Classic Kia's 2022 Gift Guide for Gearheads: Great Automotive and Car Themed Gifts from Indie Sellers!

Ways To Make Your Vehicle More Accessible We love sharing posts about car gadgets and gizmos that help make transportation and travel a breeze.  Today’s post, however, is sharing car tech from a different perspective, and we think it’s a truly vital one. If you’re a non-disabled person, chances are you may not have thought about how modern day to day activities may not be accessible to folks with disabilities or health concerns.  Today we’re going to shed some light on the subject, and show you how modern vehicles can be adapted for a wide variety of accessibility needs. more If you are a friend, spouse, or caregiver who is looking to provide adaptive driving aids and accessibility modifications to your vehicle, we’ve got a great list of pointers to get you started on that path. Likewise, if you're a disabled person looking for resources on accessible items and mobility aids for transportation and driving, we’ve got you covered as well.  We have done our best to include product suggestions and accessibility companies.  If you have recommendations for an accessible product that you have found useful for your travel needs, we’d love for you to share it in the comments section! Before we dive into that topic, there are a few important reminders we wish to share regarding disability, accessibility and traveling with disabled individuals: Persons of any age, race, ethnicity, or demographic can have a disability, and not all disabilities are visible. Babies, Children, Teens and Adults may have accessibility requirements.  Be mindful. Updated terminology guidelines from disability activists and disability organizations advise that “disabled individual/person” and “person with a disability” are the preferred language for references instead of “differently-abled” or “special needs” or “challenged” etc. Mobility and accessibility aids are actually more common than you think!  Contact Lenses, Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and even speakerphone features are all commonly used mobility aids that assist common disabilities and chronic health issues. Wheelchairs, walkers, and other adaptive devices are more common than you’d realize. When traveling with disabled or chronically ill individuals, please ensure that you call ahead to your venues, destinations, or meeting places to inquire about accommodations and access for mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.)  If a destination is not accessible, it is best to inform your disabled companion and/or their caregiver in advance so that arrangements can be made or you can coordinate together for alternate plans. People who use mobility devices may require additional space or to board transportation first for easy navigation; please give them the same space and respect you would for non-disabled passengers. It is never okay to touch or lean on a person’s wheelchair or mobility aid, or to touch a person’s body in any way without their explicit consent. Physical impairment or illness does not automatically mean someone necessarily has a mental impairment as well; treat people with disabilities with the same respect as you’d speak to non-disabled folks.   Please address disabled people directly, instead of speaking around them to any companions or aides with them. Follow disabled creators, activists, and individuals on social media, and listen to what they have to say.  Learning from first-hand experiences and observing accessibility feedback from the community is an important step in crafting a more inclusive society. Accessible Features to Look for When Purchasing a Vehicle Keyless Entry enables caregivers and disabled passengers easy access to opening the car doors instead of fumbling with keys. Electric Locks, windows, and child-safety door features are all great options;  Electric windows ensure that people can easily control their environment as needed for temperature control.  Electronic locks and child-safety door locks can prevent elderly dementia patients from unexpectedly opening a door on a moving vehicle. Easy-Access to Large Cargo Capacity is helpful for stowing equipment and mobility aids such as foldable wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and medical necessities. Higher Seats allow those with disabilities and mobility aids easier entry and exit when getting into a vehicle instead of excessive bending or twisting of lower seating. Electric Seats allow for more room for passengers in the backseat when entering or exiting the vehicle, and the ability to recline front or back seats for users who need to lie back to swing their legs into the car easily. Heat/AC in the seats can be helpful for those with physical impairments or chronic illness by providing Bluetooth Connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are among the modern hands-free amenities that can be assistive devices for those with hearing impairments, mobility aids, and other needs, as well as providing additional communication methods for all disabled persons. Electronic park assist and cameras are helpful in navigating parking lots and street parking to ensure you leave enough room for mobility aids, ramps, and other equipment.  In addition, it also helps drivers  ensure they have properly secured mobility aids and medical equipment, and prevent backing over any equipment you may have unloaded in the driveway, parking space, or curb prior to parking How To Make a Vehicle More Accessible: Adaptive Driving Equipment Turning Automotive Seats - Mobility aid companies can retrofit your vehicle with a mechanized seat that rotates for the driver or front seat passenger to get in and out of their vehicle safely.  