40 Foolproof Gifts for Car Lovers Who Live to Drive

Hankook Weatherflex GT

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The holiday season brings unpredictable weather and road conditions. Thankfully, Hankook’s latest Weatherflex GT all-weather tire can handle everything from dumping rain to ice and snow. It eliminates seasonal tire changes thanks to a unique compound that doesn’t harden in cold temps, higher sipe density for water extraction, and thick shoulder blocks for confident handling. The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification indicates excellent performance in winter’s worst.

RVZONE Mini Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

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Simply put, tires are the single most important part of any vehicle. And tires only work properly when they’re properly inflated. Every car lover will appreciate a compact tire pressure gauge like RVZONE Mini Digital Tire Pressure Gauge to keep on their keychain for quick and easy readings.

Airmoto Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor

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The days of stopping at a gas station with a roll of quarters to top up tires ended at least a decade ago. Airmoto Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor fits easily in a trunk or glovebox, and can top up all four tires in minutes. This gift is perfect for the car lover who commutes on the daily—and is even more essential on long holiday road trips.

Bluetooth OBD2 Dongle

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Because modern cars use so many computers and sensors to run properly, diagnosing a potential problem requires tapping into the electronics. The prospect of plugging in can seem intimidating even for experienced mechanics, though. And dealers don’t want car owners to know the OBD2 port below the dash on every modern car can tell them just about anything that’s wrong, all while simply connecting to a smartphone via a Bluetooth app, making Bluetooth OBD2 Dongle the perfect gift for car lovers.

AVAPOW 6000A Car Battery Jump Starter

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The likelihood of a car battery dying at the worst possible moment rises during the winter months. Everyone hates getting stuck waiting for a jump, but AVAPOW 6000A Car Battery Jump Starter can bring just about any car, SUV, or truck battery back to life with ease.

Covercraft Custom WeatherShield HP 2-Tone Car Cover

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For those who live in wintry climates, vintage collectibles probably sit tucked away from inclement weather for a chunk of the year. Protecting it with a precisely fitting car cover prevents any damage from kids, pets, or friends messing around in the garage. And doubly so for cars parked outside, exposed to the elements. Covercraft Custom WeatherShield HP 2-Tone Car Cover does the job well with rain, UV, and dust protection. The interior fabric has silicone polymers to help protect the paint finish—and there are even EV charging flaps for electric vehicles.

Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme

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For anyone who faces the prospect of dirt roads or trails on the road home this holiday season, Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme blends beefy looks with rugged capability when the going gets tough. It’s available in most popular truck and SUV sizes, with the option for whitewall lettering. Dynapro AT2 Xtreme also prioritizes a smooth ride and reduced tire hum on-road as well.

NEXPOW Dash Cam Front and Inside

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More and more drivers these days are distracted. For anyone who loves their car, a dash camera system that documents other cars on the road can mean the difference between a quick and easy insurance claim, or battling through a he-said-she-said legal quagmire before their prized possession can get repaired or replaced. We like NEXPOW Dash Cam Front and Inside.

Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Detailer

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Cleaning gunk and dirt off a car without using the right microfiber cloth and cleaning solution can cause paint swirls and scratches that only appear in certain light. Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Detailer uses polymer chemistry to break down dust and contaminants, then supports the existing finish wax. A quick wipe will simultaneously pull off bug guts while providing a water-repelling surface to make the next cleaning job easier, too. It’s a great stocking stuffer for car lovers.

APPS2Car Magnetic Phone Mount

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For car lovers who drive around in classics that lack Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, installing a permanent phone mount can risk ruining a vintage dashboard. APPS2Car Magnetic Phone Mount keeps the smartphone safely in place without blocking the driver’s view or requiring complex fiddling to pop the phone on and off. Suction cups and magnets allow for easy, harmless phone mounting on the windshield.

