People skills. A strong knowledge of multiple sports. The ability to function on little sleep. Generally good looks.

These are things sports writers are either encouraged to have or are blessed with at birth that allow us to do the work we do. While this skill set certainly is important and 100 percent unofficial, there is one thing more important than all of the others — a car.

A little more than two weeks ago now, I had to make the tough decision to trade in my old car in exchange for one that would allow me to continue to do my job effectively. Sure, it’s nice to get a new car, but trading in my old one flooded me with on-the-job memories that reminded me that a car really is a sports writer’s most important tool.