Tag Archives: buying guides

It’s about time to start thinking about grabbing a special gift for the special person. If that person happens to be a car nerd or gearhead, fear not. We here at Acceleramota have covered you for Valentine’s Day with the best gifts for the automobile enthusiast. I always say the best gifts are useful ones you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself. Function and thoughtfulness were factors when we compiled this list.

1 — Innova 5610 OBD-II diagnostic tool

A diagnostic tool like this is a game changer, especially in the hands of a gearhead. Help your loved one keep their vehicle(s) in tip-top shape and aid them in getting solutions quickly with OBD2 and OEM data. They’ll know what to do with info for ABS, SRS, a transmission, and an engine. The Innova 5610 provides clear dealership-level re-learn procedures to complete repairs fast. Troubleshoot for foreign or domestic cars, trucks, SUVs, or hybrids as long as they were manufactured after 1996. It supports English, Spanish, and French and is a handy gift.

2 — Tires that aren’t bald

Nothing screams romance like a set of new tires. Okay, maybe it’s not romantic, but keeping a loved one safe on new tires is very considerate. We are fans of Tire Rack here at Acceleramota, especially when it comes with road hazard protection for two years. They ship free directly to you or to one of their installers or one you have selected. Tire Rack has a wide variety of offerings for cars, trucks, SUVs, and both newer and older makes. But we recommend you check our best places to buy tires post, too, for a full scope before making a decision.

3 — 10mm socket (10-pack)

Having a set of sockets around is never a bad idea. There is nothing worse than losing a socket deep down under the hood. This will be even more painful if it’s the only one you have. This set can solve this very frustrating problem and is a kind gift. This is especially so if you’ve listened to your car nerd gripe about losing sockets or not having ones of the length they need. This particular set by Brazen has ten sockets: six 3/8″ drive, and four 1/4″ drive.

4 — Socket organizer

If you’re looking for a companion gift to that socket set, how about an organizer? This also works if you are just tired of clutter in the garage or your moto-babe is super messy. Help them literally clean up their station and get all those sockets in one place. Pick from a red or black tray to fit the right aesthetic for the garage. These trays are durable and can handle getting dirty with oil and grease.  Most brands’ standard socket sizes will fit, and one happy customer said, “It is almost therapeutic cleaning up a mess of sockets.”

5 — Toyota water pump gasket

Ignore how this looks. Did you stop laughing? Okay, welcome back.

This… is a water pump gasket and a very important part of your vehicle, er, in this case, a Toyota truck. This is a best-seller, and a buyer rated it five stars and said, “Better than the one that came with the water pump I bought from another supplier.” Of all the items on this list, this one is kind of romantic. This specific model of Toyota water pump gasket, found on Tacomas, 4Runners, and T100s for many years, has aroused (ha) many laughs on the internet for very obvious reasons, but surely you’ll be the one with the last laugh once that gasket job is complete.

6 — Owners’ Workshop Manuals

I’m such a huge fan of these Owners’ Workshop Manuals. These make beautiful coffee table books and are great for motorsport fans. But even if they aren’t, these stand out and are very cool. There are a ton to choose from, so if they are motorsports fans, you can help them build an entire set. The Haynes Manuals are excellent options, too.

7 — LEGO Icons Porsche 911 10295 Building Set

I love these LEGO sets as gifts, especially if you build them together. This is a great date night activity, and when you’re all done, your sweetie has an adorable decoration for an office or bookshelf. LEGO makes a few different versions, but I like this one because I’m a silly little Porsche fan. This set has 10,295 pieces, and you can build two different variations of the 911. It would look perfect on top of a Porsche 911-centric Owner’s Manual.

8 — Airmoto Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor

Built with the highest quality materials, Airmoto is a portable tire inflator for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and bicycles. Quickly inflate your vehicle’s tires in just minutes with precision and accuracy up to 120 PSI. A compact car air pump that fits in your glove box or trunk is just so practical to have. This could be a huge relief on a very unfortunate day. It’s nice to be the hero sometimes.

