Guys and cars; they just seem to go together.
So once a man has his dream car, what comes next? Accessories, of course! We’ve picked eight sure-fire items suited to men of all auto tastes. Check them out!
RACING RIMS
What’s a fabulous ride without some shiny rims? For the guy that has a bit of zip in his step and maybe a lead foot, these babies from American Racing Custom Wheels are a perfect fit and will have his ride looking even more stylish – if it’s possible.
American Racing Custom Wheels VN420 200S, available locally at: CJ’s Tire, 343 Hafer Dr., Leesport, 610.926.0400 or Bernville Auto Parts, 127 W. 2nd St., Bernville, 610.488.7327. Call for pricing. americanracing.com
BACK IT UP – SAFELY
Men and their ladies will appreciate the safety features offered by the Peak Rearview Wireless Back-Up Camera System. It's equipped with a 3 and 1/2-inch built-in monitor and a wide-angle view, and installation takes mere minutes. It’s sure to guard against those bumps and dings that could botch a meticulous paint job.
Peak Rearview Wireless Back-Up Camera System, $129.99, available at autozone.com
HANDS-FREE
Now that texting is illegal in Pennsylvania, and because safety comes first, the Parrot CK3100 Car Kit for Bluetooth Cell Phones is a must. The device connects to nearly any car stereo system and allows the driver to take calls from his Bluetooth phone through the car’s speakers. A bonus: sign up for Parrot’s TextFriendly service at $39.99 per year and you’ll also be able to access email and text messages with your voice.
Parrot CK3100 Car Kit for Bluetooth Cell Phones with LCD Display, $149.99, available at crutchfield.com
CELL CONTROL
Want to cool off your car from inside your home? Warm it up before heading out in winter weather? You can do it, and you don’t even need a remote! The Viper SmartStart Module allows you to start your car via the push of a button on your iPhone, Blackberry or Android phone. Who doesn’t love that?
Viper SmartStart Module, $199.99 at Best Buy, 1701 Crossing Drive, Wyomissing. 610.375.3340, bestbuy.com. Requires a subscription plan for service, priced at $49.99/year.
MAN’S OTHER BEST FRIEND
He loves his wheels, but he also loves his canine companion. Now he can travel with his best friend and not worry about messing up his ride. The Stay-Put™ Hammock fits the rear bench seat of any vehicle, is stain-resistant and waterproof, and protects the interior from dirt, dander, hair and the like, all while acting as a barrier preventing his pup from jumping from the back to front seat.
Stay Put™ Hammocks, $49.99-67.99, available at Drsfostersmith.com
SWEET SHIFTING
Switch out the regular old shifter and replace it with something fun. For the car and airplane enthusiast, the Pilot Automotive Aluminum T-handle Shift Knob is a sure hit. The fit is universal, so it’s great for any vehicle. Other styles include the Smith & Wesson Pistol Grip and Grenade shifters.
Pilot Automotive Aluminum T-handle Shift Knob, $19.99, available at autozone.com
KEEP COOL
If you’re tailgating or on a road trip, this is a must! The EdgeStar 63qt. 12V DC Portable Fridge/Freezer keeps food and drinks perfectly chilled – just plug into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter outlet. The fast-freeze button rapidly cools the unit to -8 degrees. An AC/DC adapter allows the unit to be used in the home as well.
EdgeStar 63qt. 12V DC Portable Fridge/Freezer, $599, available at compactappliance.com
DON’T GET LOST
Leaving a packed sports arena or concert hall and can’t remember where you parked your car? Finding it can be as easy as the push of a button. With the keychain GPS Homing Device, simply push the button when exiting your vehicle, marking your location. Upon leaving, look to the device to point your way back.
GPS Homing Device, $79.95, Hammacher Schlemmer. 800.543.3366, hammacher.com
SUPER FAN
Support your team day or night with the Power Decal. The decal automatically lights up at night when the car is in motion. It also powers off after the vehicle has been parked for two minutes. Root, root, rooting for your home team is as simple as peeling and sticking this on!
Philadelphia Phillies Power Decal, $24.99, available at shop.mlb.com
IT MAKES SCENTS
Even guys want their ride to smell good! But forget those frilly, girly scents. Try the leather-scented Car Jar Ultimate, for four long-lasting weeks of a super smell, or Vent Sticks, from Yankee Candle Company. Also available in Mountain Lodge and Balsam & Cedar.
Car Jar Ultimate in Leather, Yankee Candle Company, The Shoppes at Wyomissing, Reading. 610.236.1013, yankeecandle.com