Adam’s Fine Grade Clay Bar

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Short of hiring a full detailer to do a paint correction, the best way to bring a car’s exterior back to life is to scrub the finish with a clay bar. Adam’s Fine Grade Clay Bar costs less than $10 but with just a bit of elbow grease, will leave a car looking like a million bucks. The clay absorbs dirt and contaminants unbelievably well, and sets the stage for a good wax job, too.

VIAIR 450P-RV EF Automatic Portable Compressor

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Airing back up after an off-roading trip requires a more serious setup than the compact battery-powered compressors that work for your average car lover. But VIAIR 450P-RV EF Automatic Portable Compressor still fits easily in any rig, and can handle topping up big knobbies before the highway drive home.

J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators

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For off-roading enthusiasts, the first stop after turning into the dirt always involves airing down tires. Running lower pressure improves grip, prevents flats, and makes a day on the trail much more comfortable. J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators makes the process of actually airing down tires much quicker and easier.

WeatherTech FloorLiner HP

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WeatherTech floor mats are one of the best gifts for car lovers. They prevent dirt, mud, and/or sand from getting tracked all over the inside of a vehicle (this is especially important for off-roaders). Just select the year, make, and model of their rig to ensure a laser-cut precise fit. For example, you can get WeatherTech FloorLiner HP Custom Fit Floor Mats for Ford F-150, F-150 Raptor, F-150 Lightning. The hefty mats will keep the carpeting underneath spotless throughout all the adventures to come.

YETI x Uncharted The Basecamp 30L

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Whether at home or off-road, it’s always best to prepare for the worst. YETI x Uncharted The Basecamp 30L waterproof box takes the thought out of prepping by packing everything that might come in handy for a family of four. There are emergency rations, a jump box, recovery strap, shovel, chem lights, and more. Throw this in every truck, SUV, ATV, or side-by-side to make sure the adventures end at home, rather than stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

Loheer Handheld Cordless Vacuum

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For enthusiasts who enjoy wrenching on their cars at home, the inevitable mess often winds up taking almost as long to clean up as the job itself. But an enormous Shop-Vac takes up a ton of space, and can make hoovering in tight automotive spaces difficult. Climbing into the back seat with Loheer Handheld Cordless Vacuum only helps get the latest project done and dusted sooner.

Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set

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Every backyard mechanic knows every job takes twice as long as expected, and requires twice as many tools, too. Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set includes every last wrench, socket, and driver imaginable, all in a compact box with low profiles to make reaching into tight spaces a cinch.

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Car Scan Tool

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All the best tools in the world only go so far in today’s increasingly digital automotive era. From tracking air-fuel ratios to oxygen sensor readings in real time, BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Car Scan Tool takes a bluetooth OBD2 dongle to the next level. It provides all the data necessary to diagnose the most elusive symptoms without the headache (or cost) of running to the dealership workshop.

AstroAI Multimeter Tester

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Wrenches and sockets only go so far, and every home mechanic needs a reliable multimeter on-hand to test batteries, circuits, and the continuity of a car’s sensors, wiring, and gauges. AstroAI Multimeter Tester features a backlit display, integrated probe holders, and even no-contact voltage detection to help track down all those annoying electrical gremlins.

Longacre 50417 0-60 PSI Analog Tire Pressure Gauge

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Modern digital tire pressure gauges work quite well, but for a workshop that might service multiple cars, an old-fashioned analog reading will last longer. Longacre 50417 0-60 PSI Analog Tire Pressure Gauge strikes a Goldilocks sweet spot: It’s simple, functional, and affordable with a flexible hose, two replaceable nozzle designs, and a release valve to fine-tune air pressure easily.

OCM Premium Magnetic Fender Cover

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In the depths of a complex repair, the last thing any home mechanic wants to worry about is scratching the fenders around the engine bay. OCM Premium Magnetic Fender Cover serves as protection to maintain perfect paint jobs that might get ruined by belt buckles, zippers, or snaps while leaned over and wrenching on a late-night project.

