Tested and Trusted: Products and Gear Recommended by Car and Driver

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For most people, a car is one of their most valuable possessions, second only to their home. For auto enthusiasts like ourselves, they're much more than that. They're our mode of transportation and recreation—but also our way of communicating who we are. When it comes to caring for our rides, only the very best products and accessories will do.

That's why we formed the Hearst Autos Gear Team, which comprises experts, testers, and editors from Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices for the special cars in their lives. We won't tell our readers to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something if we haven't.

All the products below have been used in real-world applications, were pitted against their competition in exhaustive tests, and emerged as the best of the best. Not only have they earned the Tested & Trusted badge, but they're also what we ourselves use on our beloved vehicles. That's the most meaningful praise there is.

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Car Care

Keep your ride looking fresh with these preferred car care products.

Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant

This is it—our Best Overall Interior Cleaner choice. The Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant from Chemical Guys actually cleans all interior surfaces and is safe to use on everything including glass and screens. It's got great strength, too, acing our butter test.

The cleaner also doubles as a protectant, meaning it'll shield your dashboard and other interior components from harmful UV rays. The only knock? We aren't a fan of the scent—it's strong. But if that doesn't bother you, you can't go wrong with this choice.

This stuff also doubled down as our top choice for Best Screen Cleaners—so having a bottle around goes a long way.

Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners

Tested: Best Car Screen Cleaners

Black+Decker Dustbuster 16-Volt

Black+Decker's established portable vacuum had zero issues cleaning up all five of our test contaminants. The crevice opening was wide enough to avoid clogs of any sort, and the collection chamber handled it all with ease. Dumping it is a breeze too—without leaving anything stuck around the filter. We also liked the design of the stand-up charging base.

That said, it's not perfect. The battery life is on the low side compared to the other contenders, coming in at just under 10 minutes, and the vacuum is on the loud end.

Despite those drawbacks, we chose the Dustbuster as our Best Overall Car Vacuum for its successful blend of price, performance, and household versatility. For big, chunky messes, this is the car vacuum you'll want.

Tested: Best Car Vacuums

Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner

For strong, no-frills cleaning power, look no further than Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner. We chose it as our second-best car interior cleaner for its simplicity and effectiveness. There's no scent, no residue, and its clear color gives us confidence that it won't stain.

Griot's cleaner took off normal grime with ease and smashed our butter test. The 22-ounce bottle is nice too, and will last you awhile. The only hindrances? It doesn't work on screens or glass and lacks any UV protection. But we're willing to sacrifice that for the fantastic cleaning power.

Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners

Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency Wiper Blades

The Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency is our pick for the best wiper blade. First and foremost, the Rain-X rain repellent is legit. This hydrophobic coating on the blades works very well and improved visibility immediately. We watched beads of water slide right off the windshield, which was especially helpful during light rain.

The Latitude Water Repellency was also quiet, left no streaks, and the price point is attractive. The only knock we have is the locking clasp on the hook-style adapter is very hard to open—we had to pry it with a screwdriver. But hey, that means it'll hold the blade on securely. For excellent wiper blades that won't break the bank, these are the best choice.

Tested: Best Wiper Blades

Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer

For those of us who want a quick, cheap spray to clean our car's interior, Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer does the trick. The cleaner works decently—passing our butter test—and left behind neither streaks nor residue.

It's not as strong as other cleaners on this list, and it has a slight scent. But it does feature a protecting agent to keep surfaces looking clean longer. For a cheap, quick interior cleaner, this is the best budget choice.

The Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer also ranked as the runner-up in our Best Screen Cleaner test. So for a budget-friendly, effective screen cleaner, this is the way to go.

Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners

Tested: Best Car Screen Cleaners

Chemical Guys Nonsense Invisible Super Cleaner

In recent years, Chemical Guys has elevated itself to one of the premier automotive-detailing companies on the market. The Nonsense cleaner is odorless, pH balanced, safe on all surfaces (minus infotainment and gauge clusters), and dries with zero residue. The combination of these traits, in tandem with its high-power stain lifting, makes this cleaner the best all-around car upholstery cleaner.

Tested: Best Car Upholstery Cleaner

Chemical Guys Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon

Chemical Guys Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon lives up to its name. Its adjustable mouth was the largest of all the units we tested and offered the widest spray pattern, with smooth foam that nicely held on to the surface of the vehicle. The metal fittings were sturdy, and while the bottle could probably be a bit wider for a more stable base when placed on the ground, the plastic itself was plenty thick enough. There was minimal leakage when the bottle was tilted upside down, and the 34-ounce bottle holds more than enough soap to get even the largest vehicles foamed up in a single session.

