Top Christmas gifts for car lovers
Car-shaped cufflinks, keyrings and driving gloves are all typical ideas for Christmas gifts, but they’re not exactly unique.
If you’re looking for something a little more inventive, useful or fun, here’s our top picks of gifts for car lovers…
- Nextbase 512GW dash cam, £149
There’s been a 285% rise in dash cam footage being used in insurance claims (between January 2015 and July 2017), according to figures from Accident Exchange.
Help your loved ones counteract claim culture and head off any potential finger pointing by giving them their own dash cam for Christmas.
Topping many a list of the best dash cams on the market, the Nextbase 512GW has high definition footage that can pick up registration plates at distance, and discerns plenty of detail, even in bright sunlight.
If the price tag puts you off, however, there are some cheaper models on the market and this year discount supermarket chain Lidl has launched its own camera, retailing at just £40.
- Track days, from £99
From supercar driving days at Silverstone, to four-wheel-drive off-roading, motoring experience days are a great way to sample the high-octane thrill of historical motoring legends.
While of course we don’t condone making a brew while your vehicle’s actually in motion, having an in-car espresso machine is the perfect tonic for long journeys.
The handy kit connects to a cigarette lighter, and the machine comes with its own cups, coffee pads and useful storage bag.
A breakdown is always an inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to be a hazard if you’re prepared for the unexpected.
EVAQ8’s advanced car safety kit comes with all the safety essentials you’d expect such as warning triangle, high-vis vest and a first aid kit. But it also has a fire extinguisher, torch and even an emergency hammer with seat belt cutter.
Let’s face it, those cardboard air fresheners that hang from the rear-view mirror never smell great and fade quicker than Lewis Hamilton doing a lap around Silverstone!
Luxury Parisian brand Diptyque has come to the rescue with its selection of car aromas and an in-car diffuser, giving you an essence of expensive candles and beauty boutiques.
On your way to an important meeting, interview or to catch a flight – a flat tyre can be one of the worst things to happen.
Even if you have the time to change it, do you really want to get covered in oil as you jack up your car and try and fit a space saver?
Give the gift of time and ease with a rechargeable tyre inflator that can be kept in the car and solve the problem within minutes.
Penalties for using your phone in the car have doubled this year, and you can get six points and a hefty £200 fine if you’re found to be distracted by your mobile. This includes using the maps app for directions.
Having a dash-mounted phone, when using your GPS only, can get you off the hook and at just £15, makes the perfect safety-conscious stocking filler for your friends and family.
- GPS tracker, from £79.00
If you’ve ever had your car stolen, you’ll know the sinking feeling of helplessness which can be overwhelming.
But a GPS tracker can be as useful as the ‘find my iPhone app’ and can help you find out where your beloved motor is in just a few clicks.
Parents can also use it to track the whereabouts of newly-licenced kids when they take the family car out for a spin.