This provides ambulatory wheelchair users an easier option for entering and exiting the vehicle, and provides those with other mobility aids a less stressful option than bending, twisting, or crouching to get into the front seats. Wheelchair and Scooter Carriers  and Wheelchair Securement - These devices function similarly to bicycle carriers, but are designed to withstand the weight and shape of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters.  They will ensure a person’s equipment is safely stowed and secured on the vehicle’s exterior. Car Transfer Aids - Seats like the the Slide ‘n’ Ride are adjustable, compact assistive devices that allow passengers to transfer from walker or wheelchair to car seat more safely. Assist Bars and straps- Items like the Able Life Auto Cane are portable support handles and standing mobility aids to assist with entering/exiting a vehicle. The Stander CarCaddie Adjustable Support Strap i s just one of many options for non-slip grip support for more stability when exiting and entering a vehicle. Swivel Seats - These portable, removable cushions are a great way to provide accessibility for guest passengers who are coming along for special events or outings. The HealthSmart 360 Swivel Seat cushion can help reduce hip, knee, and back strain experienced by getting in and out of seats.  Swiveling seats allow your passenger more mobility and independence to exit the vehicle comfortably. Scooter and Wheelchair Lifts - Companies can customize a special lift to accommodate disabled individuals who need to stay seated in their wheelchair or scooter, or to provide those who have transferred to a seat a safer way to load their equipment into a vehicle. Models such as Conversion Vans and large SUVs work best, but there may be additional options available. Ramps for Vehicles - This can provide wheelchair users with more accessibility and less issues with needing to transfer from wheelchair to their seat.  It is a good option for those who cannot afford a wheelchair or scooter lift, allowing more access without permanent or costly changes.  You will need to verify your vehicle’s weight limits, make/model for size, and the equipment used by the disabled individual, and we recommend consulting with a mobility aid company. We know that when it comes to accessibility, there is no one-size-fits all solution.  When comes to personal travel and daily driver cars, you should be free to select the equipment that best works for each individual need. If you are looking for additional information or resources, you may visit The Mobility Resource for more information on how to acquire Adaptive Driving Equipment or even find assistance to locate an accessible vehicle in your area. And of course we recommend you consult with a doctor, caregiver, or therapist to find the best options for your or your loved ones needs.

If you’re stumped for gift ideas and short on time, let us help make holiday shopping less stressful!  We’ve got great digital gift giving ideas and subscription options for car enthusiasts. We know they’ll love the items on this list, and you will too when you can skip the search for a parking space, the long times waiting in line, and the stress of finding the perfect gift. more EBooks For Car Lovers The Science of Cars The Science of Cars is perfect for the automotive enthusiast who loves to learn.  They’ll be lost in the pages for hours while reading about the science, mechanics, and engineering behind some of the world’s fastest cars! Buy it here. Autonimousity Technology is advancing every single day.  Cars have more automatic features, more guided safety options for autonomous driving.  And eventually, they’ll be entirely driverless.  That is the goal of the industry at least for some engineers! Buy this in depth ebook right here. Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide Specifically tailored to women and femme drivers, this guide will help you navigate a male-dominated industry.  From advice on how to get respectful and honest service at the mechanic, DIY service tips and tricks, roadside emergency advice, and more, this is an indispensable book for the women in your gift giving circle. Buy a copy here. Try an Automotive Themed Subscription Box Give the gift of PetrolBox!  Just print out the picture and let them know when their first box will be arriving.  No stores, no lines, no hassle!  With two price points, Basic and Premium, your favourite car enthusiast could be receiving 2-7 automotive themed items a month right to their doorstep.  Pay monthly or up front for the year. Click here to learn more. Makes a great holiday gift! Deluxe Car Care gifting box from GloveBox is a surefire bet for holiday gift giving!  Sign your favourite gearhead up for a deluxe gift package of the ultimate in car cleaning supplies.  By the time springtime rolls around, they’ll be all set for their weekly car washes to clean off the muck and gunk of winter travel. Deluxe kit available for just $35.99 by clicking here! Perfect as a one-month option or yearly if you’ve got the budget for that someone special. If you’ve got a truck fan in your life, we recommend the Diesel Crate subscription box!  Each month your gearhead will receive a box stuffed to the brim with the latest gear and goodies.  It’s tailored to diesel drivers, so they’ll get exactly what they love every month. Click here to pick your subscription level. If your gearhead’s preference is racing and tuning, then Tuner Box is the gift subscription you need.  Filled with top tier merch, accessories, stickers, gear and more from relevant industry brands and creators.  Starting at $13.99 per monthly box.  And, if you’ve got an enthusiast that prefers aggressively gendered gift giving (the original box is rather neutral) then Tuner Girl is a women-oriented box option from Tuner Box’s monthly subscriptions. Click here to select your preference: basic, premium, or women’s. Give the gift of game night! Lots of people love to unwind and relax with video games or game nights with friends.  So why not grab a car themed game for your automotive enthusiast?  Check out some of our picks for great car video games with digital gifting options: Burnout Paradise Remastered Forza Horizon 4 with XBOX Anywhere Need for Speed Heat via Amazon

