HOLIDAY GIVING GUIDE
Gear, gadgets and books — some great gift ideas for the auto enthusiast:
Like it or not, the season is upon us. Giving to the Gearhead in your life should be fun, and not too stressful. With these points in mind, I have assembled a gift list. All products are Grumpy Mechanic approved and tested, and yes, I have favourite places to shop.
Wireless Road Mouse
More than a conversation piece, this PC and Mac compatible high performance wireless mouse handles point and click action with precision and style. Designs available are the Viper, Mustang GT, Lamborghini, or Camaro.
www.canadiantire.ca
Autoglym Bird Dropping Wipes
Why does a mechanical ailment suddenly disappear once the car is in the technician’s hands? Why do my socks disappear in the dryer? Why do birds seem to take aim for freshly washed and polished vehicles? To these questions I have no answers, but I do know that Auto Glym’s Bird Dropping Wipes offer a safe, quick and convenient way to instantly remove acidic bird poop from your car’s paintwork.
www.canadiantire.ca
Michelin Stealth Wiper Blades
I tested a set of these blades, and appreciated the operation and longevity. Michelin markets the blades as All-Season, and I ran them all year.
As promised, the blades maintained contact under all conditions and also delivered smooth, skip-free operation.
www.costco.ca
Simoniz 8-pack Microfibre Cloths
Touted as all-purpose cloths for drying, dusting and polishing, I can testify that they deliver as advertised. they’re lint-free (after the first wash) and reusable — I often press them into service in my home as well. A great gift or stocking stuffer for under $10!
www.canadiantire.ca
Synthetic Engine Oil
Nothing says “I love how you love your car, honey” like a jug of synthetic. If the car nut in your life wants the best for the pride and joy, synthetic engine oil should be on the list. Besides easing cold start cranking and lubrication, synthetic oil protects extremely well under high heat and load conditions.
www.mobil.com
WeatherTech Floor Mats
Most people dislike the mess in the car associated with wet, snow-laden footwear.
WeatherTech floor mats are built to hold water and slush and are available in custom sizes and shapes to fit specific vehicles.
www.partsource.ca
Auto Glym High Definition Wax Kit
I like this product; it’s easy to apply, and the results speak for themselves. The kit includes 150g High Definition Wax, two High Definition Applicator Sponges, and a High-tech Finishing Cloth.
The product is extremely durable and resists contaminants such as salt, UV rays and acid rain for extended periods of time.
I also appreciated the special blend of waxes that allows the entire vehicle to be waxed before the final buffing step.
www.canadiantire.ca
ProStart Remote Car Starter
Given the extremes of the Canadian climate, a remote car starter makes great sense. The driver has the option of starting the engine and warming or cooling the vehicle from a distance, and why not?
The unit I tested offers two-way communication to verify the engine started. As a bonus, certain ProStart models can be equipped with a SmartStart, which enables starting the car via a smartphone, if the 670-metre range with the remote isn’t enough. In the winter, I appreciate getting into a warm vehicle, without the worry and hazard of iced or fogged windows.
I highly recommend professional installation. Working through a modern vehicle’s wiring harnesses is daunting, as is the potential of burning up some expensive electronic modules.
Canadian Tire offers a variety of starters to meet almost any budget, and offers installation for at a reasonable price.
www.canadiantire.ca
Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 Coupe
If money is no object, why not put one of these in the garage for the automotive enthusiast in your life? With 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission, the package delivers enough jam to light up the rear tires at any speed. Without question, this car truly defines “muscle car.” Yes, you will need to run premium fuel, but who cares? The cool factor — priceless!
www.ford.ca