2022 Winter Holiday Auto Gift Guide

The winter holidays are right around the corner! That means it’s time to think about the gearhead in your life as you prepare your 2022 holiday shopping list. (And don’t forget to winterize your car!)

Take a look at the best gifts for car lovers this year with our 2022 winter holiday auto gift guide.

HD Dashboard Camera

Many HD dashboard cameras are available on the market today, which means prices keep coming down on models that work perfectly for your vehicle. The least expensive models with the features you need can be as little as $80. 

Why do you need a dashboard camera?

For security and protection. If you’re ever in a car accident, your insurance adjuster or local authorities can view the footage to determine who is at fault in an accident. Plus, you can keep the cameras rolling even if you’re not in the vehicle, such as when you’re parked on the street, and someone accidentally hits your bumper trying to get out of a parking spot.

Look for a few great features in a dashboard camera as you’re shopping for the winter holidays for an auto gift.

Multiple Views 

Try to find a dashboard cam that comes with blind spot views and rear views. Better ones also feature interior views.

Wireless Capabilities

You’ll want a camera system that works with both your in-car dashboard system and also your smartphone. Look for a model that saves video to the cloud for a specific period.

Unobtrusive Installation

Every state’s laws are different, but your dashcam generally cannot impede your view of the road. Look for one that sits on your dash or goes behind your rear-view mirror.

Infrared Sensors (Honorable Mention)

If you want a fancy HD dashboard camera, get one with infrared sensors for better night vision. Also, look for an expandable model that lets you add more cameras for expanded views.

Smartphone Mount

Hands-free driving reduces distractions and lets drivers focus on the road while having a phone conversation. Going hands-free allows you to connect your smartphone to the in-vehicle infotainment system.

A smartphone mount is a perfect holiday gift for someone on the go. It allows a driver to use all of the phone’s features with speech recognition and speech-to-text, while text-to-speech lets you hear an incoming text message. You can also utilize videos when driving with a smartphone mount.

Again, you want one that’s unobtrusive and won’t get in the way of your dashboard view.

Car Wash Membership

A car wash membership is a great way to save money, particularly if you wash your car once a week. Take advantage of lower per-wash rates, product discounts, and a shiny, sparkling car every week!

Related Post: Should I Get a Car Wash Membership?

Water-Powered Wheel Brush

If you love washing your car at home, a water-powered wheel brush is perfect!

This tool provides slow, steady torque to clean between the nooks, crannies, and crevices of the car’s wheels to get off the dirt, muck, and salt residue. The wheel brush is beneficial when winter’s slush and road salt leave behind those unsightly discolorations. Getting rid of road salt is one key to taking care of your vehicle’s undercarriage and wheels because road chemicals can cause corrosion on the metal of your car.

Eco-Friendly Auto Products

Are you into saving the earth? Want to lower your carbon footprint? Consider investing in eco-friendly auto products for your car.

Waterless Car Wash

You can wash your car at home and not use a drop of extra water. Simply spray the product on your vehicle and wipe it off with a cloth. The only water you’ll use is what you use to clean the cloths. 

Related Post: Car Maintenance: How to Use Waterless Car Wash Products

Eco-Friendly Motor Oil

Did you know that eco-friendly motor oils are out there? NextGen oil from Valvoline is 50 percent recycled oil, providing all the protection available to car owners. Look for smokeless motor oil like that from SuperGreen, which manufactures 100 percent synthetic, nontoxic, biodegradable motor oil. Fully synthetic oil is eco-friendly in general because you don’t need to change your oil as often, and it improves your gas mileage.

Bamboo Car Seat Covers 

Do you like extra padding as you’re driving? Do you want some extra comfort for long trips? Seat covers can add extra padding between you and your car’s seat to help those muscles stay relaxed for your long journey. Think about getting bamboo seat covers. You can also find bamboo seat covers that massage your back gently as you adjust slightly in your seat.

Eco-Friendly Tires

Believe it or not, there has been an eco-friendly tire on the market since 1987. The ContiEcoContact, designed and made by Continental Tire Company, has optimized rolling resistance to reduce fuel consumption. It’s one of the top tires on the market from a premium tire maker. Goodyear and other tire makers are also creating a process to devulcanize rubber that doesn’t compromise the rubber’s safety, giving tire companies a way to recycle old tires into new ones. 

Handheld Car Vacuum

A handheld car vacuum with plenty of suction can get crumbs, hair, pet dander, and stray dirt or leaves anywhere in the car. Attachments can even get into the narrowest of places, including in between the slots of the air registers.

Look for a model with a long cord that can plug into an extension cord outside or directly to your vehicle’s accessory kit. Even better, compact car vacuums fit neatly in your cargo area.

In-Car Trash Bins

Tired of picking up trash or finding a spot for trash? Keep your vehicle cleaner with flexible, in-car trash bins. Look for ones that have custom-fitting plastic bags for easy clean-up for long trips. A strap keeps the cloth bin secure against a headrest or an interior door handle with a clasp that detaches readily when your road trip is over. This is great for kids in the backseat and adults, especially when eating on the road to grandma’s house.

Rechargeable Flashlight

In case you need a light in the dark, invest in a small rechargeable flashlight that fits neatly in your glove box. Look for one with LEDs that shine brightly with waterproof construction. This gift can be a lifesaver when navigating a flat tire or car repair in the dark.

Related Post: Tools to Carry in Case of a Breakdown

Bluetooth Key Finder

Did you misplace your keys again? Invest in a Bluetooth key tracker that attaches to your keyring and then works with your smartphone, thanks to a built-in app. Simply put the tracker on your keychain, pair it to your phone, and let the app do the rest. There are distance limitations:  some top-of-the-line models top out around 400 feet. Unfortunately, this device won’t keep you from getting locked out of your car.

Happy Holiday Shopping From Your Car Dealer in Springfield, Missouri 

Happy winter holiday shopping from Thompson Sales! We hope you find the perfect auto gift for the car lover in your life!Thompson Sales on East Independence is your place for car repairs, service, and maintenance in Southwest Missouri. Make an appointment with our service center today and we’ll take care of you.