Pittsburgh Automotive Telescoping Magnetic Pickup Tool

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Where’d that 10-millimeter socket fall into this time? The struggles of dropping a tool deep into the engine bay, almost completely out of reach, can bring even a simple project to a grinding halt. Keeping Pittsburgh Automotive Telescoping Magnetic Pickup Tool around takes the scaries out of those nightmare situations, helping to retrieve sockets, nuts, bolts, and screws from the invisible cracks and crevasses that always appear at the worst possible moment.

Fumoto F106N FN-Series Drain Valve

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An oil drain valve is one of the single best time savers for a home mechanic to install on their project car. Fumoto F106N FN-Series Drain Valve makes oil changes easy and clean, reducing mess and the chances of cross-threading the factory drain plug into the oil pan. Slip one into the stocking of any enthusiast this holiday season to see their face light up with the realization that getting drenched in grungy oil will never happen again in the new year.

Barton Perreira Hamilton x 000 Sunglasses

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Barton Perreira Hamilton x 000 Sunglasses are a covetable collab between the luxury eyewear brand and Porsche’s magazine. These driving sunglasses are over-engineered to offer the perfect balance of style and design. Hand-made in Japan, they sport acetate frames (available in three colorways), and anti-reflective lenses that reveal the 000 brand logo when exposed to rain. It’s one of the best gifts for car lovers suitable for everyday enjoyment.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition borrows style cues from McLaren’s classic colors: Galvanic Grey and Papaya Orange, the latter of which was showcased on founder Bruce McLaren’s early racing cars. The rest of the specs mirror the brand’s flagship over-ear headphones: Aluminum arms keep the headphones light while offering strength and longevity, while Nappa leather-covered memory foam earpads lend greater all-day comfort. Bowers & Wilkins is also launching its Zeppelin McLaren Edition speaker soon.

G.H. Bass Men’s Davis Driver

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G.H. Bass Men’s Davis Driver will always be in style. The Maine shoemaker dates back to 1936, and is about as classic as it gets. Its driver is made of tumbled leather and has a moc toe with a rubber outsole for grip. It all comes at a great price point to boot. 

‘Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute’ Leather-Bound Book

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Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute is one of the best gifts for car lovers that can also be appreciated by anyone. The brown leather book chronicles the last 70 years of Porsche in 256 pages.

Mixx™ Next BMW Collection

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Mixx™ Next BMW Collection does doubly duty as a gift for new dads who also happen to be car lovers. The collab is available in Nuna’s three strollers: MIXX next, TRIV next, and TRVL lx, all of which feature BMW detailing like wheels with a BMW pattern, rims resembling BMW tires, and subtle BMW logo applications and patterns. The stroller has a ring adapter for instantaneous on/off; a compact fold-away axle for more discreet stowing; and a five-position recline feature to keep baby comfortable while sleeping, feeding, or looking out at the world. There’s added peace of mind knowing it’s been awarded GREENGUARD Gold Certification and is FAA-certified for aircraft use.

Ranger Station Car Cologne

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Ranger Station Car Cologne takes the brand’s signature scents wherever your travels bring you. The pack comprises three traditional hanging car fresheners in
Santalum, Leather + Pine, Oakmoss, High Horse, Old Fashioned, and Tobacco & Musk with holiday exclusives such as Cowboy Christmas and Balsam Fir. Pro tip to share with your giftee: To make the scent last longer, keep the card in the plastic sleeve and only exposing a little at a time. 

Thule Approach Rooftop Tent – Medium

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Sporting a modern tent shape, Thule Approach Rooftop Tent is one of the most spacious and comfiest rooftop tents around—featuring a dual skylight and panoramic windows ensuring a truly elevated, ventilated camping experience. Fast and easy to set up, the tent is compatible with just about any vehicle, from compact cars to trucks. Thule’s innovative mounting brackets allow for an intuitive installation and can lock the tent to your loved one’s roof rack for added security.

