Car Gear We Use: Essential Tools and Perfect Driving Shades

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At Hearst Autos, we're constantly trying out new gear for cars, trucks, and motorcycles and the people who love them. The staffs of Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek are in the trenches week after week to bring you the best in automotive news and information. In the process, we use a lot of stuff.

That includes tools for working on vehicles, aftermarket products for improving them, and the gadgets, tech, cleaners, and accessories that make them more user-friendly.

There's a ton of automotive gear and products out there—and plenty of places to buy it all. But if you haven't tried something yourself, how can you know whether it's worth spending your hard-earned money on? That's why we're sharing our personal recommendations for the car gear and automotive accessories we use and trust.

Here are our picks for the best car gear of the week.

Purpose-Built Driving Sunglasses

I've tried 'em all over the years—Ray-Ban, Randolph, Foster Grants from truck-stop mini-marts, and countless others—but no matter how much my sunglasses cost or how great they look, it's clear now that the best shades for me are ones I can afford to break or lose. Then I tried sunglasses from the Miami-based brand Gresso. These I'm not losing. And so far, I haven't been able to break them.

With bendable titanium frames and straight but snug arms that don't pinch behind my ears, Gresso sunglasses weigh just 16 grams. Mine are by far the lightest pair I've ever worn, and they just might be the most comfortable, making them perfect for driving. And it's the nylon Zeiss lenses, providing stellar optics and 100 percent UV protection, that are the real heroes here.

Alas, luxury does come at a price. I opted for the California frames ($395), classic aviators in black with gradient dark lenses. There are dozens of styles for men and women to choose from. Gresso does eyeglasses as well. Some of the frame styles are a bit too mod for my taste, and the price could be considered prohibitive. But there are plenty of traditional designs too, and with such a wide selection of frames and lens styles, there's bound to be one for everybody.

I never imagined I'd own a pair of luxury shades or care about them so much, and I suppose it's only a matter of time till they disappear or get stepped on. Until then, I plan to look cool as hell behind the wheel. —Jon Langston, senior commerce editor

Buy them at Gresso