The holidays are just around the corner. Don’t wait until the last minute before picking up a gift or two for the special gearhead in your life. Here are a few of the best options that should have any car-lover smiling for the holidays.
Foam Cannons for Fun Detailing: $20 - $90
TORQ Foam Snow Cannon with three premium soaps
Washing your car with a pressure washer and foam cannon protects the paint surface from scratches. It also turns a mundane task into a fun experience. We suggest going with a proven foam gun from a premium brand. The Chemical Guys HOL145 kit - opens in new window or tab. pairs the company’s popular and rugged TORQ Foam Snow Cannon with three Premium Soaps: Honeydew Snow Foam Cleanser, Glossworkz Gloss Booster, and Citrus Gloss.
Check-Engine Light Begone: $35 - $50
Maxiscan diagnostic scanner
There’s nothing more frustrating than a check engine light, especially if you have no way of knowing what issue it’s trying to indicate. That makes an affordable OBDII code scanner—like this one from MaxiScan - opens in new window or tab.—a winning gift. It allows your mechanically-inclined loved one to read and reset check engine lights while also running useful diagnostic scans.
Drip-Free Pit Stop: $40 - $60
The amazing Surecan
Storing gas sucks, but not as much as trying to pour it without making a mess. Fortunately, there’s a better way: Surecan - opens in new window or tab.. By dispensing fuel from the bottom of the tank, there’s no need to tip anything. You can control the rate of flow with your thumb. Filling occurs on the back of the can, so you’re not constantly unscrewing and re-screwing a nozzle.
Immersive Stands for Racing Games: $200 - $1,000
ESR cockpit racing simulator
Handheld gaming controllers for driving games have come a long way. But they’re no match for a proper steering wheel, pedals, and shifter combo. When you mount a Logitech or Thrustmaster controller on a purpose-built racing cockpit wheel stand, you turn every moment into a potential track day. Extreme Simracing rigs - opens in new window or tab. provide multiple screen mounts and integrated seating for a fully immersive experience.
The Ultimate Pocket Multi-Tool: $40 - $60
Leatherman Wave multi-tool
Leatherman tools are great. They are so compact and portable that your gearhead friends might form a habit of leaving them in hidden places—never to be found again. So why not get them a replacement, or maybe a spare, with a Leatherman Wave multi-tool - opens in new window or tab., which has all of the bits and pieces they’ll need to tackle the next emergency repair?
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.