Christmas Gift Ideas

               Christmas often has us scrambling to find gifts for those hard to buy for people on our lists. With the days flying by and Christmas just around the corner it can become stressful to know what to buy. Why not consider getting vehicle accessories for those hard to buy for people. Often these are extra things that people don’t usually buy for themselves but are very thoughtful.

                There are a wide range of gift ideas to choose from; from necessities to comfort items. There are also all different price points to suite any budget.  Our cars are often a place where we spend a lot of our time, why not personalize it and make it comfortable. Here is a list of ideas to get you started:

Necessities	Comfort Items	Inexpensive	Higher Priced
Gas Cards	Travel Mugs	Key Chains	Travel Cooler/Warmer
Snow Scraper	Seat Covers	Air Fresheners	Stereo
Roadside Kit	Licence Plate Cover	Bumper Stickers	Bluetooth Ear Piece
Foldable Shovel	Cell Phone accessories	Visor Glasses Clip	Car Starter
Cleaning Supplies	Floor Mats	Sun Shades	Auto Tools
Tire Gauge	Wheel Covers	Blind Spot Mirror	G.P.S.
Fuzzy Dice	Car Organizers	Car Wash G.C.	Portable DVD Player
Anti Theft device	Sun Shade	Car Charger	Winter Tires
Booster Cables	Interior Heater	Funnel	Pressure Washer

 

 These are just a few ideas of the options available for gifts. Depending on the person you are buying for you can customize your gift to them. For example, if they like a hockey team you can get accessories with their team logo. They have theme items for just about everything now. Think about the type of lifestyle the person has, that can impact the type of gift you give. A business person would probably get a lot of use out of cell phone accessories, where a person with kids could maybe use a personal DVD player. Also, look at how they use their vehicle; where do they do most of their driving, highway, city, back roads? These things can influence the gifts you choose.

Whatever you decide you are sure to have a happy gift recipient. People put a lot of pride in their vehicles; they invest a lot into them. Whether it’s a large gift or a stocking stuffer, you can relax knowing your gift will be not only a personal one but a useful one as well. Now it’s time to kick back and enjoy the Eggnog.

-Muriel Rolufs
 

Saftey On Winter Roads

              More people head out onto the roads at this time of year. The Hustle and Bustle of the season has people driving more to do their shopping, visiting, and holiday travelling. Being out on the roads in the winter means the potential for unexpected situations to arise. It’s a good idea to have a few things on hand just in case.
             In order to know what you should have stocked in your vehicle, you have to know your destination. If you are cruising around town to run errands or pop by friends houses for Christmas socializing, than you will need to prepare differently than someone headed out to the cabin for an old fashioned Christmas experience. Also, keep in mind if you are headed out of town -  Are you going to be doing mostly highway driving or will there be a few back roads in your travels?
            The modern age has ensured most of us are equipped with a cell phone; this is a very useful tool to have when travelling. Of course access to a phone is important to call for help, but they can also offer more. Smart phones nowadays are also equipped with all kinds of apps to assist with emergencies. Plus, most phones have built in cameras which are handy in an accident. Before heading out, download some apps to help, for example, a G.P.S. navigation system and a flashlight. If you don’t have a smart phone with these features then it is important to obtain them, especially if you are headed out of town.  Remember a cell phone can only be helpful if the battery is charged.
            Roadside Emergency Kits are available for sale or you can create your own.  It’s a good idea to keep a kit stocked in your vehicle throughout the winter driving months. There is a great blog done by Consumer Reports that lists important items to bring. You can visit their blog at:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/03/roadside-emergency-kit-what-to-carry-with-you/index.htm

                There are a variety of situations that could come up; these items may come in handy. As mentioned in the Consumer Report's Blog: "You want to be able to get help, signal your car’s presence, and tackle simple challenges."  Having these will also keep you comfortable while you are waiting for help to arrive. Keep these items in the interior of your car; you may not be able to get access to your trunk if you have gone off the road.

                It is also important to know your vehicle. Do you have a spare tire? If so, where is it located and how do you get access to it if needed? If there is a spare check to make sure the proper tools for a tire change are on board with you, some vehicles have hidden compartments that store these items. I had no idea that I had a compartment with a jack that also doubled as a tire iron until my brother showed me. It’s a good idea to ask someone who is knowledgeable about vehicles for help. You can also contact your dealership for help to locate these items.           

               Remember to dress for the weather. Even if you are only going a few blocks it is important for you to have the appropriate outerwear for the conditions. Ladies, I know it can be a pain to wear boots with your party dress but it’s better than standing in a snow bank in heels. Even if you don’t wear those boots, make sure they are in the vehicle with you, just in case. Having extra winter clothes on hand is a good idea: toques, mittens, scarves, etc.

              If there is a possibility that you could be stuck somewhere waiting for help to arrive you will want to be prepared. Bring along some snacks and water to set aside just in case. It’s also a good idea to have some cash in case you are in a rural area, sometimes Credit Cards and Debit just aren’t an option.

              You never know what will be thrown your way when you are out on winter roads. There are a number of things that can take you by surprise, be ready. It may seem pointless to carry extra things around with you, but if you stock your vehicle ahead of time and have things ready you won’t regret it. These things can make a tough situation better for you and the people you are travelling with.  Remember to think about your destination and pack accordingly and always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. The more prepared you are the better you will feel about going out and enjoying the Holidays.

-Muriel Rolufs