Tested: Best Foam Cannons

Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment

Look, we aren't fuel scientists. But when we use this stuff, bad gas-related things don't happen. A standard eight-ounce bottle treats 48 gallons of gas for up to two years, so one bottle lasts a long time for the likes of motorcycles, ATVs, and lawnmowers. Thanks to the shape of the bottle and the small-diameter spout, Star Tron has no need for a funnel. Got some extra? Pour it in your car. Or leave it on a shelf in the garage. You'll find a use for it.

Car Gear We Use

Black+Decker Pivot 20-Volt

Black+Decker performed well in our tests, as shown by its occupation of the top two spots. Again, the wide-mouthed crevice opening did very well against our five contaminants, but the most attractive feature is the pivot function, hence the name.

The long crevice opening, paired with up to 200 degrees of pivot angle, allows the Black+Decker Pivot to get into typically unaccessible places. Battery life is so-so, coming in at just around 11 minutes, the noise level is pretty average, and dumping the dust is tricky due to a small, cramped collection chamber.

Aside from that, the Pivot does an excellent job cleaning cars quickly, and the pivoting function offers unique angles.

Tested: Best Car Vacuums

3M Glass Cleaner

For the best car glass cleaner, you can't go wrong with this product from 3M. We loved the ease of use and control with the aerosol can, and a combination of cleaning power, speed, and dry feel rocketed this stuff to the top.

Using the can was easy, as the cleaner sprayed out and foamed instantaneously on the window. There were some minor streaks in the first few seconds of wiping, but they evaporated quickly.

3M left behind a slightly grippy dry feel, but that was better than every other non-ceramic option in our test. It's safe on tint and easy to use. This is the product to get to make your windows clean, inside and out.

Tested: Best Car Glass Cleaner

Meguiar's Scratch Eraser Kit

The Meguiar's Scratch Eraser Kit is our choice for the best overall, thanks to its effectiveness, ease of use, and speed. The downside? You need a drill for the scratch eraser pad. But if you have a drill in your toolbox, this is the kit to get.

The process is straightforward: Simply apply some of the scratch remover on the pad in an X shape, use your drill to run the pad back and forth along the scratch, and wipe away the excess with a clean microfiber cloth.

The pad was faster and easier to use—and worked far better—than conventional rub-on scratch removers. If you have a good drill, this is the best kit to get for light scratches on your vehicle.

Tested: Best Car Scratch Removers

Adam's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

Adam's Polishes Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner is our choice for Best Overall car carpet cleaner. It's effective against multiple types of stains, budget-friendly, and easy to use.

For our test, it cleaned up both mud and wine stains with ease, leaving behind little to no residue. It wasn't horribly messy to use and dried quite quickly. Our team agreed that the fruity scent was pleasant and far better than some of the other cleaners' smells. However, we know this is subjective; some folks might not want their interior smelling like that.

For an effective, excellent carpet cleaner for your car, this is the one to get.

Tested: Best Car Carpet Cleaners

Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All

This is our favorite waterless car wash product. It not only cleans efficiently but also leaves a smooth, shiny, just-waxed look, and it's reasonably priced. Our photographer noted that this bottle also had the strongest and widest spray nozzle. The smell was pleasant but not overwhelming.

Tested: Best Waterless Car Wash Products

Trico Flex Wiper Blades

For cheaper wipers that still perform, the Trico Flex did very well during our testing. They lack any sort of rain repellent but remove water well regardless. We didn't see any streaking or chattering, and installation was quite easy.

The Flex wiper blades lack any sort of locking clasp, but we didn't notice any looseness during operation. For the price, you're getting a solid, no-frills wiper blade that'll adequately remove water from your windshield.

Tested: Best Wiper Blades

Weiman Leather Cleaner

This Weiman Leather Cleaner is the real deal—ranked as Best Overall in our leather-cleaner test. A combination of performance and post-cleaning feel boosted this bottle to the top.

It features three important aspects any good leather-care product must possess: cleaning, conditioning, and protecting. And our testing proved it. Not only did it clean well, this cleaner had the seat feeling supple and healthy after just a minute of use. There was no residue post-cleaning, yet a slight shine remained.

