​17 Best Gifts for Car Lovers: The Ultimate Guide

It’s a great time to be a car lover. Amid high inflation for services like tire rotations and filter replacements, more drivers are trying their hands at car repair. It saves money and deepens their appreciation of their vehicle. Seventy-eight percent of consumers completed at least one auto maintenance project over the last three years. Generation Z and Hispanic drivers are the most likely to go the DIY route.

Buying your car fanatic parts, tools and equipment to help them tackle this new venture will turbocharge their mechanical engineering skills. These 17 gifts for car lovers are sure to make them fall in love with their ride all over again.

Car Repair Classes

Give your aspiring hobbyist the gift of knowledge to build their confidence under the hood. Whether online or in person, an automotive repair class will turn their interest into practical skills they can master at home or a local garage. Lessons introduce learners to basic repairs and vehicle systems. Once they’ve learned the basics, YouTube clips on servicing particular models will help them apply what they’ve learned to their vehicle.

Choose a course that suits their schedule, is relevant to their driving needs and complements their existing knowledge. Check the vehicle type and ask them what cars they want to drive/work on. Engines built in the last 15 years use complex computing systems to regulate operational efficiency, while older models depend on old-school mechanical gears, rotors and release valves that need a more hands-on approach. Diesel engines present the ultimate challenge. They use compression to induce combustion instead of an electrical spark and require a more nuanced understanding of oil and fuel pressure.

Take the pressure off the experience. They should be able to complete it on their own time in between other obligations. In-person classes will connect them to other gearheads who share their passion. An introduction can help younger folks decide if they want to pursue a career as a mechanic. If so, they’ll need a GED or high school diploma before enrolling in a trade school, community college or vocational program.

Repair Tools and Equipment

DIYers need a comprehensive tool collection to perform essential maintenance, replace parts and rebuild engines. Ensure they have the proper equipment to complete any job correctly. Must-have mechanic tools include:

• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flat head)
• Pliers (duck bill jaw, locking, groove lock, wire stripper)
• Wrenches (adjustable width, torque, pipe, oil filter, Allen)
• Sockets
• Hammers (ball pein, rubber mallet, dead blow, claw, cross pein)
• Pry bars
• Chisels
• Wire cutter
• File set
• Feeler gauge set
• Vise grip
• Hand saw
• Bolt cutter
• Power tools (drill/drill bits, grinder/polisher, jigsaw, sander, air compressor)
• Funnel
• Tape measure
• Wheel chocks
• Work gloves
• Goggles
• Jack
• An owner’s manual

Give them a comfortable place to work by setting up a tool bench, desk or work table where they won’t be disturbed — i.e., the garage. Add a work light, rolling work stool and tool chest to help them stay organized. A rolling creeper slides underneath the car so they don’t have to lie on the floor. Specific projects and models require additional tools. Learn what it takes to complete a diesel engine build to help them gather the necessary equipment.

Fuel System Upgrade

Squeezing every last mile out of a tank of gas will be one of their chief priorities. Efficiency drops as the fuel system clogs with soot, carbon deposits and metal shavings caused by oxidation and poor lubrication. Diesel engines pressure the fuel to inject into the combustion chamber as a fine mist. The injectors for each cylinder and the high-pressure fuel pump may need to be replaced with age to boost MPG ratings.

DIYers can also install larger fuel injectors, a high-flow fuel pump and a secondary fuel pump to increase the amount of fuel going into the chamber with every rotation, increasing horsepower and torque. Find a performance injection pump for popular diesel makes and models to help them make the most of every gallon.

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Turbocharger

Most of today’s diesel engines rolling off the lot come turbocharged, but this simple technology can leave something to be desired. Drivers relying on an extra boost when merging onto the highway or towing heavy loads uphill may experience what’s known as turbo lag as the air compressor fills with debris. The turbocharger uses a turbine and pressure relief valve to increase the amount of air going into the engine using compression. The engine needs more oxygen to burn fuel and increase power to maintain the ideal ratio. Replacing the turbocharger and actuator can reduce lag. You can also give them a high-performance turbo to improve timing and acceleration.

Air Intake System

A new turbo will only be effective if the engine has enough air to increase psi levels. Fuel efficiency will also drop as the air filter clogs with debris. Replacing or upgrading the factory intake system helps the engine breathe. You can buy them a new filter or a high-flow option to match any other performance upgrades on their wish list. A cold air intake system lowers the temperature to improve compression. Cold air contains more oxygen than the air in the atmosphere. A ram air system utilizes static pressure inside the intake manifold to increase the flow and engine performance.

Performance Exhaust

Replacing the factory exhaust system improves flow, reduces back pressure and minimizes emissions to prevent pollution. Clogs in the diesel particulate can strain the engine as the dirty air builds instead of escaping out of the tailpipe. Ford Powerstroke engines with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems also send the exhaust back through the engine, which can spread debris.

