There’s a gadget for everyone

Auto motive accessories are not just for gearheads. If you take the time to find them, there’s a product for every person. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

The Tech geek
• Travelling with an iPhone, GPS and laptop? Hard to keep them all charged on the go, but this Smart AC 120 Power Inverter from ThinkGeek.com is the solution. It has one three-prong outlet and one powered USB outlet, and there’s an alarm and low-voltage shutoff to save your car battery’s life. Only $39.99 at www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/car/90f9/

• The best of Garmin’s new GPS systems is the ultra-thin Nüvi 3790T. It does what most other GPS systems do — tell you where to go, listen to voice commands, connect your cell phone with Bluetooth — but it’s best feature is called nüRoute. It essentially learns your daily commute and driving habits, and tailors its routes to avoid traffic jams accordingly and provide a more accurate ETA. From $469.99 at major retailers.

Mom on the go
 • Mom’s have a difficult time driving with distractions that they don’t need another one sticking in their ear. The typical hands-free headset is awkward and difficult to use. Fear not: this Yada Bluetooth Rear View Mirror solves all these problems. It’s inconspicuous, and it includes voice dialling, storage for 600 numbers, and incoming calls are displayed directly in the rear-view mirror. The batteries last for 25 hours of talk time and 650-hours of standby time. Only $149.99 at Canadian Tire.

• The hassle of jumping a dead battery is no more. Witness the Michelin Smart Cables, which unlike traditional cables, can be attached to any pole on either battery, and in any order. The large device in the middle sorts all of those measly details out without Mom getting zapped. They also come in a hard carrying case that’s easy to stow. You can find them at Zellers for $39.99.

Driving enthusiast
• Driving enthusiasts think about their favourite roads all the time. Even at the office. So what better way to learn your workplace’s racing ‘lines’ than with an official office chair from Recaro? The Sport looks like the original-equipment seats that Recaro supplies to manufacturers like Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, Lamborghini and more, but comes attached to castors instead of a car. It’s a little spendy at $1,499, but what price comfort? You can find it – and others – at racechairs.com in dozens of colour and trim combinations.

• There’s nothing worse than those flimsy tire wrappers that most shops throw on your rubber after it’s been swapped off your car. They rip, don’t fit and get dirty very easily. The solution is to get some Kurgo Tire Totes, which are made of hefty polyester, feature rugged handles for carrying, and won’t get your clothes dirty. And you can wash them between seasons too. They fit most tires — anything from 22-inches to 31-inches — and are inexpensive – only $19.99 for two bags. You can by direct from the company at kurgostore.com/products/Seasonal-Tire-Tote.html

Road warrior
• While only some provinces do outlaw talking on a cellphone without a hands-free, it’s a smart idea regardless of legislation to keep your phone down. The Aliph Jawbone is a stylish, simple Bluetooth headset that has seen rave reviews. Prices start at $99. www.Jawbone.com

• Travelling in a rental car – or your own vehicle – for days on end making sales calls means travelling with a suitcase. To avoid having to press clothes every night in a hotel, this car clothes travel bar by Travelon is the solution. It’s extendable and attaches to the rear-seat grab handles, allowing you to keep your suits wrinkle-free. And dividers keep the clothes from sliding across the bar when you turn corners. Only $29.99 at www.TravelOasis.com.

Green lover
• Getting rid of funky smells in your ride usually means using some nasty chemicals to get the stench out. For those wishing for a more conscious option, Fresh Wave Pearls might be the answer. Used by Hertz worldwide to get rid of lingering cigarette and food odours, the Fresh Wave Pearl Packs use purified water and plant oils to get rid of the smells — not just cover them up. Available for $19.99 at major retailers.

• When getting away from it all includes pedal power, making sure your bicycles end up with you in one piece is crucial. The rear-mounted Thule 961XT Speedway 2 Bike carrier provides the best fit of any other carrier, and its T3 cradles hold bikes in place for maximum protection and stability. The cradle arms hold a wide range of bike frames, including children’s rides too. Just $139.99.