Appearance Economy Mechanical Safety

An Automotive Gift for Mother's Day? You Bet!

With Valentines Day behind us it's not too soon to begin thinking about Mother's Day. One place to look for useful ideas is from the driver's seat of the car, especially if Mom spends a lot of time behind the wheel.

Her vehicle is her home away from home and gifts that enhance her enjoyment of that second home are likely to be appreciated, suggests Rich White, spokesperson for the Car Care Council. "We tend to gravitate toward gifts like jewelry, a framed photo or flowers," he says. "But why not break from the traditional and dress up her car? Maybe she's always wanted a sun roof or has admired someone's wood grained dash trim. Her wish could come true, with the help of your local auto specialty shop."

White suggests that, beyond the obvious gifts such as a car phone or floor mats, Mom might appreciate having her damaged steering wheel replaced with one that's stylish, possibly leather covered. Her sun-damaged and faded padded dash could be repaired, replaced or recovered to upgrade the interior.

"Security devices such as a remote keyless entry or alarm systems are popular add-ons," says White, "as are custom wheels or wheel covers. Women usually are interested in safety and appearance accessories, as opposed to those which are performance related. Gifts can be inexpensive, too. Those net shopping bags, for example, that hook on back of the driver's seat, are great gift items."

Right on the heels of Mother's Day, of course, is Father's Day, with additional categories of gifts to consider: special tools, a bug deflector, running boards or stereo equipment, to mention a few. "Gifts for the car generally are well received and", adds White, "the variety of innovative products never stops growing."

For more ideas and prices visit your auto supply store or specialty shop listed in the classified phone directory.