Fun or useful car accessories for long commute
February 27, 2019 5:37 AM Subscribe
A work colleague is moving to a new job, which will entail a 40-mile round trip commute. I've been charged with assembling stuff for a going-away gift basket for him, and one thing I thought of was stuff that either might make spending that much time in the car enjoyable, or else would be nice accessories for the new Honda Accord he's bought. His wife told me he doesn't enjoy audiobooks or podcasts, and he's set for music with a Spotify subscription.
I've got a really nice travel mug, a packet of gift cards for the fancy car wash place . . . aaaand I'm coming up short.
For those of you with long commutes, or who enjoy tricking out your car, are there things you might recommend?
I've got a really nice travel mug, a packet of gift cards for the fancy car wash place . . . aaaand I'm coming up short.
For those of you with long commutes, or who enjoy tricking out your car, are there things you might recommend?
One of those shade covers you put up against the windshield. Those are invaluable for protecting and preserving your dashboard, and they make it a lot nicer getting in your car when it's been sitting out in a hot parking lot. They aren't one size fits all though, so you'd have to make sure the one you get fits. Maybe look for one at the dealership.
posted by WalkerWestridge at 6:04 AM on February 27, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 6:04 AM on February 27, 2019 [4 favorites]
This may not be festive enough, but I love it SO MUCH and don't know how I lived without it for years: it's a flexible little trash receptacle that sits in the driver's side door well so I don't have wrappers and receipts and stuff floating around the car.
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:04 AM on February 27, 2019 [5 favorites]
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:04 AM on February 27, 2019 [5 favorites]
It's not really something with a party vibe, but its very practical, how about the emergency tool to break the window in case you're ever trapped in the car. Or travel containers of wet wipes, and a small emergency medical kit.
posted by WalkerWestridge at 6:12 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 6:12 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
I have a picture of me and my wife in a little plastic holder that hangs from my review mirror. Cheers me up regularly.
posted by wellifyouinsist at 6:22 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by wellifyouinsist at 6:22 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Remote starter would make a very nice gift -- it makes cold/hot days nicer, and they'll think of you every time they press the button.
Also a nice smartphone mount with power, so they can use Waze to get traffic/object-in-road updates.
posted by Wild_Eep at 6:46 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
Also a nice smartphone mount with power, so they can use Waze to get traffic/object-in-road updates.
posted by Wild_Eep at 6:46 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
The only travel mug is the Zojirushi travel mug. SHOP WISELY
A good mount for the phone; I prefer the popular iOttie mounts.
If this is up your alley, creating a Spotify playlist of good songs to sing along to in the car would be fun.
If he will be buying a new toll transponder, I am surprisingly gratified by the 3M Dual Lock industrial plastic velcro for mounting the device in our various cars. The original packaging for the EZPass transponder included a few small pieces of the stuff, and it works SO WELL. I got like three feet more last year to make it so we could swap the EZPass to other cars, and also for hanging stuff up: the sticky side holds well, and the hook-and-loops themselves are tenacious.
Some RainX to make the water leap off his windshield. (It really works!)
posted by wenestvedt at 7:02 AM on February 27, 2019 [4 favorites]
A good mount for the phone; I prefer the popular iOttie mounts.
If this is up your alley, creating a Spotify playlist of good songs to sing along to in the car would be fun.
If he will be buying a new toll transponder, I am surprisingly gratified by the 3M Dual Lock industrial plastic velcro for mounting the device in our various cars. The original packaging for the EZPass transponder included a few small pieces of the stuff, and it works SO WELL. I got like three feet more last year to make it so we could swap the EZPass to other cars, and also for hanging stuff up: the sticky side holds well, and the hook-and-loops themselves are tenacious.
Some RainX to make the water leap off his windshield. (It really works!)
posted by wenestvedt at 7:02 AM on February 27, 2019 [4 favorites]
Sheepskin seat covers might not be your thing, but my dad always puts them in his cars and I loooooove sitting on one: in winter the seat isn't so cold, and in summer it's not so hot.
(I think that you're in the PNW, though, so maybe you don't actually have much hot or cold weather?)
posted by wenestvedt at 7:03 AM on February 27, 2019
(I think that you're in the PNW, though, so maybe you don't actually have much hot or cold weather?)
posted by wenestvedt at 7:03 AM on February 27, 2019
How about a book of car wash tickets to clean the road gunk off his sweet new chariot?
posted by wenestvedt at 7:04 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:04 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
I have a Zojirushi mug, and it's too hard to drink out of while driving, switched to an aluminum Contigo.
