Accutire MS-4350B digital tire-pressure gauge, $12.82 on Amazon.com
Proper tire inflation is not only safe, it’s also smart: Underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. The Accutire MS-4350B digital pressure gauge makes checking tire inflation easy. It features a large backlit LCD screen and a white LED flashlight that is ideal for checking inflation pressure in the dark. It also has a set point programmable feature that can record the factory-recommended tire pressure for both front and rear tires, and an audible signal to let you know when you’ve reached the preferred pressure
Tire Rack seasonal tire totes, $19.95 per pair
If you live in a climate that requires switching between summer and winter tires (or if you happen to have a race car driver on your holiday list who regularly hauls extra tires to the track) the Tire Rack seasonal tire totes make a great gift. The totes are made of a rugged polyester material and include a built-in handle to get a grip when carrying bulky tires. They accommodate tires from 22 to 31 inches in overall diameter, can hold up to 80 pounds and use a hook-and-loop closure. They’re also machine washable.
Hot Rod heated travel mug, $24.95
Give your favorite car aficionado or super commuter the Hot Rod heated travel mug and they’ll thank you and think of you all year long while sipping behind the wheel. This automotive-styled insulated mug comes in candy apple red or midnight glossy black and features a 12-volt adapter to keep beverages warm. An analog gauge keeps tabs on the interior temperature, and underneath is an on-off switch and an LED indicator.
Blind spot mirror, $19.95 and $24.95
Some vehicles have blind-spot sections built into their side view mirrors, and some have high-tech blind-spot monitoring systems. If you know someone whose car has neither and you want them to be as safe as possible, these add-on blind spot mirrors make a good gift. According to DrivingComfort.com, the mirrors provide a distortion-free panoramic view up to 2.5 times wider than stock mirrors. The mirrors come in two sizes — standard for automobiles and large for SUVs, trucks and vans — and can be mounted above or below an existing mirror.
