is simple - money. Renting a car takes care of most expenses such as getting your car serviced. Also, taking care of your car requires you to cover all the financial costs and devote a lot of time and effort to keep it in perfect shape. Using renting companies' services is cheaper than owning. In 2017, according to AAA, for vehicles driven 15,000 miles a year, average car ownership costs were about $706 a month which equals $8,469 in a year.

How Do I Get Around Without a Vehicle? 

Living car-free leaves you with a choice. You can try to depend on public transit, or try something else. Here is a short list of alternatives: walking, cycling, public transportation, using taxis, getting a lift, carsharing, and car rentals. Of course, there are different tastes and opinions, so please feel free to try all of the above to see what would work for you. 

What Is Life Like Without Cars? 

We live in a world where time is scarce and being prompt matters. Is it even possible to lead an everyday life without a car? Well, it is quite possible. Many people get by without the need to rely on their cars on a daily basis. For example, people living in large cities, where public transportation is convenient and simply parking your car can be very expensive. Changing habits can be tough, but in the end, it gives you a sense of freedom and self reliance. Even if you take it one step at a time.

Living without a car is not for everyone. People still commute to work over long distances, and not every metropolitan area has a reliable public transit system. While it may seem impossible to get around without driving, try to concentrate on the times when your vehicle goes unused. Do you drive to the gym? Try biking there and getting more exercise! Take a stroll to your favourite restaurant instead of driving - or see how far you can get on your bike or scooter! The fact is, a lot of us are simply out of the habit of going on foot. Analyse your habits and see where you can make easy changes - good luck!

We discuss the trade off between car hire and public transport in this blog post on managing a modern lifestyle without a car.