There are many add-on devices and gizmos for cars that can provide features to make your ride better. There are accessories that will give you music that is more to your liking. A gps with maps can display the route to take to your chosen destination. A heated mug will keep coffee hot as long as the car is running. There are other useful functions and nice effects that add-on accessories can provide. Many car accessories are low enough in price so that they may be well worth installing. This article concentrates on the lower priced accessories. Most are under $50.
Here's the list with some information and comments about each:
12 volt heated mug - A mug with a plug for getting power from the cigarette lighter socket. It keeps a liquid such as coffee hot for as long as the vehicle is running. Some models have a thermostat to set the temperature.
Example models:
Wagan Tech Heated Travel Mug. At www.autoanything.com/products/product_sp.aspx?p_id=1552,about $30.
NexxTech™ Travel Mug with Thermal Control At www.circuitcity.com/ssm/NexxTech-Travel-Mug-631-8375-/sem/rpsm/oid/100379/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do, about $20.
Power Up Thermal Mug. At www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F010%5F004%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=270%2D4133, about $20.
Cooler/warmer - These give the choice of keeping food or beverage hot or cold. Some are sized to hold a can of soda or a mug of coffee, larger units might hold a six pack or more.
Example models:
Wagan Car Cooler/Warmer. At www.autoanything.com/products/product_sp.aspx?p_id=1300 about $75
Koolatron 8 quart Food Cooler/Warmer. At www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10101/s-10101/p-100000200861/mediaCode-ZX/appId-100000200861/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000200861, about $80
Vector 6-can Portable Food Cooler & Warmer Chest. At www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10101/s-10101/p-100000154620/mediaCode-ZX/appId-100000154620/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000154620">ZX076971R, about $50
Cell phone charger - Plugs into the cigarette lighter socket to power or charge your cell phone.
Example models:
Custom Accessories Deluxe Power Cord Charger - Motorola. At www.carlovershop.com/karparts/itempg.icl?secid=2&subsecid=25&dirpage=dir2&curitempos=6&numitems=13&itmid=197&eflag=0, about $20.
Custom Accessories Power Cord Charger - Motorola. At www.carlovershop.com/karparts/itempg.icl?secid=2&subsecid=25&dirpage=dir2&curitempos=12&numitems=13&itmid=200&eflag=0, about $10.
Radio Shack 273-1288 Car Power Adapter for Hitachi SH-P300 Wireless Phone. At www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F008%5F001%5F014%5F028&product%5Fid=273%2D1288, about $30.
Quick Cell 3900 Car Charger Nokia. At http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3072&mfrcode=QUI&mfrpartnumber=3900, about $15
12 volt coolers - These range in size to hold 2 soda cans up to full size refrigerators for recreational vehicles.
Example models:
VDP Road Chill 2-pack Cooler. At www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10101/s-10101/p-100000299067/mediaCode-ZX/appId-100000299067/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000299067, about $30.
Multipurpose lights - Can be incandescent, flourescent or led. They might plug into the cigarette lighter socket, might be wired directly into the car's power circuits, or be battery operated and portable. If used while the vehicle is not running, a consideration may be that led models will drain the battery the least (but in general produce less light).
Example models:
Bonatrade International 6-Watt Single Tube 12V Fluorescent Light. At www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10101/s-10101/p-100000218648/mediaCode-ZX/appId-100000218648/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000218648">www.jcwhitney.com, about $15.
Custom Accessories 10716 Power Lite: Magnet Mount. Plugs into cigarette lighter jack. At www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1292120&cp=1312328.1258923&parentPage=family, about $10.
Custom Accessories 76665 Utility Light 12v sold at www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1381736&cp=1312328.1258923&parentPage=family, about $3.
Voltec Industries 0800255 Trouble Light: 12 Volt. At http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3158&mfrcode=VTI&mfrpartnumber=0800255 (www.advanceautoparts.com), about $4.
