Father's Day is coming up fast. We know that finding that something special for Dad can be a challenge, but if he's into cars, we have some suggestions.
Here are a few ideas ranging in cost from a couple of dollars to several hundred.
Cleaning supplies ($1 - ?)
Here’s a gift idea for Dad to fit any budget – and it shows you spent some time and effort picking it out. Buy a bucket he can use specifically for cleaning the car and any number of items to put in it, from a can of Invisible Glass – simply the best glass cleaner on the market in my opinion, to a nozzle for the hose. As you can see from the photo there are a number of items you can add to the package. And it will get a lot more use than a tie
Battery Bug ($44.95)
The battery in your car is your best friend or your worst enemy. This little gadget from Argus Analyzers does what those expensive pieces of test equipment do, but for a lot less money. The Battery Bug provides accurate, real time battery performance information like the state of charge and, depending on which model you choose, cranking amps or reserve time. If the battery is low, Battery Bug sounds an alarm. (http://www.argusanalyzers.com)
CAA gift membership ($75)
There are so many advantages to a CAA membership you can give one as a gift to practically anyone with a driving license. This gift gives year-round and will be truly appreciated when it counts the most – in case of breakdown, flat tire or if locked out of the car. One call and help is on the way.
While roadside assistance is the main reason you may give this gift, CAA membership also allows the member to find an approved repair location and access a wealth of travel planning, insurance and other services, including discounts on everything from shoes to theme park tickets at more than 300 merchants in Canada and the U.S. (http://www.caa.ca)
Stanley Black chrome wrench set ($299)
Two things stand out about this 149-piece tool set – they are top quality and packaged so you can identify and grab the right one immediately instead of scrabbling around in a tool box or drawer. Laser-etched sockets have easy-to-read markings and use what Stanley calls "MaxDrive" technology, which means they have a better grip and can handle more of dad’s power. Wrenches have longer handles and thick shanks and the ratchets use a 60-tooth gear system and have a low-profile making them useful in tight quarters. They're available at Canadian Tire.
Pioneer AVIC-X040BT Navigation Receiver ($999)
Feeling flush? Llooking to give a little back to the guy who has bank-rolled you all these years? The folks at Pioneer and Future Shop are working together to sell and install some pretty amazing navigation and/or audio systems. The latest from Pioneer covers both those bases. This unit has a full map database that North America and includes more than 12-million points of interest.
It has wireless connectivity so you and Dad can connect your phones for hands-free calling and music streaming. It also comes with an App mode for iPhone 4/4S and iPod touch so you can control a variety of apps including calendar, contacts right from the big 15.5-cm screen which also displays song, artist, time and album details. You can control and charge your iPhone or iPod. Available at Future Shop.