+1 Rainx, although you have to apply it above 40-50F. But it really helps.
I also don't like audiobooks, but I'm getting into them now I have a long commute. Membership to the public radio station, maybe?
Gas station gift card? Boring, but commuting is so expensive.
posted by momus_window at 7:18 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
+1 Rainx, although you have to apply it above 40-50F. But it really helps.
I also don't like audiobooks, but I'm getting into them now I have a long commute. Membership to the public radio station, maybe?
Gas station gift card? Boring, but commuting is so expensive.
posted by momus_window at 7:18 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
I used to have a similar commute and started keeping actual small trash and recycling cans in the backseat passenger floorboard (where I could reach from the driver's seat) for all the cruft. A brick-and-mortar office supply or hardware store is probably the best place to find some, but Amazon's got this set.
Passenger seat organizer with a seat belt clip so it doesn't fall in the footwell, but with a handle so you can easily whisk it away into the back if you have a passenger.
posted by Lyn Never at 7:21 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Passenger seat organizer with a seat belt clip so it doesn't fall in the footwell, but with a handle so you can easily whisk it away into the back if you have a passenger.
posted by Lyn Never at 7:21 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
When I was doing a 200 mile round trip commute for my previous job. One of the things that made it tolerable was ham radio. I was able to chat regularly with a group of folks locally and around the country and it made the 4 hours a day I spent in the car tolerable. Radios are expensive (at least radios worth buying are) and he'll need to get his license but it might be worth mentioning.
posted by Dr. Twist at 7:25 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Dr. Twist at 7:25 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
If his phone has Qi charging, a Qi car mount is really nice, because he won't have to fumble with cables. But caveat -- Android Auto requires the phone to be plugged in anyway, so it doesn't make much sense for that use case. I got a short USB-C cable so I could keep my phone in console cubby without a lot of extra wire, but I'm kinda thinking I might replace it with a retractable cable instead, so it's easier to use the phone when I or a passenger needs to.
I have this trash can. Pro: Fits in a cup holder. Con: It's a little small. I line it with doggy bags.
This flashlight that charges from the cigarette lighter makes me happy.
posted by natabat at 7:36 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
I have this trash can. Pro: Fits in a cup holder. Con: It's a little small. I line it with doggy bags.
This flashlight that charges from the cigarette lighter makes me happy.
posted by natabat at 7:36 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Besides winter, the one thing I hated the most about my 40 mile commute was how much time it took. What about a few gift cards for fast and decent meals?
posted by advicepig at 7:54 AM on February 27, 2019
posted by advicepig at 7:54 AM on February 27, 2019
I don't know if there are gift cards for oil change or tire places, but I'm sure they're going to need more of those services with the miles they'll be accruing. Do they already have AAA?
For more creature comforts, an inexpensive seat warmer that plugs into my car charger has been a game changer for my bottom this winter. Likewise, a windshield cover that lets you drag off snow quickly has been very useful.
I too love my Contigo and think a visor photo frame is a very nice idea, and I think the idea of gift cards to roadside food places or supermarkets is great, and would also suggest a subscription to one of those monthly snack services for fun or healthy munchies to look forward to on the ride.
posted by Queen of Spreadable Fats at 8:40 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
For more creature comforts, an inexpensive seat warmer that plugs into my car charger has been a game changer for my bottom this winter. Likewise, a windshield cover that lets you drag off snow quickly has been very useful.
I too love my Contigo and think a visor photo frame is a very nice idea, and I think the idea of gift cards to roadside food places or supermarkets is great, and would also suggest a subscription to one of those monthly snack services for fun or healthy munchies to look forward to on the ride.
posted by Queen of Spreadable Fats at 8:40 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
This car trash can is really well made and useful.
posted by Juliet Banana at 9:22 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Juliet Banana at 9:22 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
I have a similar length commute (and am into audiobooks and podcasts, which I guess is neither here nor there).
multiple travel mugs. I have three I rotate through during the week and am always looking to pick up a couple more. Especially if his favorite kind is on the expensive side or hard to find. Having to wash the same mug every morning when I'm about to be in the car for a goddamn hour and a half -- and woke up comparably early to account for this -- is the worst. If you've seen that he already has a mug he seems to like, get him a duplicate or two. This plus some of his morning beverage of choice would be what I would get, for sure.