9 — WeatherTech Trim to Fit Floor Mats – 4-Piece Set

Another gift that someone might not necessarily purchase for themselves but is so useful are these floormates from WeatherTech. This is a trusted brand, so you know you are gifting quality. They are made from an advanced rubber-like thermoplastic compound and are easy to trim for an accurate custom fit. If your car lover is on the messier side or just has a lifestyle where things get dirty, this is an ideal present.

10 — Car Registration and Insurance Holder

Did someone say disorganized? Get one of these registration/insurance holders for that loved one who never knows where anything is in their vehicle. Keep those very important documents safe and avoid the embarrassing situation of trying to locate them at the worst time.

With pre-season testing still in Sakhir a month away, now is an excellent time to stock up on gear for the new year. The official F1 Store is having a massive winter sale to make room for new merch and styles. There are over 500 items to grab with discounts of as much as 70% off. We pulled a few of our faves that would make an excellent fit for your 2024 F1 Sunday outfit. And don’t worry. Yes, everything is officially licensed.

1) Scuderia Ferrari Race MT7 Track Jacket

A few things Ferrari does well is make merch people want. This jacket is sleek and chic, you’re sure to stand out in the classic red hue. Save 48% on this, and cross your fingers for a Charles podium. Lord Perceval hasn’t had a win since the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix, but this jacket could be a good luck charm.

2) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 2022 Team Baseball Cap

A classic black baseball hat never goes out of style, and neither does Sir Lewis Hamilton. It’s just $17 and will see you through the 2024 season, and possibly podiums for both George and Lewis. This cap is easily adjustable and made from 100% recycled polyester, so it’s breathable even in the hottest of climates.

3) Oracle Red Bull Racing 2023 New Era Beanie

Winter just decided to start with lots of snow in many parts of the world, so it’s a good idea to cover your noggin. Red Bull is a winner, and so is this adorable $21 beanie. It’s a polyblend (so easy to clean) and designed by New Era.

4) McLaren USA Crew Sweatshirt

The papaya is strong with this sweatshirt. I like the vintage college vibe of this one, and I also like that this has crossover appeal. Wear it for F1, Formula E, and IndyCar races. It’s a cotton blend, versatile, and a steal at 57% off.

5) Scuderia AlphaTauri Team T-Shirt

RIP Alpha Tauri. This shirt is now a collector’s item as the rise of Visa CashApp Racing Bulls takes its place on the grid. If you think that is an awful rebrand, don’t worry. We do, too. I heard a girl once call Alpha Tauri ‘Sugar-Free’ Red Bull, and honestly, why they didn’t go that way is beyond me. But grab this unisex cotton tee for just $27, and still show your love for Danny and Yuki.

6) Formula 1 True Classics Crew Sweatshirt

There are a few basic F1 merch items available in the sale, and I love the ones that are so subtle. This classic crewneck sweatshirt is a nod to the start of the sport in 1950. With clever racing stripes down the sides, this is a mod way to show you’re a motorhead too. It’s just $33.

7) Mercedes 2022 W13 E Performance No.44 – Lewis Hamilton 1:43 Model

A few of these models from the last two seasons are on sale for just $7. These make great gifts and decorations for offices, living rooms, and bookshelves. If you got a Merc fanatic in your life, this would be a nice little present to surprise them with. It’s die-cast metal and plastic and a stunning representation of the actual million-dollar monster.

8) Michael Schumacher Legacy Classic Edition Poster

We recently celebrated the legendary driver’s 55th birthday. Schumacher has no doubt left a huge mark on F1 and motorsports as a whole. This poster honors him and his supreme legacy. Printed on high-quality paper it was designed by Automobilist as a collab piece with the Keep Fighting Foundation. This is a brilliant piece of art for only $20.

9) Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 2023 Official Team Cap

Save $30 on this 100% recycled polyester, totally adjustable official team hat. I love this green color and think it looks so stunning in a crowd. As a Fernando lover, I couldn’t make a list and not recommend something that represents him. There are a few items from Fernando’s Kimoa brand on sale as well.

