Car Accessories

Summertime is drive-time across the USA. Millions of vacation-happy Americans hit the road during summer, logging more driving miles on the pavement than any other time of year.

But with gas prices climbing toward $4 a gallon (or more!), folks are concerned about the costs of driving. Can families still afford to pile the kids into the car and ride to summer's favorite hot spots? Will a kids' chorus of "are we going?" replace the standard endless chants of "are we there yet?"

Savvy drivers say "no!" They're constantly seeking ways to increase fuel economy and to squeeze out more miles per tank. Instead of focusing purely on the fuel gauge, though, experts suggest paying more attention to tires, those black, rubbery objects that connect vehicles to the road. Yes, the right rubber on the road can save gas in the tank. Read more

With fuel prices getting higher and higher, reports of gasoline theft are on the rise. With a bit of tubing, a little suction and a few uninterrupted minutes, a thief can literally drain you dry. A locking gas cap is a great way to protect your vehicle from gas theft.

AutoSport offers Stant gas caps designed to keep fuel where it belongs—in the tank. Whether your car has an unlocked filler door or one that releases from the inside, these caps offer a powerful deterrent to would-be thieves. Anyone who frequently parks on the street, in a garage or in a large parking lot will appreciate the added security. And with their huge selection, ordering from AutoSport is the easiest (and most fuel-efficient!) way to buy the locking gas cap that fits your vehicle. www.autosportcatalog.com Read more

Alpine just introduced the new IVA-W505 DVD/CD head unit with 7-inch monitor which serves as the ultimate audio/video plus navigation “hub” for the vehicle. It has everything a driver needs at his/her fingertips – touch-screen control over almost any digital entertainment source (satellite radio, HD Radio with multicasting, MP3/WMA players), as well as iTunes Tagging and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

It also serves as the in-dash docking station for Alpine’s Blackbird portable navigation device. The motorized faceplate slides down to a 90-degree angle to reveal a DVD/CD slot and dedicated Blackbird slot. Once the Blackbird is docked, all of its navigation features and user controls are transferred to the IVA-W505’s display, for an audio/video plus navigation (AV+N) in-dash system. Read more

The new 4-in-1 SafetyStick Emergency Tool & Flashlight is a tool that can provide important aid after an auto breakdown or accident, and can even help a motorist escape a vehicle in an emergency. The SafetyStick also features a magnetic bottom that allows a motorist to attach the unit to the side of a car or truck to alert oncoming traffic.

The SafetyStick includes: Read more

The Harman Kardon Drive + Play 2 mobile media manager allows drivers to manage multiple portable devices in their car using a color display screen and a wireless controller that operates much like an iPod control wheel. Drive + Play 2 features full browsing capability for portable music devices, including iPod, USB flash memory drives and other digital music players.

The Drive + Play 2 Automatic Music Mix automatically recognizes the song selection on your portable music player and creates "channels" of music that are grouped according to your taste and listening habits. An optional SIRIUS satellite radio connection kit is available, as well as a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone kit with complete hands-free phone book and caller-ID functionality. Read more

View Base is a great mounting solution for all in-car electronic devices, from GPS and DVD units to MP3 players and cellphones, perfect for travelers. It is the first item that allows a GPS or other electronic device to be mounted easily to the dashboard of any vehicle without adhesives, drilling or any other effect on the dash surface.

With a patented anti-skid surface technology, the View Base keeps the electronic device in place through even the bumpiest of rides, rapid braking, swerving and all other driving conditions. Simply attach the GPS or other electronic device to the View Base using the standard suction cup mounting bracket that would otherwise be used on the windshield. The View Base with device attached can then be placed anywhere on the dash. View Base is priced at $19.95 and can be purchased online at www.marketgypsy.com, phone at 866-674-9779 or at retail stores throughout North America.

The Harman Kardon Guide + Play GPS-510 is a portable in-car navigation device that not only gets users where they need to go - it entertains them along the way, since it's also a full-featured music and video player.

The Guide + Play GPS-510 is a GPS navigation and multimedia device that delivers audio and full-motion video - yet it's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

The GPS-510 features a touchscreen display and an easy to operate intuitive use. It offers a variety of driving options (including shortest, fastest, highway and non-toll routes and a "Points of Interest" search feature). The GPS-510 also offers real-time traffic information (with subscription to a compatible service) and is equipped with a unique 2-D/3-D navigation function. Read more

Winter has arrived and that means so has winter driving -- engine failure, multi-car pileups, and worse. During this season, drivers need to be extra vigilant with their safety in order to avoid accidents and getting stranded out in the cold.

“ The key to safe automobile travel in the winter months boils down to managing your risks,” says Frank Meyer, a trained wilderness EMT and co-founder of Adventure Medical Kits. Start by lowering all your own risks, says Meyer, and following some simple winter driving tips and you’ll dramatically increase your level of road safety:

1) Car Maintenance. Before you head out the door make sure your car is in good working order. This means a full tank of gas, fully charged battery with no leaks, antifreeze in the cooling system, engine tuned up, tire chains in the trunk in case of snowy weather, windshield wiper fluid filled and unfrozen and no mechanical problems you are aware of. All lights working properly? Check your tires for good tread and proper pressure. Read more

From Hammacher Schlemmer comes the Traffic Avoiding GPS. This GPS receiver provides real-time traffic information, and its maps guide you through the United States (including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico) and Canadian provinces (including the Yukon Territory). The GPS uses Traffic Message Channel technology and a pop-up message appears on the screen indicating traffic congestion, and gives you an alternate route. The system allows you to add your own points of interest or download your own car icon to appear on the screen instead of the standard directional arrow.

Take a wrong turn? No problem. With fast route calculation, you are notified in a clear voice if you take a wrong turn so you can quickly get back on track. It has 2GB of flash memory that contains driving maps, including restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and more, while also providing room for MP3 storage. Its FM transmitter allows you to play music through your car radio and it has an SD card slot for additional memory. Read more

By Jeff Zbar 
www.chiefhomeofficer.com

Anyone who lives in South Florida knows that we dwell in a radio wasteland. We have (lousy) “Classic Rock” and bombastic ”progressive talk.”? Teenie-boppers have plenty of options - but Mom and Dad earn a migraine in return. So when I leave my home office for a meeting or road trip, I pack my iPod and Monster Cable - and pray to find a good clear unused FM signal. Ah, but now I pray no more.

Belkin has come out with ”My Best FM.” The Website locates the best FM radio frequencies (based on Zip code or city/state) to tune your car’s radio to. You’ll get the clearest transmission in your area (tune in first - just to make sure it’s a vacant space on the dial). Read more