Alert HC20 Halogen Worklight 12v. At http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3158&mfrcode=ALE&mfrpartnumber=HC20 (www.advanceautoparts.com), about $20.
Compass - Some are magnetic, mechanical; some are battery powered with digital displays, can be lighted to read at night, and/or have additional features such as time, date, and/or temperature.
example models:
Wayfinder V100 Digital Compass. At http://store.yahoo.com/rodi/v100.html, about $24.
NexxTech™ Digital Compass with Calendar, Clock and Temperature. At www.circuitcity.com/ssm/NexxTech-Digital-Compass-with-Calendar-Clock-and-Temperature-631-1000-/sem/rpsm/oid/100535/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do, about $30.
Radio Shack 63-1221 Digital Vehicle Compass. At http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F010%5F004%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=63%2D1221, about $20.
Custom Accessories 18100. At http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3037&mfrcode=CSM&mfrpartnumber=18100 (www.advanceautoparts.com), about $10.
Custom Accessories 55558. At http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3037&mfrcode=CSM&mfrpartnumber=55558 (www.advanceautoparts.com), about $5.
Type S Compass. At http://store.yahoo.com/rodi/compass.html (www.autobarn.com), about $5.
Flashlight - Dozens of types available including windups that don't require batteries, solar rechargeables, flourescent tube (bulbs last much longer), and led models that will run many hours on one set of batteries.
example models:
Energizer Folding LED Compact Mini Lantern Model # LED4AA1BP. At www.coolflashlights.com/LED-Lights_a.html, about $15.
Dorcy Waterproof LED 4AA Flashlight. At www.coolflashlights.com/LED-Lights_b.html, about $15.
Dorcy Mini LED Zoom Spot or Area Hanging Lantern. At www.coolflashlights.com/LED-Lights_c.html, for about $15.
Himount Windup LED Flashlight. At www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2010116/showCustom-0/p-2010116/N-111+10201+600002964/c-10101, about $20.
4 point safety harness - Has four anchor points with a restraint for each shoulder. These are more likely to get you through a crash with less injury than if you had been using a standard belt (across one shoulder and across the lap). Many of these models are made to attach to a roll bar, so make sure the one you are getting is appropriate for your vehicle.
example models:
Peak Racing Equipment PEK-507-2. At http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006HPOIA, about $75.
Peak Racing Equipment PEK-507-2. At http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=search.asp&type=bysummitpart&searchtype=both&part=pek-507-1, about $70.
Power inverter - Plugs into the cigarette lighter sockect, clips to battery, or wire it in. The vehicle's 12 volts dc is changed to 120 volts ac to power things like laptop computers, coffee makers, cell phones, camcorder battery chargers and other small appliances. Don't go bigger than 400 watts unless you want to go directly to the battery with heavy wire. Even then, high power devices will drain your battery quickly and could fry the alternator if the engine is running.
example models:
Coleman Powermate CMN-PMP400 400 watt. At http:// store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=cmn%2dpmp400, about $60.
Motor Trend power inverter HDL-MTI-12-3716. At http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HDL%2DMTI%2D12%2D3716, about $60.
Xantrex X Power Mobile Plug 75. At http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/ln_menu/product.asp/mode/1/product_id/116429/letter/X/N/4294873001/catalog_name/FISCO, about $30.
Go Power GP 175 Modified Sine Wave Inverter. At store.hamiltonmarine.com/browse.cfm/4,25448.html, about $30.
Other accessories that can be used to enhance your car include seat covers, floor mats, steering wheel covers, sun shades, head rest covers, litter bags, can and cup holders, inside/outside thermometer, gps/map device, extra loud or novelty sound horns.
Items to keep in your car for repair, emergency, safety, miscellaneous- Jack, lug wrench, trouble light, flares, jumper cables, maps, cell phone and phone numbers, coolant for radiator, drinking water, long storage food, empty container for gasoline, various hand tools, gloves, coat, hat, blanket, rain poncho, and a first aid kit.