10) Williams Racing Off Track Sweatshirt

I think Williams knows how to lean into quiet luxury. Must be a British thing. This year especially they have designed a great line that isn’t flashy. This 100% knitted polyester sweatshirt has zipper pockets and is $39.

11) Alfa Romeo 2023 Valterri Bottas Driver Cap

Of course, I’m including my favorite driver on this list. While Alfa Romeo was sunset for Sauber, the historic Italian brand will still live on. I have one of these and absolutely love the Milano cross and snake boldly standing out. I’m going to miss this team a lot, but I’m also preparing my soul for this to be Valterri’s last year as well. Nothing official, my gut just feels like this is it. Save 49% on this and add it to your collection.

12) Oracle Red Bull Max Verstappen Zandvoort Special Edition Tee

Are you a member of the Orange Army? What better way to celebrate another outstanding year for Verstappen than with a tee celebrating the Dutch lion’s home race win? I love the Max design on this cotton unisex shirt in that fetching neon shade. Save it for the Dutch GP, or wear it every Sunday as they play the national anthem we’ve all come to know so well.

13) Haas F1 Team – Miami 2023 Limited Edition Poster

Haas isn’t the best team, let’s be honest. But making dope posters is one of the good things they do. I love this one from the Miami GP, where, if you’ll remember, Magnussen actually got points. While their house may be a little on fire, so are these designs. This is not currently on sale, but if you sign up for the newsletter, you will get 10% off, and it ships directly from the printer.

14) Kimi Leave Me Alone Crew Socks

There’s no way I could make this list and not include my other favorite Finn. These cotton blend socks designed by West Coast Choppers immortalize one of Kimi’s best F1 moments. These are also a great way to communicate with loved ones when the race is on.

15) Pirelli Podium Cap

This is not on sale either, but I highly recommend buying this on the site and not at the track, where it is double the price. This is an item I want to add to my hat arsenal, and I just love the way it looks. It’s one of those “if you know, you know” when you see one in the wild. It’s retro, which adds a little something. You don’t need to be a fan to rock this, but it doesn’t hurt

If you are interested in catching the Bahrain GP, it will be on Sunday, March 2 at 10 a.m. (EST) on ESPN in North America and, as always, on F1TV.

Hey! Calling all techies, gamers, and gearheads. Come hither and help us answer an increasingly popular question in this day and age: What’s the best racing sim wheel for your gaming setup? Because the best racing games shouldn’t be held back by mere buttons and joysticks.

As someone who’s not the most serious gamer, I am not one to answer this question for you. But what better source of information than you, the community who partakes in the heat of motorsports without ever seeing a ray of sunshine or smelling a whiff of race gas? I’ve witnessed my far more dedicated gaming friends adopt racing sim wheels for everything from Gran Turismo and Assetto Corsa to Burnout (remember those games?) and Forza Horizon. And of course they would. It’s that added immersion from a proper racing sim setup that makes those titles worthwhile, that tactile sensation through your palms and fingertips that no DualShock can match. Sorry, Sony.

Sadly, I’m a cheap, lazy bastard who can’t be bothered to upgrade their phone, let alone snag a sim wheel for the hour of Forza I play every now and then. I won’t pretend I know what’s best for you. But you know what’s best for you. Oh yeah, you do. And maybe someone else out there could use your advice and would love to know what you have to say. So, please join us in the comments below, and voice your thoughts on what you think are the best racing sim wheels and why!

While you’re in there, please take note to:

1. Give the full name of the product, including make and model, for easy search.
2. Please list at least three pros for why you like it and two cons about your choice! Any pro or con is valid, from build quality to steering feel to pricing and value.
3. Feel free to engage with fellow commenters on their choices, but be courteous and respectful! Constructive criticism or affirmations of the products can help with deciding buyers’ guide picks!

Got that? Good. Ready, set, discuss!

