10 Affordable Gift Ideas for New Car Owners

Did someone on your holiday shopping list recently get a new ride? If so, these 10 automotive essentials will help them care for their car and stay safe on the road without breaking your gift budget.

Tire pressure gauge

Properly inflated tires last longer and improve fuel efficiency, both of which help save drivers money. You'll find loads of tire care products on the market, but there's no consensus on the best tire pressure gauge available. To select one, consider factors like size, analog vs. digital technology, and usability features.

Manufacturers make tire pressure gauges in a range of sizes. Smaller ones are easier to stash, and make more sense for vehicles with less storage space. Larger ones usually have wider dials with more granular graduations, making it easier to take precise readings.

Digital tire pressure gauges make it easy to take error-free readings — after all, parallax is a thing. On the flip side, analog models never fail when you need them because the battery ran out of juice.

Analog models don't offer much in the way of bells and whistles, but some digital tire pressure gauges have useful advanced features. For instance, smart gauges use Bluetooth technology to connect to your smartphone. You can then use an app to monitor your tire pressure remotely and in real time, making it easy to detect a problem as soon as it happens.

Portable air pump

A portable air pump is super handy, especially if you've got a slow leak. Your tire will still need to be repaired or replaced, but a portable pump or handheld tire inflator could mean the difference between making it home or ending up stranded on the side of the road.

The best portable tire inflators offer features like:

• Robust design and sturdy materials
• Hoses and attachments for connecting to various valve stems
• Cordless construction and long battery life

Some tire inflators for cars also support multiple power sources including rechargeable batteries, AC outlets, and vehicle cords that connect to the engine's battery. These are essentially fail-proof and make a great gift for drivers whose travels often take them to remote areas.

Tire repair aerosol

This innovative product helps you repair minor tire problems without jacks, tools, or roadside assistance. It's also easy to use — just position your tire with the puncture at the bottom, shake up the can, connect the aerosol nozzle to your tire's valve stem, and push down on the spray button.

Side note: it's wise to review how to change a flat tire so you'll know what to do if your tire is damaged beyond this kind of quick-fix repair. 

Replacement wiper blades

Most drivers don't change their wiper blades nearly often enough. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), drivers should get new blades every six months or 6,000 miles. However, AAA studies have shown that most people wait about three years between wiper blade replacement.

Old, worn-down blades don't clear rain and snow from your windshield as effectively as new blades. They also tend to leave streaks behind. Both of these factors impede visibility, which increases accident risk.

PEAK offers plenty of durable, high-performing wiper blades, including Snow Beast and Max Vision blades that are both ideal for winter driving. Also, many drivers forget about their rear wiper. Don't be one of them.

While it may seem intimidating for new car owners, installing wipers is simple. You can point your gift recipient to this guide on doing a DIY wiper blade replacement and to our resource on extending the life of your wiper blades.

Essential automotive fluids

It’s always a good idea to help the driver on your gift list stay stocked up on essential car fluids. Start with a jug or two of windshield wash — this De-Icer with Anti-Frost is perfect for cold weather.

Antifreeze coolant is another essential that makes a great gift for a new car owner. An advanced formula like PEAK Titanium delivers premium performance, while ECOSHIELD coolant offers a friendlier sustainability profile. 

It's also easier than you think to do a DIY flush and fill, so this is a great skill for new car owners to learn.

Car emergency kit

A fully stocked car emergency kit can literally save your life. However, many motorists don't have one.

You can get pre-packed kits with all the essentials, or buy car emergency kit supplies individually. It's up to you, but the latter option gives you more control over both the cost and contents.

Make sure your kit contains:

• First aid supplies
• Drinking water and non-perishable food
• Emergency blankets
• Reflective vest
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Collapsible shovel
• Ice scraper
• Sand or kitty litter

For further details, consult our ultimate road trip checklist. It has a convenient list of all the supplies your kit should include.

Fire extinguisher

Some vehicle manufacturers include a fire extinguisher in all their new cars, but others don't and this lifesaver is something you should never go without. Automobiles can overheat with little warning, and you definitely don't want to be defenseless in the event of a fire.

Size can be an issue, so consider the extinguisher's capacity. It's measured in weight, with the smallest units coming in at about 1 pound and the largest extinguishers for automobiles containing about 5 pounds of capacity.

Smaller units are easier to store, but larger units have more firefighting capacity. Find a happy medium that works with your vehicle's size and storage space.

Jumper cables

While vehicle battery technologies continue to improve, jumper cables are far from obsolete. In fact, they're still an essential element of any well-stocked car emergency kit.

As you shop, consider three key elements:

• Size: For smaller passenger vehicles, 4-gauge or 6-gauge cables are fine. If you've got a full-size vehicle, truck, or van, 1-gauge or 2-gauge cables are a better idea since they have thicker wiring and can handle higher amperage levels.
   
• Length: Longer cables have more situational versatility, but they also take more space. If your vehicle has limited storage capacity, shorter cables will be more practical.
   
• Quality: Look for cables with secure, durable clamps and an ergonomic design that makes them easy to squeeze. These features can make a big difference, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Portable jump starter

These handy products represent an upgrade over jumper cables. You can use them to jump-start your vehicle if you're having battery problems, but you don't need another vehicle or motorist to help you.

Compared to jumper cables, you'll pay a premium for a portable jump starter but many drivers swear they're worth the extra money. Key shopping considerations include:

• Size: Portable jump starters come in various sizes. Look for a product that easily fits in the space you have to accommodate it.
   
• Power: Manufacturers measure jump-starting power in peak amps (PA) or cold-cranking amps (CCA). Higher numbers indicate more power. The larger your vehicle, the more power you'll need. For full-size trucks and larger SUVs, look for something in the range of 450 CCA.
   
• Climate: If you live in a cooler climate, look for a heavy-duty model specifically designed to operate properly in cold weather.

Navigation device

Aftermarket navigation devices are becoming increasingly rare as car manufacturers build GPS units into their vehicles and many drivers rely on smartphone apps to find their way. 

Even so, a navigation unit can still be a good buy, especially if the car owner on your shopping list has an older pre-owned vehicle that lacks a reliable built-in system. You'll also want to consider this gift option if your recipient frequents remote locations where mobile phone service is spotty.

GPS devices usually cost less than smartphones, even if you opt for a high-end model. Manufacturers have upped their game to stay competitive in a shrinking market, so look for features like:

• Automatic map updates
• Live traffic reporting
• Local search features

You can also get models with built-in dash cams to give the driver on your holiday shopping list a little extra functionality and protection.

More PEAK resources for maintaining your new vehicle

While these gift ideas can help solve a lot of roadside problems, they function best as part of a larger, strategic car care plan. 

To that end, review these important general car care tips and this guide to maintaining your first car. They'll help keep your ride in PEAK condition for years to come, which is the best way to control ownership costs and protect your vehicle's safety and reliability.