Calling all Road Warriors!  If two years and change of travel restrictions, self-isolations, and quarantine periods have you itching to see the world, we understand.  Skip the skyways and hit the road in your new car from Classic Auto Group for more pandemic-friendly traveling.  Whether you’re using your car for day-trips, weekend getaways, or lengthy road trips, it’s always good to be prepared.  We’re giving our readers a boost with our road trip guides such as this post all about travel gadgets! more Rand McNally 2022 Road Atlas In 2022, we’ve grown comfortable that our technology will always have reception, but the further you adventure across our great nation, you’ll find some of the most beautiful areas are the most remote!   What do you do when your reception drops from 5G to 1 bar of LTE coverage?  Travel with confidence knowing you’re ready to navigate safely, even if your smart tech won’t cooperate!  We love the Rand McNally Road Atlas as a perfect pocket sized navigator.  (Plus, this one won’t be a “backseat driver”…unlike your bestie who always has an opinion.) Dungarees Carhartt Car Organizers When it comes to trusted names in durability and safety, you just can’t beat the Carhartt brand! These rugged back of seat organizers can handle all the dirt, muck and grime of your outdoor adventures…or even the ever-present stickiness of toddlers and little ones.  You’ll find plenty of convenient pockets, nooks, and crannies to store your electronics and utensils as well as toiletries. Carhatt Universal Bench Seat Cover For those who love to go offroading, living that “van life” down by the river, or even picking up the kids from a weekend at camp or soccer clinic, the Carhartt bench covers are a great option.  These are easy to install, easy to clean, and made from the same trusted materials you know and love from the Carhartt brand.  It’s the perfect choice to protect your new car’s upholstery from repeated cleanings or damage. SmartPhone Mount from iOittie Keep in touch with your loved ones while you’re on the move!  This convenient car phone mount fits most smartphone models and keeps your device ready at your fingertips.  From handsfree mobile calling to traffic alerts and GPS updates, you’ll have everything you need while you’re on the road. Rooftop Cargo Storage Modern vehicles usually have quite ample trunk space and plenty of under-seat and side pocket storage, but extra cargo space is a must for those of us who are traveling for the long haul.  Store just about anything you need for your trip without blocking your essential vision spots with an overstuffed car.  This convenient and expansive cargo storage attaches to your roof and comes with a combination lock for security.  It’s a great option for car-camping and off-roading! Aquapel Glass Treatment Water Repellent We’re big fans of windshield treatments that make it easier to see while driving in inclement weather. For a budget friendly option, we use RainX line of products.  But for those of us who prefer a longer-term solution without multiple reapplications, the Aquapel Glass Treatment provides up to 6mos of water repellent application.  Just swipe, apply, and go!  You’ll have excellent preventive maintenance for long cross-country or coastal trips without having to worry.  We feel it’s money well invested! Besign BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit Did you opt for a basics package with your new vehicle for a more budget friendly pricetag? We understand!  But in today’s day and age, it’s always a great idea to ensure that you can safely navigate and communicate while on the road.  That’s why we’re recomending this Bluetooth Car Kit to connect with your smart phones and tablets for hands-free communication and navigation.  The price is perfect for the budget savvy traveler! High Road Heavy-Duty Expandable Clothes Hanger A life of adventure on the road doesn’t mean you won’t want to stop for a fancy event or outing!  Have a nice night on the town with wrinkle-free duds thanks to this expandable clothes hanger.  Avoid wasting precious time ironing and de-wrinkling your wardrobe and hang it while you travel instead.  It’s sturdy, durable, and holds plenty of outfit options no matter where you’re headed. BioLite Camp Stove Every off-road traveler should consider grabbing one of these handy devices. The BioLite camping stove can be used in emergencies during wintertime to provide heat until safety arrives, or it can be used to boil water in remote locations to keep you hydrated.  As an added bonus, it’s great for campsite cooking and marshmallow roasting.  Conveniently designed for easy travel and small footprint in your storage capacity. Car emergency Toll with Digital Tire Gauge This handy multitool is a favourite with our readers and staff.  We love the easy-to-read tire gauge and collapsible/expandable pocket tool options.  Fits neatly into your glove compartment, center console, or even door side pocket.  Don’t leave home without it! Stoic Double Cloud Camp Bed Long road trips can be expensive as it is, and opting for a comfortable hotel can get costly!  Save your dime for adventuring and use your car’s cargo area to rest on this travel mattress. Or pop up your weatherproof tent  with the cloud camp bed for a comfortable night’s sleep in the wilderness.  It’s easy to set up and easy to clean, too! YETI Hopper Flip 8 Cooler Rugged. Durable. Spacious. Efficient.  These are all great reasons why we love the Flip 8 Cooler from YETI.  Keep your food warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  Never worry about being dehydrated on your camping trips, either!  It fits plenty of water bottles, beverage cans, and food containers.  Plus, the adjustable strap is tough enough to lug just about anywhere and can be removed for hand-held carrying if preferred.