It’s that time of the year for merriness, camaraderie, and caving into the materialistic desires of a highly capitalistic culture! It’s the holiday season, and now is the time to snag some hot gifts for the car enthusiast in your life while the egg nog is fresh and Mariah Carey is still thawing from her stasis.

Are you considering surprising your gearhead (or yourself) with some trick new car parts? How about some unique and fashionable apparel? Or how about bits and bobs to make their average commute a little more forgiving? Because God forbid, they dare take their battered project car to work. Everything and more, tailored specifically for the geekier of hobbyists, can be found in our lovely little holiday gift guide at your disposal. 

Car parts

MBRP exhausts

MBRP is a budget-friendly exhaust manufacturer that makes just about any exhaust for nearly any vehicle, on or off-road. How can I be so sure of their worth? Because I rock them. My friends rock them. My old gig at an aftermarket retailer rocked them on shop cars. And they’re a strong value proposition, undercutting some rivals by hundreds of dollars. Although some consumers and a few friends reported some tinny raspiness on the most aggressive exhausts, the muffled systems my colleagues and I use are fairly civil and drone-free, with enough bark to remind us we have something special. Most retailers will sell some lineup of MBRP systems, including domestic-centric American Muscle or import-centric Speed Industry, for example. However, we’ve linked their site above to let you pinpoint exactly what car you’re looking for.

SEE THE MBRP STORE

Powerstop brakes

Once again, harping on budget-friendly yet highly effective options, we have Powerstop brakes, the perfect upgrade for your street or canyon car that you can buy on Amazon, believe it or not. Among their hottest sellers and brakes I personally stand by as a fantastic budget performance option is their Extreme Z26 pad lineup, which includes carbon and ceramic in its composition to provide long-lasting performance that’s never let me down in spirited canyon runs. Those looking for even more capability under harsher driving conditions can opt for their Track Day pads, but note that they’re quite aggressive, as track pads often are, and will decimate any rotors that aren’t up to snuff with such performance levels.

SEE POWERSTOP BRAKES ON AMAZON

Type-S lighting kits

Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean you still can’t rock that Spooky Shreds aesthetic. A longtime sponsor of Formula D and a big player in reviving interest in underglow, you can grab a set online or at nearly any Autozone. The Formula DRIFT full car kit linked above comes complete with light strips for all sides, plus app connectivity for setting your mood lighting on the fly. Customers frequently commend the sheer brightness and numerous lighting modes at a fairly decent value, but some concerns have been raised over hardware quality and waterproofing. And their universal application may require modification for installation on some cars. But, I mean, come on. Does this not look awesome, or what? Get a little goofy and have some fun with something like this. 

SEE TYPE S UNDERGLOW KIT FOR $330

Car enthusiast accessories

GT//Rotors 4-keychain set

Behold, the cheapest thing on this guide by a sizable margin and one you can hand out to all your car buddies. This keychain set includes a gunmetal wheel, a brake caliper with an actual spinning rotor that tragically has no ventilation for Stuart Little’s upcoming GP race, an adjustable wrench, and one of those trendy turbo whistle keychains. Yes, it reportedly functions as advertised. You blow into it, the impeller spins and generates what a few reviewers described as an obnoxious, high-pitched whine. Did anyone expect anything different? Come on, now. Enjoy this cheap and cheerful gift idea, but be wary of products reportedly getting damaged or missing during shipping or transit.  

SEE GT KEYCHAINS FOR $11

BRIDE JDM bi-fold wallet

Here’s another affordable option and one for the JDM merch fans! I actually own this BRIDE wallet after purchasing it weeks ago at GRIDLIFE Laguna, and it proved to be a surprisingly robust and accommodating successor to my janky, old leather wallet, with plenty of space for cards and IDs while still having leftover pockets. And while it’s no Ridge wallet, it’s slim enough to be far less intrusive in my pants pockets than any wallet I’ve had. Any fan of the brand or JDM car culture will be quite pleased with this offering for the $15 or so that it costs. Just know that while it’s not as thick, it is “taller.” It’s better for concealing cards and cash with nothing sticking out, but smaller pants pockets may find it hard to get along with.