For the best way to get your vehicle's leather seats looking and feeling like new, this is our top pick.

Tested: Best Car Leather Cleaners

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Vacuum

Milwaukee really makes everything these days, so we had to try the Milwaukee M18 Cordless Vacuum. Right off the bat, you're looking at the winner of our battery-life test—the M18 RedLithium XC5.0 beating all of the contenders with a healthy 23-minute, 24-second time.

The collection chamber is nice and large, and emptying it is simple. The vacuum doesn't produce that much noise either—but the crevice attachment is sadly skinny, and it struggled against Cheerios and Cheez-Its.

The other knock is you'll need Milwaukee's proprietary M18 battery and charger, sold separately. But if you already have other Milwaukee M18 tools, the battery works with this vacuum like a charm. For a long cleaning session, this is the way to go.

Tested: Best Car Vacuums

Relentless Drive Car Wash Kit

If you're starting from the ground up and need an all-in-one kit on a budget, you won't find a better solution than the Relentless Drive Ultimate Car Wash Kit. This 20-piece kit includes nearly every tool, accessory, and cleaner you'll need to make your car look good as new.

Of all the kits we evaluated, Relentless Drive's had the largest selection of cleaning tools and accessories, including a microfiber air-vent cleaner and cleaning gel, which works like Silly Putty to pick up dirt and dust in hard-to-clean spaces.

Each of the cleaning chemicals comes in a 16-ounce bottle, each with its own spray nozzle. Relentless Drive also includes a 3.5-gallon bucket that collapses when not in use. No heavy-duty wax or polish is included, but the package has everything you need to get your car sparkling inside and outside.

Unboxed: Best Car Cleaning Kits

FurZapper Glove

Can't get that pesky pet hair off your vehicle's seats? There's a simple solution. It's called the FurZapper Glove, and it does exactly what it says. It fits on either hand and is covered on both sides with more than 2000 soft, durable silicone tips that grab pet hair and pull it away from your car's interior. The waterproof glove collects all the hair, which can then be peeled off and disposed of. Finally, just rinse the glove off with some water and it's ready for the next cleaning spree.

Car Gear We Use

Tools

DIY-er? These choice tools will help you tackle any project you’re taking on.

Makita XWT08T 18V LXT

If you want serious, unbridled power from your 1/2-inch cordless impact wrench, this Makita is the one to get. Boasting both tightening and loosening torque measurements over 850 foot-pounds, it produces plenty of power for your automotive dirty work.

That power comes with additional weight—it was the heaviest of the bunch, actually. We noted that it felt balanced regardless and was more of a strain on our forearms than our wrists. The Makita hardly broke a sweat removing an axle nut, and the objective torque readings back it up.

Tested: Best Cordless Impact Wrenches

Avid Power Pistol Grip Tire Inflator

If we were shopping for a portable tire inflator to keep in our car, we'd probably pick the Avid Power Cordless. It retails for just under a hundred bucks—but almost always seems to be on sale. Further, we lose tiny parts all the time, so the inclusion of a backup of each type of inflation attachment is appreciated.

The alternate on-the-go power option is a clear advantage to carrying a spare battery—let alone keeping the unit fully charged. Add in the faster inflation time, plus the battery's USB port (for charging phones and such), and our choice for Best Overall Tire Inflator turned out to be a pretty easy call.

Tested: Best Portable Tire Inflators

Ancel BD310

The Ancel BD310 is our choice as the Best Display OBD-II Scanner for Home Use. We loved the scanner's happy medium between corded and Bluetooth capabilities and felt the app's interface was excellent.

It's a unique scanner, as you can use it with just the corded interface or connect it via Bluetooth and use the free app to access more data, diagnostic resources, and performance testing.

The BD310 was quick to connect and display codes, and it provided many of the perks of expensive scanners while staying affordable.

Tested: Best OBD-II Scanners

Low-Pro Aluminum Racing Jack

If you're looking for low, light, and long-lasting, the trusty Pittsburgh Low-Profile Aluminum Racing Jack may be just what you're looking for. The low-profile design is specifically tailored for vehicles with minimal ground clearance, making it a great choice for racing enthusiasts or low-profile vehicle owners.

What really made this traditional floor jack distinct from the others was the aluminum material used. Weighing in at 63 pounds—24 pounds less than the next size up—makes all the difference in maneuverability and portability.

