Comfort and Convenience
Cabin temperature is one of the clearest examples of personal preference: what feels pleasant to one person is stuffy or chilly to another. On a shared commute, that difference tends to be negotiated every morning.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Spending a moment with the basics while parked, from lights and wipers to mirrors and demisting, means less searching later. Preparation of this kind costs little, and is easiest before setting off rather than mid-journey.
Multimedia and Connectivity
Keeping a phone charged is its own need, separate from calls or music: a commute is often when the battery is expected to recover. Where a suitable power outlet or cable is available, that happens passively.