What do you get for the person who not only enjoys spending hours lovingly buffing car paint, but also has a highly specific routine and set of formulas for doing so? Car care enthusiasts can be a tricky bunch to buy gifts for – and for good reason. The bond they share with their vehicles runs deep and as a result, you can't just pick up ‘any old gift’ and expect to hit the mark.
That doesn’t mean a practical or budget-friendly gift won’t go far with a car care enthusiast. It simply means that thoughtless, generic presents won’t do. These folks have a keen eye for quality and, often, very specific needs (or preferences) for their ride. So, when it comes to gifting, you really need to tap into that passion.
Not sure where to start? Check out this carefully-curated list of 7 car care gifts. Assembled by the experts at Parts Via – who know what it is to cater to picky enthusiasts because they are picky enthusiasts – we feel confident you’ll find something that not only fits the bill, but also adds a little extra shine to your loved one’s automotive world.
Microfiber Towels: Let’s start small – quite literally. The “micro” in microfiber refers to the extremely tiny, almost microscopic synthetic threads that are used to construct the fibers in microfiber towels. Why would that matter to a car care enthusiast? Because those ultra-fine fibers are much less likely to scratch or damage the delicate paintwork on their prized ride.
It may seem strange, but the standard cotton rags used around the house are actually quite abrasive -- not to mention little lint-monsters. By comparison, microfiber towels are incredibly gentle, produce little-to-no lint, and have the ability to hold several times their weight in water. This makes them ideal for drying a vehicle without leaving streaks or water spots. It also means they’re better at trapping and removing dirt, dust, debris – even wax.
And while microfiber towels generally last a long time, we’re of the mind that you can never really have too many on hand (especially since they’re just as useful around the garage as they are on a vehicle). Check out tried-and-true brands right here on Parts Via, like Meguiar’s, Mothers, Griot’s Garage, and 303 Products for quality options. Some manufacturers also offer microfiber mitts which are great for expediting the cleaning process.
Detailing Brushes: If you have a detail-oriented car care enthusiast on your shopping list, then why not reward them for that character trait with some specialized tools? Designed for accessing and cleaning all the intricate nooks and crannies in a vehicle, detailing brushes make a great practical gift that also shows interest in your loved one’s obsession – er, we mean hobby.
As versatile tools, detailing brushes can be used for more than just dislodging flecks of dirt from a dashboard crevice. They’re also great for agitating cleaners and lifting stains from delicate upholstery, carpets, and floor mats.
When shopping, look for a set that includes a variety of shapes and sizes, so your gift recipient has a nice selection to choose from. Additionally, opt for brushes with soft, high-quality bristles and comfortable, well-constructed handles that won’t fall apart after a few uses.
Foam Cannon: In addition to being useful, these accessories are just plain fun to operate. Foam cannons attach to a pressure washer, and then combine water and soap to create a thick, rich foam that is sprayed over a vehicle's surface. The foam serves as a pre-wash, loosening and capturing dirt and grime faster than hand-washing, while the cannon ensures a more even and consistent coverage of soap.
Griot’s Garage, 303, and Armor All are just some of the quality brands that offer foam cannons. Look for one that offers adjustable nozzles so your car care enthusiast can easily switch between spray angles for better coverage. Stainless steel fittings are a nice touch too, as they stand up better to long-term use and corrosion.
Electric Detailing Tools: We won’t deny that there’s a special satisfaction in cleaning, waxing, and buffing a vehicle by hand. We also won’t deny that our joints just don’t cooperate like they used to. If the car care enthusiast on your gift list groans when crouching down, leaning over, or just rising up out of the recliner, then some electric auto detailing tools might be appreciated.
Unfamiliar with these products? Simply put, they’re power-operated cleaning tools that use rotating mechanisms to speed up the process of applying and spreading car care products. If that sounds like something your giftee would enjoy, then you’ll need to determine what type of tool they’d most like – polisher, buffer, orbital polisher, etc. There are also corded and cordless options, full-size and mini, budget-friendly and budget-busting. Needless to say, this might be one of those presents where you loop in your loved one and have them pick out the best option for their needs.
Car Deodorizers: The gift that benefits the whole family, eh? Look, we’re not saying that presenting a loved one with a heavy-duty, whole car air freshener won’t lead to some awkward conversations about how bad their vehicle smells, but it will certainly ensure you a more enjoyable shotgun-riding experience.
You can browse a wide selection of options right here on Parts Via, from aerosol solutions, to all-natural essential oil sprays, to jumbo value packs of hanging Little Trees (which would, admittedly, make a pretty entertaining stocking stuffer).
Windshield Cover: Just like your skin can burn and wrinkle after too many hours in the sun, interior cabin materials will start to break down from excessive UV ray exposure. Leather, plastic, and cloth upholstery lose their new-car luster, fading and even cracking over time. A windshield cover (sometimes called a sunshade) neatly solves this issue by sitting on the inside of the vehicle's windshield to protect against sun damage and heat buildup. These covers also serve a few other helpful purposes, including insulating the glass during winter to prevent snow and ice accumulation, and providing a little extra security from thieves by obscuring the view into the vehicle.
Look for one that offers a snug and secure fit to your car care enthusiast’s specific make and model. WeatherTech, Covercraft, and Coverking are all great suppliers to begin your search with.
Fresh Floormats: As the saying goes: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Quality floormats do more than just class up a vehicle’s interior; they also protect against weather-related damage. That means, your beloved enthusiast won’t need to take drastic car-care measures to deal with sopping, stained upholstered floormats – or worse, rusted out floor pans.
Parts Via offers a wide selection of custom-fit floor mats from brands like Husky Liners, WeatherTech, and 3D Mats. These laser-printed accessories guarantee a perfect fit, install in minutes, and can be cleaned off with minimal effort. And if you’re shopping for a sports nut who likes to rep their favorite team at all times, check out Fan Mats lineup of officially-licensed merch.