Best Gift Ideas for Car Lovers.

Finding the perfect gift for the car lover in your life can be a fun pursuit, but it can also be somewhat of a challenge. Luckily, we have laid out the best gift ideas for car lovers below. Whether it’s a digital media receiver that boasts the multi-functional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto or a handy portable GPS to help reach any destination, there are plenty of tech options for all car enthusiasts. If you’re gift shopping for someone else or just want to treat yourself with the latest that car tech has to offer, here are the best gift ideas for every car lover.

Most people have a preference between Apple products and Androids. Luckily, many modern digital car receivers are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. This means Androids and iPhones can easily sync up to a car’s receiver, letting the driver indulge in all of the perks of each technology.

Apple CarPlay allows iPhone users to integrate their devices with a compatible car’s infotainment system. Once connected, the iPhone’s interface becomes the car’s new display, letting the driver conveniently utilize the smartphone features without the hassle and potential danger of scrolling through a phone.

Android Auto is the Android version of Apple CarPlay. An Android device syncs up to the car’s receiver wirelessly or through a USB port, providing a simplified and safer way to access certain Android features through the receiver’s display screen while driving.

Key Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features include:

• Maps and navigation. Popular navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps can be displayed on the receiver’s screen, which provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and proactive suggestions for destinations.
• Music and audio. Common supported music apps, like Google Play Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora and more, can browse and play songs, playlists, podcasts, audiobooks and digital radio stations.
• Siri and Google Assistant integration. Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, and Google Assistant both perform various hands-free tasks. A driver can use voice commands to control every feature of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Phone and messaging. Make and receive calls, listen to voicemails and send and receive text messages using voice commands or through the touchscreen. While this does help drivers stay concentrated on the road, you should still always put safety first when you’re behind the wheel and only use this function when absolutely necessary.

If you aren’t quite ready to invest in a brand new stereo receiver, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can also easily be installed into existing touch screen car stereo receivers.

Sometimes people aren’t necessarily interested in keeping everything connected and synced up with their vehicle. Yet, every car lover needs to know where to go. This is why portable GPS is an ideal car enthusiast gift for people who enjoy keeping their smart devices and their cars separate.

Some of the many benefits of a car GPS include getting accurate and reliable navigation, promoting increased safety and a better sense of surroundings, and time and fuel efficiency. This is why navigation devices are among the greatest types of gadgets for your car. A portable car GPS will ensure drivers get to their destinations safely without hassling with distracting smartphones or maps.

Designed to capture real-time footage of the road ahead and sometimes the interior of the vehicle, dashboard cameras are a great gift for someone who drives a lot. While constantly recording and saving footage, dash cameras have become increasingly popular among drivers for various reasons, including:

• Security and protection against vandalism. Serving as a deterrent against auto theft or vandalism, dash cameras are able to record suspicious activities occurring around or inside a vehicle.
• Accident evidence. In the unfortunate case of an accident or other incident on the road, dash cams can provide crucial evidence of what really happened. The recorded footage can help determine who was at fault and assist with insurance claims.
• Insurance purposes. Some insurance companies offer discounts or incentives for drivers who have a dash camera installed in their vehicles. ¹
• Capturing memorable moments. Unexpected events, picturesque scenic views and other memorable moments can all occur during a person’s travels. A dash cam is there every mile of the way ready to capture it all because you never know what you will see on the open road.

Advanced dash camera models may offer additional features such as GPS tracking, motion detection, night vision, Wi-Fi connectivity and display screens for live viewing.

If they aren’t enjoying one already, satellite radio can be a great gift for a new car owner or any auto enthusiast. Satellite radio services, like SiriusXM, can enhance the driving experience, provide a wide variety of content and give you access to quality entertainment without the limitations of traditional radio broadcasts. Car satellite radios can also provide:

• No interruptions and very few commercials
• Exclusive content and programming
• Enhanced audio quality
• Continuous service without geographic limitations

Car lovers will appreciate anything that adds more value and convenience to their ride, especially something in the world of car tech. Whether you decide on a new Apple play car stereo receiver or an Android car radio, a swift dash cam or any other of these gift ideas for car lovers, car tech significantly improves the driving experience. Give the gift of car tech to a friend, family member or just treat yourself with these latest practical innovations.

1. Duvall, Mel. “Does Having a Dash Cam Lower Insurance?” Insurance.com. June 10, 2022. https://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/claims/7-reasons-to-use-a-dash-cam.html.