1. A gift certificate for automotive books (www.amazon.com or www.bn.com)
2. A gift certificate for automotive tools
3. A magazine subscription to an automotive magazine
4. A tire gauge
5. An automotive-related 2011 calendar
6. Tools of any type (Did I mention tools before?)
7. A gift certificate for an oil change (or four — for each of the four seasons)
8. Clothing with an automotive theme, such as hats and jackets
9. Model car kits, automotive theme clocks or posters
10. Vehicle art
11. Tools
12. Car products such as wax, a car duster, car washing soap, buckets, sponges and towels. (see www.griotsgarage.com)
13. A getaway weekend to a car museum (Auburn/Cord Museum, Auburn, Ind., Greenfield Automotive Museum, Dearborn, Mich., or the Packard Museum in Dayton)
14. Hand tools
15. Power tools
16. Garage trouble light
17. Automotive car parts suitable for hanging on the wall
18. Automotive books
19. Tools
20. A gift certificate for car washes
21. Money
22. A sofa made from the front or back of a classic car or truck
23. Wall art
Note to readers:
It is now almost officially winter (Dec. 21) and now is the time to have the oil and oil filter replaced. This is also a good time to do some or all of the following to prepare your vehicle for winter weather driving:
1. Wax the vehicle to help protect the paint from harsh weather
2. Replace the windshield wiper blades
3. Inspect the tires and replace them if needed
4. Have the brakes and other major components inspected,
5. Have the battery checked. If the battery is over five years old, I suggest that it be replaced to help insure that the vehicle starts when the temperature drops.
James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician, a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the author of 12 textbooks. Submit your automotive care questions to Halderman via e-mail at jhalderman2@juno.com, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.
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