Tested: Best Car Jacks

Clore Automotive JNC325 Portable Jump Starter

The Jump-N-Carry JNC325 is our choice for Best Overall Portable Jump Starter. We were impressed by the 24-inch cable length, the ease of use, and solid specs all across the board. The JNC325 features just two easy buttons: power and override. It comes with a soft carrying case that can store the cables, jumper, and charging cords.

The JNC325 boasts enough power to start just about any consumer vehicle on the road, is compact enough to store in the trunk, and features the specs you need to jump a vehicle anywhere, anytime. That's why it's our pick for the best portable jump starter.

Tested: Best Portable Jump Starters

Omega Z-Creeper

For excellent versatility, look no further than the Omega Z-Creeper. Via a series of pins and locks, the Z-Creeper can transform into both an upright chair and a stool—meaning you'll have mobility working on just about any job alongside or under the vehicle.

Now, this isn't the only creeper we tested with these versatile options, but it was the best. Ranking toward the top of our comfort test and plowing through loose nuts and bolts with ease, the Z-Creeper is our pick for the Best Folding Creeper.

Tested: Best Mechanic's Creepers for 2023

Catstrap

For a simple and intuitive installation, the Catstrap is a great catalytic converter protection option. Picture it like ketchup on a hot dog—a rugged yet flexible orange warning strap that runs along the length of the exhaust system. It's secured by four clamps, stainless-steel zipties, and a heat-activated adhesive.

Three layers of hardened steel make up the middle of the band, and foil any robbery attempt. Overall, the combination of an orange exterior, heat-activated adhesive, and hardened steel strips created the ultimate trifecta of protection. With the Catstrap installed, even the boldest of thieves would surely think twice.

Catalytic Converter Protection Test

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro

There are definitely perks to Bluetooth OBD-II scanners, and the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro is our pick for the best. Featuring an intuitive, easy-to-use app and some helpful diagnostic direction, we applaud this tiny little scanner.

It took a bit longer to set up the BlueDriver initially, but once we were in, it was a gold mine. The tile-style interface was exceptionally easy to use, and we had no issues finding codes, tests, and other data.

Tested: Best OBD-II Scanners for 2023

Adam's Polishes Swirl Killer

Adam's Swirl Killer is robust but also comfortable and ergonomic. When running the 9mm Swirl Killer on our car hood—it also comes in 12-, 15-, and 21-inch versions—the concave rubber handhold did an excellent job of reducing vibrations. Besides the vibration reduction, the rubber sleeves and handholds protected the Swirl Killer during our drop test.

Adam's Swirl Killer comes with a five-inch backing pad and is compatible with any five-inch hook-and-loop pad or bonnet. But, whew! Was that sticky fabric STRONG! Because of these excellent features, we placed the Adam's Polishes Swirl Killer right at the top of our best car buffers list.

Tested: Best Car Buffers

Toolbox Wrench Organizers

There's one habit all garage warriors should learn: keep a well-organized toolbox. That's why we spring for organizers like these Ernst Manufacturing wrench organizers. These silly chunks of made-in-America plastic help us quickly grab whatever wrench we need and let us know that we didn't leave a straggler behind in an engine bay. Best of all, they reduce the stress of having to quickly find a wrench that's buried under a sea of other tools.

Car Gear We Use

Ryobi ONE+ PCL265K1

The Ryobi surprised us a bit with its performance and price ratio. No, it's not built to produce 700 foot-pounds of torque—but it's not priced that way, either. With a respectable loosening torque reading, it'll tackle all but the most difficult jobs on your car.

We liked the grip feel and balance of the tool, and its low weight relieved some strain. While the objective numbers were lower than most, it still removed an axle nut with ease. For an entry-level 1/2-inch impact wrench, it's tough to beat this Ryobi.

Tested: Best Cordless Impact Wrenches

RhinoRamp MAX

With their 13-inch width and 8,000-pound-per-pair rating, we're hard-pressed to think of a truck and tire combo that doesn't fit within these specs, which is why we chose the RhinoRamp MAX as our pick for the Best Ramps for Trucks.

Gripping proved supreme, with a diamond-plate pattern on the ramp and a rubber footing at the front that held the base secure as we drove up the 17-degree angle of rise. There was a slight flex in the ramps, but that's due to the clever pliable plating design, which distributes weight as the vehicle drives up the ramp. They nest together, too—which is a handy way to store the ramps in your garage.