Nthing things to keep his car, phone, etc. setup manageable. Also get good quality. There's nothing worse than a phone mount that inexplicably falls apart right when you need it, or an AUX cable that only works sometimes, is the wrong length, etc. I wish I had that trash can people keep recommending and am now totally getting that for myself.
posted by the milkman, the paper boy at 9:34 AM on February 27, 2019 [3 favorites]
multiple travel mugs. I have three I rotate through during the week and am always looking to pick up a couple more. Especially if his favorite kind is on the expensive side or hard to find. Having to wash the same mug every morning when I'm about to be in the car for a goddamn hour and a half -- and woke up comparably early to account for this -- is the worst. If you've seen that he already has a mug he seems to like, get him a duplicate or two. This plus some of his morning beverage of choice would be what I would get, for sure.
Nthing things to keep his car, phone, etc. setup manageable. Also get good quality. There's nothing worse than a phone mount that inexplicably falls apart right when you need it, or an AUX cable that only works sometimes, is the wrong length, etc. I wish I had that trash can people keep recommending and am now totally getting that for myself.
posted by the milkman, the paper boy at 9:34 AM on February 27, 2019 [3 favorites]
Seconding multiple + quality. Aux and charge cables fail. The cheap ones go stiff and brittle in cold weather.
posted by scruss at 9:44 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by scruss at 9:44 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
If he has an Android phone that uses a micro USB charger, get him reversible charging cable. This set has been great for me. It's a small thing, but it's one less micro-aggression from the universe when all you're trying to do is get to work.
posted by homesickness at 9:46 AM on February 27, 2019
posted by homesickness at 9:46 AM on February 27, 2019
External phone battery/car jump starter combo that he can keep under his seat or in the glove box for emergency car battery jumpstarts or to juice up his phone. The one I have also has a flashlight and functions as a break-the-glass hammer but it is no longer available on Amazon. These typically come with several adapters for recharging that include AC and DC charging. Usually have to provide your own cable for charging your phone but the attachments to the car battery are included.
posted by Gino on the Meta at 11:08 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Gino on the Meta at 11:08 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
excellent ice scrapers and brushes
Specifically, this expanding, adjustable scraper and brush. It seemed a little excessive in the store, but it actually is excellent.
posted by teremala at 11:49 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Specifically, this expanding, adjustable scraper and brush. It seemed a little excessive in the store, but it actually is excellent.
posted by teremala at 11:49 AM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Wow, thank you so much, everyone! Many suggestions here I'll follow up on. I really appreciate all your good ideas! (and of course any others are more than welcome.)
posted by Kat Allison at 12:09 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by Kat Allison at 12:09 PM on February 27, 2019
One of those mesh lumbar supports. They sell them at most drugstores. Long commutes can be hard on the back, and good lumbar support is critical for me not stepping out of the car and feeling sore and exhausted.
posted by ananci at 12:44 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by ananci at 12:44 PM on February 27, 2019
Seconding the Battery Charger that can jump a car.
They are cheap, they work great if you keep them charged, and gives your commuter both the ability to fix their own problem, and to save the day for a fellow human in need.
Everyone who has a car should have one of these tbh
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:18 PM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
They are cheap, they work great if you keep them charged, and gives your commuter both the ability to fix their own problem, and to save the day for a fellow human in need.
Everyone who has a car should have one of these tbh
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:18 PM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Brass ice scraper. These are the very best, most durable scraper you can have, and cheap. Only potential problem is they're short, but they'll actually allow you to scrape an icy window, and brass is softer than glass so no scratchies. Every three or four years I buy everyone in the family one for Christmas.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 5:01 PM on February 27, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 5:01 PM on February 27, 2019 [4 favorites]
For mounting cell phones, the magnetic ones that plug into a vent are far superior to any of the cradle types. First, they put the phone away from the windshield, so you can see it and reach it. Things with screens that are mounted on the windshield are practically unreadable in daylight, because of the backlighting. Second, putting the phone onto the magnetic mount is instantaneous and secure, with no fumbling to spread or squeeze cradle arms. Third, the magnetic mounts are easily removable and compact enough to be convenient to take traveling.
The one I have came with a thin steel plate that I had to open the phone case to install. It doesn't affect phone operation at all.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 7:18 AM on February 28, 2019
The one I have came with a thin steel plate that I had to open the phone case to install. It doesn't affect phone operation at all.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 7:18 AM on February 28, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Ftsqg at 5:47 AM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]