About the author:
This article can be published in print or electronically, free of charge as long as it is complete, unaltered and contains the following author info and links (text only or active):
Alan Detwiler is the author of several books on leisure activities. The books are available at Amazon.com
Winter driving can be hazardous and stressful. Wind, snow,
ice and blizzard conditions increase the normal dangers of driving. There
is a lot you can do before the winter driving season and during a storm to
protect yourself and your family.
Before winter arrives, have your car inspected to be sure
it is ready for the road conditions. You can do this yourself or take it
to a qualified mechanic. Check the battery, wipers and fluid, thermostat,
brakes, ignition system, antifreeze, exhaust system, lights, oil level,
heater and defrosters. Make sure everything is in good working order to
keep you safe throughout the cold weather.
Check your tires to be sure they are road ready. Install
tires that are appropriate for the driving conditions. In moderate amounts
of snow, all weather radials will do the job nicely. If you live in a
climate where you experience a lot of snow, consider snow tires. These
have better tread to deal with snow and ice.
Prepare an emergency kit to keep in the back of your car.
This will ensure that you are prepared in the event that you get stuck in
the snow. Things to include in the kit:
Ice scraper
Small broom
Small shovel
Kitty litter or a bag of sand (to give traction if you get stuck in snow
or ice)
Blankets or a sleeping bag
Flashlight with batteries
Flares or warning triangles
Plastic bags
First aid kit
Tool kit
Jumper cables
Bright cloth to use as a flag
Help sign for back window
Extra hat and gloves
Food and water to sustain you if you get stuck
A book, Bible or Prayer Cards to keep you busy and calm in the event you
get stuck.
Charged cell phone (always carry this, especially in the winter)
Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. This
adds weight to the car and will ensure that you won’t run out of gas in
the event you get stuck.
Driving in the Snow
Pay attention to the weather forecasts and road conditions
in the winter months. If the weather is bad, stay home if at all possible.
If you must venture out, travel in the daylight. You are more likely to
find help if you get stuck during the day. Never warm up your vehicle in
the garage. This releases carbon monoxide, which is toxic and can kill
you.
When driving, always wear your seatbelt. Wear sunglasses
to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun reflecting off the snow.
Know your car and how it handles in the snow. Features like traction
control and antilock brakes can be useful in bad weather conditions. Know
how these work and if your car is new, practice driving it in a snow
covered parking lot before venturing out on the road.
Take it slow, especially in icy conditions. Don’t tailgate
and be sure to allow a safe distance between vehicles. Do everything
slowly, stopping, accelerating and turning. Leave plenty of time and space
to maneuver. Sliding and skidding usually happen when turning, stopping or
accelerating. Going extra slow will ensure your safety.
If the visibility is low, slow down even more. Consider
getting off highways and driving even slower. This will take you out of
the path of large trucks that can cause accidents. Use only your low
beams, as your high beams will reflect back off the snow and won’t
increase your visibility. Turn on your hazard lights to be sure other
drivers see you.
In the event your car gets stuck, don’t get out. Put up
the hood and tie your cloth to the antennae. This will make you more
visible to emergency vehicles and other drivers. Keep the windows, air
grill and tail pipe clear of snow. Wrap up in blankets and huddle up with
passengers to stay warm. Run the heat for fifteen minutes each hour to
keep from freezing. Move your body around to stay warm.
Keeping your car clean throughout the winter is important.
Salt on the roads is important for safety, but will wreak havoc on the
finish. If left on for long periods, it can cause rusting. Wash your
vehicle weekly to remove salt and wax to protect the paint. Salt also
leaves a coating on your headlights that can impair their operation. This
will make you less visible to other vehicles. New Lite Headlight Cleaner
and Restorer will return the lights to like new condition.
About The Author
David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience
in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell
University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private,
and governmental interests. He holds numerous patents including his
recently awarded patent for headlight cleaner and restorer. He can be
reached at M.D. Wholesale:
http://www.mdwholesale.com.
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