Christmas Gift Ideas: Automobile Accessories

Wondering what to buy the car lover in your life? While automobile-related gifts are usually a hit, things can quickly get out of hand in this category, resulting in unpleasant surprises under the Christmas tree.  

Here are some accessories that are sure to please.

• Also: Christmas Gifts Idea: Unique Miniature models
• Also: Christmas Gift Ideas: From Console To Simulator—To Race Track?

Mats, brushes and shovels

Floor mats are always a nice gift to receive—but not just any old cloth carpet or generic rubber liner from your local big-box store. Choose a mat that’s made specifically for the car, like the ones sold at Husky Liners and Weathertech.

These mats will protect 100% of interior surfaces from snow and dirt, making it much easier to clean out the vehicle’s cabin and trunk. Good mats are essential for anyone who lives in a northern climate and wants to keep the inside of their vehicle neat and tidy.

But what about protecting the car’s exterior? Applying a quality wax before winter can help the paint withstand the worst of the season, but then most of us put it at risk again with a common accessory. Classic snow brushes trap sand, dirt and pebbles in their bristles, which can damage the paint finish when you sweep the snow off your vehicle.

To make sure that doesn’t happen, choose a polymer foam brush instead. Since it won’t scrape the surface of your car, you’re sure to enjoy the shine of the paint job again in spring.

Last but not least, another great gift is a small retractable snow shovel. When driving in winter, there’s always a risk that you’ll end up in a snowbank. Having a shovel in your trunk can really save the day.