SEE BRIDE WALLET FOR $15

Samsonite lumbar support pillow

Don’t look at me like I’m some geriatric weenie. This is as handy to office drones and 9-to-5 commuters as it is to those who took “fuck it, we ball” to heart when purchasing those racing buckets. Fill the void in your project car’s lackluster comfort with this portable lumbar pillow by Samsonite. The memory foam and mesh construction make it light, plush, and breathable, while the wrap-around strap enables its use in nearly any seat, whether in-office or in-car. It can also be paired with various Samsonite comfort accessories like neck pillows or bottom cushions. Perfect for when the regret of snagging those eBay bucket seats finally hits.

SEE SAMSONITE LUMBAR PILLOW FOR $20

Car enthusiast apparel

Simply Carbon Fiber fashion accessories

If you’re the type of person to check every carbon option box on the BMW or Porsche configurator, this is the brand for you. Cave into your addiction with Simply Carbon Fiber lifestyle and fashion accessories, ranging from a broad selection of – you guessed it – carbon goods, from wallets and sunglasses to watches. Yes, watches. And they actually look quite nice for a great price, with three different styles ranging from 40mm to 42mm dials. And while we have them listed here under apparel for their impressive selection of tastefully styled goods, they also provide plenty of other goods that’d be right at home under accessories like car phone mounts, phone cases, and chargers. 

SEE SIMPLY CARBON FIBER STORE

Blipshift t-shirts

Here’s a kickass offering that’s been slinging apparel for car enthusiasts of all calibers for many years. Blipshift is a collection of various art submissions brought to life through your choice of shirts, sweaters, and more. And when I say car enthusiasts of all calibers, I mean it. This is a brand for all, regardless of your taste or age. It’s not brand-centric or JDM-centric or domestic-centric. It’s just gearhead stuff for nearly any gearhead. Want a cutesy Miata shirt? Or one with old F1 cars? Or how about a Ram pickup, if that’s your jam? If it’s on Blipshift’s calendar of constantly-circulating designs, then there you go. Their print quality is fairly robust and long-lasting, as my BMW M shirt from Blipshift has lasted roughly 11 years with minimal wear and tear. 

SEE BLIPSHIFT STORE

Hoonigan t-shirts

Can’t talk car merch without the OGs, whose name is now as synonymous with gear and apparel as it is with their racing team. Nothing too extravagant. Nothing too outlandish. Just plain, simple shirt designs like this censor bar logo listed on Amazon. Of the various bits of merch I’ve acquired from many different brands, these are among the handful that actually fit true to size with no second-guessing on whether a medium may run smaller or larger than anticipated. One complaint I do have is that their colored logos on other shirts may fade easier in the washer than similar shirts from different brands, but that could just be solved with extra care and attention come laundry day.

SEE HOONIGAN CENSOR BAR SHIRT FOR $32

Tuned In Tokyo t-shirts

Tuned In Tokyo seems to have stormed onto the car scene with great success, constantly rolling out new designs and becoming increasingly common at auto shows and car meets. For those who love far more elaborate designs, especially those heavily influenced by JDM car culture and Asian-American streetwear, there’s plenty to like about this brand. Just take their reportedly top-notch shirts and prints with a big fat asterisk, as many customers in prior years have reported delays in shipping with minimal updates on when items will be shipped or restocked if backordered. The items have been well-received for quality and aesthetic appeal but are offset by the company’s shaky customer service. However, if you’re willing to play the gamble, know it’d be far-fetching to find other apparel like this elsewhere.