Supplying your hobbyist with a new exhaust and DPF will improve efficiency. If they’re considering additional upgrades, they’ll need a high-flow exhaust to process the excess air and fuel being burned. To ensure the incoming air can escape, buy a kit that replaces the exhaust and air intake system. A complete turbo-back exhaust package replaces the exhaust tip and turbo system. Cat-back kits replace everything behind the catalytic converter — hence, the name. Invest in the former to maximize airflow and performance. Shop for diesel exhaust parts for all vehicle and project types.

New Engine Control Module

Even the best technology has been known to fail. The engine control module is a sophisticated microchipped internal computer that controls all the major functions of the vehicle. If it exhibits erratic behavior, including sudden misfires, stalling or power loss, replace it with a matching unit to restore the factory specs.

Tuner

If they want to expand the capabilities of their ECM, give them a tuner to reprogram the module. The factory settings often limit specs to improve fuel efficiency, but these need to be adjusted when making performance upgrades. A tuner plugs into the ECM to change the psi thresholds for injection so the engine can burn more air and fuel. Ensure the settings on the tuner match the engine’s new specs.

Aftermarket Radiator

Burning more air and fuel increases heat, which will eat into the efficiency and excess power these upgrades are designed to provide. High operating temperatures increase wear and tear and reduce air compression upon intake. Upgrading to a high-powered radiator will better dissipate the extra heat so it doesn’t negatively affect other systems. Aftermarket options also last longer than factory units to reduce the frequency of repairs.

Locking Differential

Off-roaders need every lb. per foot of torque possible to trudge through dirt, mud, sand and snow. The factory differential, which allows wheels on the same axle to turn at different speeds, is designed to optimize performance on-road. However, turning the wheels at the same speed improves traction on unpaved terrain and prevents them from spinning out. If your car aficionado prefers leaving the asphalt behind, give them a locking differential to lock the wheels on the same gear. Upgrading the differential lets them adjust the gear ratio based on driving conditions.

Lift Kit

Serious off-roaders will appreciate having a few extra inches of ground clearance when roaming over obstacles. A higher stance gives the truck an aggressive look and makes room for larger tires with steeper tread patterns that increase traction.

Body lift kits add spacers and longer bolts to make room for more rubber, but they put additional strain on components. Suspension lift kits require more extensive rebuilds. They replace the suspension system to reduce vibrations and get the undercarriage farther off the ground.

Changing the height alters the specs, including MPG ratings, max towing capacity, handling and acceleration. The higher the truck, the more it will sway. Some kits can void the car warranty. Check the policy information for their vehicle to guide your purchase.

Fresh Tires

Help them conquer the wilderness with mud- or off-road tires. They have reinforced side walls, added puncture resistance and treads that push debris to the side. If they want to raise the suspension, increase the width and height of their tires to maximize contact with the road or trail.

If your car lover has a need for speed, choose summer tires with shallow treads to increase the max mph and improve cornering, turning and steering. Summer tires lose stability as the weather inches toward freezing. Consider the climate and conditions where they drive to upgrade them to the best set.

Floor Mats and Seat Covers

Keep the interior of their car pristine with durable, waterproof floor mats and seat covers. Rubber floor mats have treads to keep their feet in place with raised edges to prevent moisture from leaking onto the floor. As mud, dirt or even their morning coffee collects, they can rinse it in the driveway without mucking up their ride. Excess moisture can damage electrical components, reduce air quality and spread mold and bacteria that are hazardous to their health. Machine-washable seat covers pet- and spill-proof the back seat to keep the driver at ease.

Heated Steering Wheel

Take the sting out of their winter commute with a heated steering wheel or cover. Replacing the entire wheel requires a new control module. Ensure the wheel fits the make/model to leave enough room for operation. A reinforced grip helps them stay in control when their hands get slippery with sweat.

Stereo/Audio Package

Nothing breaks up a long drive like a killer album or in-depth podcast. Make their time behind the wheel memorable with a new speaker system.

Body Kit

A fresh set of bumpers, side skirts, bonnets and guards will protect the body from accidents and differentiate the look to help them stand out on the road. You can buy them a complete set or mix and match various designs to create a custom, composite look.

Car Care Kit

A quality exterior requires around-the-clock protection. Give them a travel car care kit to help address blemishes and imperfections as they appear. They’ll need glass cleaner, tire and wheel cleaner, wax, wash and a non-abrasive pad to rub out stains.

Round-Up: Shopping for Car Lovers

A car is one of the most valuable assets your loved one will ever own. Helping them learn how to repair and care for the vehicle ensures they will protect it over time, increasing its value and saving them money. You don’t need to be an expert to shop for a gear lover. If you’re new to car repairs and don’t know where to start, search for diesel auto parts by make/model to find items that improve efficiency and performance.

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