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SEMA 2005: Car Care and Helpful Products
When it comes to checking out all of the products on display, SEMA 2005 certainly did not disappoint. We’re talking isles and isles of new car care products, new gadgets that tickle your automotive fancy, and new ways to save $$$ on your passion – your favorite car or truck.
To make sure your video-equipped ride stays your ride, check out the “The Grip” from California Immobilizer. If you live in or near a big city, then you know what a “boot” is. If you don’t, a “boot” is a metal contraption you get saddled with when you get too many tickets. Want it off? You better have some Kryptonite dude or a big wad of cash. The Grip replicates this ultra-high level of security with a twist – you get the key! The Grip attaches easily and quickly to your road wheel, preventing drive offs as you can’t roll on square wheels! If you need more security, then add the Lug Locker, which works in conjunction with The Grip, and protects those fancy lug nuts on your Porsche. www.immobilize.com
The next two items deal with seeing the light. Make that seeing your way around in the dark. If you want ultimate night time vision, but can’t afford to drop big dough on a car that comes with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, help is now here. Everbright Electronics was one of several vendors showing off HID kits you can retrofit to your present ride. The difference can be dramatic, as the color temperature (the true light output) of HID bulbs is much higher than standard halogen incandescent units. All at a cost that is remarkably low. Kits come in “plug and play” form, and can be installed by those with limited technical ability. www.everbright21.com
If you need to light the way in emergencies, and your batteries in your flashlight are dead, you are S.O.L. son. Well, maybe not if you are wise enough to invest in the “Freedom Flashlight.” The Freedom Flashlight uses a self-powered generator mechanism to charge a built in capacitor that powers super bright Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Translated, shake this sucker a few times and you won’t be in the dark anymore. No matter how long it sits, just a few shakes will bring it back to life. It also has a long life Lithium-Ion back up battery with an on/off switch if you want to use it as a conventional flashlight. www.freedomflashlight.com
Now all of this new lighting in your ride can be taxing to your electrical system. Ever blow a fuse at night and ended up on the side of a dark road (without your Freedom Flashlight)? If so, do what’s right and convert those fuses into ones that light up when they blow! That’s right, the “SmartGlow Fuse” actually lights a small bulb when they blow, making identification a snap. They are manufactured in all sizes, and will not void your vehicle warranty. Why didn’t I think of this? www.smartglow.com
Inside, it’s all about the sounds and looking good. And we found a way to tighten up your interior and add a unique sense of style. American Stitches will take your tired leather or wood steering wheel, and customize it to your needs. Let’s say you’ve got a hot red leather interior and a black leather steering wheel. Send that wheel to American Stitches, and they will wrap new red and black leather on the wheel to compliment and coordinate your interior. Got a ‘Benz and want some of that pretty Burled wood that’s on your dash in your hands? American Stitches can do the same with Burled or Zebrano wood, Carbon Fiber, or just about any material you want on your steering wheel. These wheels are beautiful! www.american-stitches.com
If you are an MP3 junkie like most of us on the AR staff, then this next product is definitely for you. The iCruze allows a direct interface between your iPod and factory stereo (does require you to have CD changer controls on your factory stereo). With the iCruze, you can control iPod playlists and tracks through your factory stereo; discretely mount your iPod in a special docking station you can hide out of view; charge your iPod at the same time; and view your playlists on an optional iCruze LCD display. It’s an impressive way to add thousands of songs to your motoring experience. (www.ipodcruze.com)
Finally, if your ride’s appearance isn’t tight, I don’t care how many bells and whistles you have on it. You will be clowned. So don’t go out like Bozo, get yourself the latest in car care gear from Meguiar's. If you aren’t down with Meguiar’s, let me enlighten you. Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting the Pebble Beach Concours. This is a car show featuring hundreds of cars where the “cheap” cars are worth several million. A Rolls Silver Ghost at the show was valued at $50 million. While there, I did an informal survey of what wax and car care products these wealthy folks used to preserve their pristine rides. About 95% of the time, the answer was “Meguiar’s.” That’s all I needed to hear. For 2005, Meguiar’s rolls strong with a complete line of wax and wheel care products. A personal favorite of the AR crew is their “Insane Tire Shine.” Go get your shades because the shine is that intense. And it last through repeated car washes. Also new is a complete line of micro-fiber towels and polishing bonnets. Think of micro fiber as thousands of little soft fingers cleaning your paint when you buff off a coat of Meguiar’s Next Generation Wax. They’ve got so many outstanding products I’ll let you decide which to buy. We use them on our AR cars and we love ‘em! www.meguiars.com
We’ve got a new Car Care section on the site, come back often and see what’s up!
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