Tested: The Best Car Ramps for 2023

Lang Thread Restorer Kit

We know how corroded or damaged threads can turn a simple task into a nightmare. If you can't easily replace the hardware, it becomes an even bigger nightmare. The quickest and most affordable solution is to repair whatever threads you can and keep your workflow intact. This Lang Thread Restorer Kit has just about everything you need to help get yourself out of trouble. While this is a newer addition to the toolbox, it makes life easier, and keep the taps and dies stored until we need to cut new threads.

Car Gear We Use

Race Ramps RR-56

For lower-profile cars, the Race Ramps RR-56 model is our top pick. The 10.8-degree angle of approach is ideal for low front spoilers, and our Volkswagen GTI test car climbed them without even a moment of fear about the 6.5-inch clearance.

As soon as these came out of the box, we were impressed with the high-density foam material, topped with a rugged anti-slip coating. When an item is 56 inches long, a claimed 10 pounds per ramp seems almost unreal. But our scales proved that true. These are a must-have for low vehicles.

Tested: The Best Car Ramps for 2023

NOCO Genius 1

The NOCO Genius 1 employs a lower 1.0-amp setting to begin a slow, steady charge. It's designed to work with the gamut of battery options—regular lead-acid, AGM, and lithium. Navigating the mode selection button provided a satisfying tactile feel when cycling through options. The bright white LED display made setup a breeze. And once the battery began charging, the pulsing red light indicating charging was underway added a hypnotic quality.

NOCO seems focused on delivering an effective, user-friendly charger, and to that end, the company nailed it with the Genius 1.

Tested: Best Car Battery Chargers

Porter-Cable Angle Grinder

If we made a list for the most versatile and affordable tools, the trusty angle grinder would definitely be included. Although it can be intimidating as the single-speed motor roars to life at 12,000 rpm, it proves to be the ultimate workhorse for cutting, paint removal, sanding, sharpening, and more.

Pick a corded one like this Porter-Cable model, as battery-powered versions generally spin slower and may limit your work time on a big project. Pro tip: Attach the proprietary wrench to the power cord, otherwise it will disappear.

Car Gear We Use

AT84007R

Unless your vehicle is a military-grade tank, you'd be hard-pressed to find a car in your fleet that the Big Red can't lift. The Big Red has an impressive weight capacity of up to 8000 pounds, and that shows with its heavy-duty steel frame and reinforced lift arm.

Something we also liked about the Big Red is that, though it is not advertised as a low-profile jack, it could feasibly be used for lower-profile vehicles. With a low, low height of 3.8 inches on its lowest setting and a max lift height of 20.5 inches, the lifting range is versatile enough for a variety of cars and strong enough to handle the heaviest of the lot.

Tested: Best Car Jacks

Lisle Spill-Free Funnel

A spill-free funnel is the best solution to avoiding messy coolant refills. The Lisle Spill-Free Funnel comes with four caps, five adapters, and a stopper, allowing you to prefill the funnel and safely transfer any leftover coolant to an overflow or empty bottle. The four cap styles cover a large swath of common radiators, and the adapters help you put the funnel in the right spot. The cap holds the funnel upright, placing it at the highest point in the system to help massage air out of the nooks and crannies. It's a low-budget solution to a high-pressure headache.

Car Gear We Use

Solary Magnetic Induction Heater Kit

If you’re turning wrenches in the Rust Belt, the Solary Magnetic Induction Heater Kit can be your best friend. Instead of taking a blow torch to every third rusty and seized bolt, we reach for the induction heater kit instead. These little machines can get the job done with precision and speed most Midwest techs only dream of. Rusty-suspension woes, begone!

This particular kit is on the lower end of the Solary spectrum, where prices go as high as $900. But believe us when we say that this unit is enough to save you a few frustrating afternoons trying to release that rusty bolt from its home.

Car Gear We Use

Home & Garage

These are your sanctuaries; fill them with only the best products.

ChargePoint Home Flex Electric Vehicle Charger

With this ChargePoint, you can add your vehicle in the app, which tailors the percentage of the battery replenished and number of EPA miles added to your specific vehicle. We found the app to be very user-friendly, with the best displays for charge-rate graphs, and it also shows the total charge time and total energy output during each charge. Furthermore, it offers the ability to schedule charging times to take advantage of variable-cost electricity during off-peak hours (most EVs also allow this to be configured in their settings menu).