Tumi x McLaren Aero International Expandable 4-Wheel Carry-On Bag

Another strong collab from McLaren, Tumi x McLaren Aero International Expandable 4-Wheel Carry-On Bag sports the iconic Galvanic Grey and Papaya Orange colors. The carry-on has clean lines, CX6 carbon fiber accents, and internal compression straps that pay homage to McLaren’s 5-point harness. Sleek, strong, and endlessly useful, the carry-on has all the usual specs you want: 3-stop telescoping handle and dual spinner wheels. If you’re gifting a loved one who travels for long stints, spring for TUMI x McLaren Aero Extended Trip Packing Case.

Porsche Black Aluminum Valve Stem Caps for Passenger Cars

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Automotive enthusiasts who love their cars tend to love auto manufacturers with an equal passion. Think Ford fans or Porschephiles—gifting your favorite enthusiast a set of matching Porsche Black Aluminum Valve Stem Caps caters perfectly to that obsessive side of the hobby, all while upping style points and preventing air leaks. They’re easy to find for just about any brand on the planet. 

‘The Unfair Advantage’ by Mark Donohue

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Unfair Advantage offers a rare glimpse into what it really takes to master the art of racing. Mark Donohue stepped away from driving in 1974 to write about his career highs and lows. This new edition has dozens of photos and quotes from people who worked and raced with him during the peak of his career. 

Mattel Creations Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham Eroded Twin Mill

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Some of the best gifts for car lovers come in the form of limited-edition collectibles. Mattel Creations Hot Wheels x Daniel Arsham Eroded Twin Mill is a great example. Hot Wheels enlisted artist Daniel Arsham to put his unique touch on a Twin Mill model. Known for playing with the concept of fictional archaeology, Arsham often fossilizes contemporary objects to mimic the effects of passing time. The Twin Mill is actually the first Hot Wheels Originals not based on a real make and model. The concept car comes in Arsham Pink.

Radford Track Day Experience

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Weekend cruises only go so far for serious automotive enthusiasts, especially since modern cars go so fast that driving at the limit on public roads pushes the limits of legality (not to mention sanity). Taking the time to attend a true racing school, such as Radford Racing School in Arizona, provides invaluable lessons on car control and safety, both on-track and back out on public roads. Select between GT Road Racing (SCCA permit required) and Advanced Road Racing (SCCA full competition license required) courses for aspiring racers who have a good amount of experience. Choose between a 3- and 4-day course, starting at $5,999.

000 Fine Art Print (Issue 027)

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Porsche’s magazine, 000 (triple zero refers to the maker’s three-digit model type numerology), has an extensive collection of issue covers to choose from. Each one is 24×36 and printed on Wagner paper and high-quality Aqueous ink. 000 Fine Art Print (Issue 027) shown above.

Audi Marble Stoneware Mug

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A mug to match a car enthusiast’s favorite make and model works perfectly as a stocking stuffer this holiday season. Go the luxe route with Audi Marble Stoneware Mug or nab a cup holder-compatible make for commutes and hangouts. 

Ferrari Leather Keyring With Prancing Horse

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Simple yet special, Ferrari Leather Keyring is an elevated essential that makes for a perfect stocking stuffer. The zinc alloy Prancing Horse has an anti-fingerprint treatment. The leather also has painted edges and visible stitching—thoughtful touches that show it’s made with care. Choose between Black and Rosso Dino, Ferrari’s fiery red. 

Racing Tickets

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Watching motorsports on TV pales in comparison to attending a Formula 1, Nascar, or rally race in person. The sights and sounds, the fire of wheel-to-wheel racing, the crowd and enthusiasm can’t be beat. Anyone who claims to be an automotive enthusiast needs to experience the thrill of real motorsport in person at least once in their life—because then they’re guaranteed to keep going back for more.  

Draw My Ride

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Thanks to social media, countless artists support themselves by creating custom artwork for car enthusiasts across the planet. From photorealistic sketches by hand to stylized paintings inspired by iconic motorsports moments, any enthusiast will love a piece to hang on their wall and serve as a reminder to get out and drive. Draw My Ride is one such example. Simply pick the product (canvas, poster, digital, phone case, merch), upload a photo, and customize the artwork.