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Shopping for a car enthusiast is complicated. Buying auto parts requires knowing the year, make and model of the car. Probably more than that, and we didn’t even get to know the host’s tastes. But you can buy them something that’s not just for their car, but something that’s for cars in general. Car electronics are a great choice. Something like a video recorder or radar detector fairly universal for all car brands.
In this gift guide, I’ve rounded up a few things I’d love to get as gifts this holiday season, if I don’t already have some. Sorry Febbo family members, it’s not easy for you to get out. I have selected gift ideas in different price ranges. There is an OBD II scanner that costs under $100. There is a video recorder and jump starter just over a hundred bucks. Then we have other gifts placed further and above.
So, this holiday season, put something on your car enthusiast’s list that they’ll love. It might even be something they would never buy for themselves, but always wanted. They will think of you every time they ride.
The best gifts in car electronics
For the man with everything: Night vision car camera NV300 Max
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I tested this thermal camera a while ago and for the full details you need to go back and read the entire review. But to sum it up, I named this Batman DVR. It’s similar to the thermal cameras you’ve seen in six-figure luxury cars, but surprisingly better. It not only allows you to see in the dark, but also highlights and identifies objects. It’s awkward to install and will require some training when using it while driving, but it at least does as much as it promises. This is a Kickstarter product, so it’s expected to ship in January, but it’s one of those things that I can almost guarantee the person you’re buying for doesn’t have – unless you’re buying Batman.
The best video recorder: Cobra SC 250R 4K Dual Front/Rear Dash Cam
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A 4K driving companion with perfect photographic memory and eyes on the back of your head. This is one of the new models of Cobra DVRs, which offers twice the resolution of previous models, making it one of the best gifts in car electronics. The SC 250R offers a 3-inch color screen, front and rear cameras with the option to add an internal camera, and can use microSD memory cards up to 32GB. It also has built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, GPS, G-sensors and can connect via Bluetooth. The installation will be a little more complicated than just the front camera. But everything you need to do it is in the box.
A discrete alternative: Universal DVR Cobra SC 120 QHD
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After testing several dash cams this year, I personally prefer small and simple units that will disappear behind my rear view mirror. That’s about as far as you get. But it still offers 1440P resolution, multiple recording modes, and cloud video storage. It connects to the Drive Smarter App, which will also alert you to speed cameras and road conditions. It installs in minutes and is easy to set up even for people who have never owned a DVR before.
Protection from ourselves: Accompanied by a Redline 360c radar detector system
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This is not only the best Escort radar detector, but also the best selling model. Redline 360c is invisible to radar detectors. Yes, it’s a thing. It defines: X, K, Ka, Ka Wide and Laser. It even connects to an app that will communicate with other users to identify speed cameras and cameras. This model also has a color display, voice signals and arrows to show you where the radar is coming from. It’s only expensive until it saves a person from a ticket.
Addressing their issues: Gearwrench Daily Diagnostic Tool Bluetooth OBDII Tester
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All vehicles sold in the United States, 1996 and newer, use the OBD-II system. This means that you can plug such a device into the OBD-II port and it will scan the car for errors. You will usually do this every time your Check Engine Light (CEL) comes on. Not only will this tell you what the kid is doing wrong, but it will also allow you to reset the CEL if you think the problem is an anomaly or you will fix it. It might not be the typical car electronics you’d normally think of, but it’s worth having nonetheless.
I generally don’t recommend app-based key type scanners. This is simply because once the company stops supporting the app, you will no longer have a functioning tool. But since it’s from Gearwrench, a reputable tool company, I’m sure it will have support for years to come. It’s an easy-to-use product that any car owner with a 1996 or newer vehicle will need and even includes free software updates.
Slim Subwoofer: Pioneer TS-WX140DA 170 Watt Compact Active Subwoofer with Wired Bass Control
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Most car audio systems lack low end. And it even reduces the performance of mid-range drivers. If your giftee is like me and doesn’t want to sacrifice trunk space for a subwoofer, an underseat unit like this Pioneer is the perfect solution. This subwoofer is self-powered with a 170W amplifier and is about the size of a stack of paper. It comes with a wired remote for easy on-the-go setup and offers a significant improvement in sound quality for the price and the right location.
Break for their poor phone: Garmin DriveSmart 76, a 7-inch car GPS navigator
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If the person you’re shopping for doesn’t like using a tiny phone screen to navigate and doesn’t have CarPlay, then an autonomous system is the best solution. Garmin is the industry standard when it comes to navigation. This 7-inch system has a crisp, bright, high-resolution screen, an easy-to-use interface, and best of all, the maps are stored in memory. It continues to work even if you don’t have a cellular connection. It still supports Bluetooth for your smartphone. So it will allow you to make hands-free calls, traffic, fuel prices and even weather information. DriveSmart installs in seconds and is easily removed for safety.
Best Jump Starter: Schumacher Electric Jump Starter, Portable Power Supply, 1250A
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There are many quick launch devices on the market. I recently learned that some of the specifications of all of them can be reported independently, which reinforces my belief in the importance of buying from a known and reputable brand. Schumacher has been around for over 70 years; I think it has earned some credibility. This jump starter not only provides 1250 amps to start your car, but it also doubles as a power bank. It will support charging your devices via USB. Every car should have a starter and a tire pump in the trunk. This is one of the best options, whether for yourself or as a gift.
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