The ChargePoint app has the most nuanced cost tracking, allowing us to select from among dozens of possible rate plans from our local utility to pinpoint the actual cost of charging down to the penny, even when on a variable rate. We also appreciate the simplicity of the built-in notch at the top of the unit to wrap the cord around and that the plug latches onto its dock in the center; many other units require mounting a second cord-management device.

Tested: Best Home EV Chargers

Stanley 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Stanley 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is the best choice for your typical garage. The six-gallon capacity strikes an excellent balance between size and storage, and the price won't break the bank.

It performed fairly well against most contaminants but struggled with the largest mulch pieces. Aside from that, we loved how easy it was to move around, the low noise level, and its attractive price point. If you're in the market for a medium wet/dry shop vacuum, this is the one to get.

Tested: Best Shop Vacs

Graco Graco 4Ever DLX

While a convertible car seat will last a few years, an all-in-one might be the only child car seat you'll ever need. The Good Housekeeping Institute found that this Graco 4Ever DLX car seat "transitions from a rear-facing car seat to forward-facing car seat to high-back booster to backless booster, allowing your child to fully utilize the 10-year life span of the product. Our experts love that it installs easily with LATCH and is highly adjustable with a 10-position headrest, six-position recline, and a no-rethread harness. It also comes with two cupholders and machine-washable seat pads."

Tested: The Best Child Car Seats, as Chosen by Experts

Emporia EV Charger

Emporia's vast electricity-tracking universe is integrated into Emporia's app, including the ability to link your EV to the app through the Smartcar API. But if you're just using the EV charging equipment, navigating around all of these unused areas makes the app seem overly complex.

Otherwise, this is an impressive Wi-Fi-connected entry at a price hundreds of dollars less than the competition. The 11.5-kW-output capability is at the high end, and short of a couple of features, such as using a specific vehicle to estimate the miles or battery percentage gained, the Emporia has just about everything, including detailed electricity pricing using your actual utility plan.

Tested: Best Home EV Chargers

Big Floors GarageTrac Diamond

To truly transform the look and feel of your garage, you'll need something beefy, like Big Floors' GarageTrac flooring. Sets of these one-square-foot tiles come in packs of 12, 24, and 48 with a wide array of color choices—meaning you can really get creative with your designs; checkers are a popular idea.

Installation is straightforward, but it takes a few times to get the click-and-connect method down (we used a rubber mallet to tap them together). The tiles are made with a copolymer and are rated to withstand 40,000 rolling pounds. Once they're installed, they'll be there for a while.

Tested: Best Garage Flooring

Igloo 28-Quart Thermoelectric Hot/Cold Cooler

For most of us, this 28-quart cooler from Igloo nailed the sweet spot. The thermoelectric powerplant provides cooling power to 36 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature and can also heat the inside up to 136 degrees Fahrenheit. This flexibility allows you to keep cold things cold and hot things hot. It's the best of both worlds.

The Igloo lacks a freezer function, but the attractive price point reflects that. The small size is perfect for road trippers and truckers—it fits just about anywhere in the vehicle. We wish it had an alternate power source besides its 12-volt cig-lighter plug, but there are plenty of affordable DC to AC adapters available at Amazon.

Tested: Best Electric Coolers

Decked Pickup Truck Storage System

This Pickup Truck Storage System offers the benefits of a hard tonneau (lockable, weatherproof, out-of-sight storage) along with slide-out drawers to organize gear while retaining the ability to haul large, heavy items. That's because the deck isn’t flush with the top of the bed, like a tonneau. It sits lower and is designed to support 2000 pounds, so you can load gear in the drawers and still park your Yamaha Banshee on top.

Overall, the Decked system is a well-thought-out, well-executed solution to the trade-offs imposed by pickup beds. Once you see it in action, you wonder why truck beds aren’t designed like this in the first place.

Review: Decked Drawers Pickup Truck Bed Storage System

Craftsman 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you're looking for a wet/dry vacuum for a job site or other large-mess areas, Craftsman's option is excellent. The 16-gallon behemoth was unstoppable on our suction test, guzzling everything in its path. The vacuum rolls around nicely, and a unique hose design with more flexible sections on each end allows for superior usability. Attachments include a nice squeegee-like wet nozzle to aid in liquid pickups.

The one drawback is storing this beast, but Craftsman does offer a 12-gallon option. And if you need something larger, a 20-gallon vacuum exists too. For us, the 16-gallon hits the sweet spot and is our choice for the best wet/dry shop vac for big messes.