SEE TUNED IN TOKYO STORE

Donut Media t-shirts

In tandem with Hoonigan, Donut Media is now a top-shelf competitor for car merch, catering to dedicated fans of the media brand with self-referencing shirt designs and project car tributes. Suppose you ever wanted shirts and other apparel with catchphrases from that loud dude who taught us about our favorite childhood icons in 10-to-15-minute bursts. In that case, this is your move. An interesting observation with Donut apparel is that my colored Boost Creeps shirt appears to have faded significantly less than my Hoonigan censor bar shirt, so props to whatever materials go in every product. I will say that with Donut merch being self-referential, appeal to non-fans may be limited aside from a few car-specific items, like this EJ boxer engine shirt.

SEE DONUT MEDIA STORE

Car enthusiast gaming

Logitech G923 racing wheel and pedals

The Logitech G923 frequently finds itself on numerous buying guides and “best items” lists for a good reason, likely the same reasons it’s now mentioned here. It’s a damn fine sim wheel setup at a reasonable price, enabling you to get a jump on an eSports career without totally breaking the bank. It’s not specific to a console, enabling its use for both Xbox and Playstation and can be purchased by itself or paired with a manual shifter for added involvement beyond the standard paddle shifters. Other neat tidbits include leather upholstery and metal pedals, a gear-type steering system with force feedback, and programmable launch control. At roughly $350, it’s frequently praised for its strong value, featureful standard equipment list, and robust build quality, even for an alleged “beginner’s” sim wheel setup. 

SEE LOGITECH G923 FOR $350

Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition sim racing cockpit

This Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition aims to deliver a proper experience compared to the simpler, cookie-cutter designs. Yes, it sits at a fairly lofty price point when the more generic setups can ring in at less than half the price. But I’d argue the Playseat Trophy proves its worth through its side bolstering, contoured seat shape, and angled seat bottom, which would better convey the sensation of an actual racing bucket. The adjustable pedal plate allows you to place your legs and feet right where you want them, while its slim profile and small size make it easier to store. Customers acclaim this product for its sturdy build and little-to-no perceivable shake or play, although a few have wished for quicker adjustment methods instead of the standard screw-type adjustments. Users over six feet tall may also find themselves pushing the limits of a comfortable driving position. 

SEE PLAYSEAT TROPHY LOGITECH EDITION FOR $600

Car enthusiast literature

Go Like Hell by A.J. Baime

You’ve probably heard this title tossed around since Ford V. Ferrari dropped in theaters a few years ago. Well, here’s the book that inspired it, based on the same true story of Carroll and Ken versus the world. As expected for having influenced the movie, Go Like Hell has been acclaimed for taking what can easily appear to be an all-business affair between automakers and telling its tale in a way that truly highlights the heroes and villains, bringing to light the motivations, trials, and tribulations behind those involved in one of automotive history’s most iconic legends. 

SEE GO LIKE HELL FOR $36

How To Build A Car by Adrian Newey

A star highlight from Sheilah’s guide to Formula 1 literature, How To Build A Car is a worthwhile read that has seen its fair share of public exposure and discussion. While it does delve into the individuals involved, like Go Like Hell, this book focuses more on the technical know-how that goes into building one of the fastest, most fiercely competitive race cars on the planet. Spoiler alert: it’s not easy. The behind-the-scenes tech dives are often noted as a little hard to digest for those who aren’t as mechanically inclined, but it still makes for a riveting book. And do yourself a favor and buy the physical hardcover copy. It’d look fan-freaking-tastic on your coffee table or desk. 

SEE HOW TO BUILD A CAR FOR $31

Road & Track Crew’s Big & Fast Cars by Dan Bova, R&T editorial team

So. Uh. They say this is for kids. But you bet your ass I want a copy for myself. In keeping with Road & Track’s transition into a glitzier lifestyle magazine in recent years comes some gearhead geekery that the youngins can clamor over. Keep them occupied this winter with over 700 facts and countless photos of the latest and greatest cars, teaching them various facts from how cars have four wheels to what horsepower and engine configurations mean (yes, I’m serious). And it all comes slapped together in a chic manner evocative of the magazine it hails from. Heck, you might even want to borrow it when your kids aren’t looking.

SEE ROAD & TRACK CREW'S BIG & FAST CARS FOR $19