Tested: Best Shop Vacs

Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer

If you're here to buy a pressure washer for washing your vehicle, this Craftsman CMEPW2100 power washer is the best one we tested. It takes the cake thanks to a psi range that covers all but the most challenging jobs. We liked how the sprayer felt, and all additional parts are stored easily on the unit itself.

The CMEPW2100 is also one of the quietest pressure washers we tested, which is nice for extended use. This didn't affect the pressures though, as we recorded respectable psi readings for an electric option. Because of its car-friendly pressures, portability, and ease of use, this Craftsman is our pick for the Best Pressure Washer for Vehicles.

Tested: Best Pressure Washers

Mr. Heater Big Buddy

The Mr. Heater Big Buddy Portable Propane Heater is a compact yet powerful heater capable of warming up to 450 square feet with its maximum 18,000 BTU output. It's lightweight, easy to use, portable, and doesn't require batteries or cords.

The unit can run on one or two 1-pound propane tanks, or it can be hooked up to larger tanks with a separate hose and filter. When operated properly, the Big Buddy is safe to use indoors and, for extra reassurance, the unit has three safety systems: an emergency low-oxygen safety system, a tip-over switch, and a thermal shut-down system.

Tested: Best Garage Heaters for 2023

BRITAX Boulevard ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar

The Britax Boulevard ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar was Good Housekeeping's pick for the best convertible car seat. The team's findings about the Britax: "The higher height and weight limits allowed kids to stay rear-facing longer, which the American Pediatric Association advises for increased safety." Convertible car seats can accommodate young children well into toddlerhood. They're more expensive, but most parents believe they're worth it. Because the seats "grow" with your child, you won't have to size up just because your child did.

Tested: The Best Child Car Seats, as Chosen by Experts

DeWalt 68,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater

If you want a fast and versatile propane heater for your garage, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better option than DeWalt's DXH70CFAV. This machine offers a range of output and can be powered by either a standard 120-volt wall socket or a DeWalt MAX 20V battery, making it one of the more versatile units we tested.

The outlet (or battery) is used to power the initial spark and the integrated fan, which pumps propane-powered out heat at an impressive rate, especially at full strength. Even at lower output levels, this unit would have no problem heating up a two-car garage (~360 square feet), and at higher levels, you could likely keep a small barn toasty if you give it twenty minutes to heat up.

Tested: Best Garage Heaters for 2023

Adjustable Wall-Mount Tire Rack

The key to garage organization is getting things off the floor and using vacant wall or overhead space. This MaxxHaul Folding Adjustable Tire Rack is great for keeping things tidy.

Tire racks are great for storing winter tires out of the way during the warmer months, as well as performance tires for track or competition use. These racks must be mounted to wall studs, so do some planning before you start drilling holes. And watch that garage door! Make sure your new rack isn't in its way when it opens.

Car Gear We Use

Apparel

You’re an auto-obsessed road warrior? Look the part!

American Optical Original Pilot

American Optical's Original Pilot sunglasses succeed in every category in our test. They might not be the best in any one category, but combined they become the perfect companion for your eyes on the road. They're comfortable and avoid putting pressure in the wrong spots. We recommend the bayonet temples, which help keep the shades in place and allow for easy on and off.

Style is self-explanatory, having been used by the likes of Apollo 11 crew members and Bruce Springsteen, to name just a few. Truly iconic. The polarized lenses registered at 224.4 Lux in our light test, and the emerald tint accents ambers and greens while dulling the light pleasantly.

Tested: Driving Sunglasses for Road Trips

Timex Weekender Chronograph

We love the clean look and value of the Timex Weekender. If you're not a fan of the blue/leather combo, there's a solid selection of face and strap colors to choose from through the Timex storefront on Amazon. The Weekender is a fantastic choice for daily use and can handle the distress of a weekend wrench sesh. Eagle-eyed readers might notice a green/leather Weekender on the wrist of a Gear Team tester—it's his recommendation that landed this watch here.

Chicane Racing Men's Speedster

When considering a driving shoe for spiriting motoring, you want a firm sole and narrow profile for maximum feel and control on the brake and throttle pedals. The Chicane Speedsters offer that and more. We liked the everyday wearability, and the pair is plenty comfortable for a day of wandering the paddock or a post-drive restaurant break when you're not at the wheel. If black shoes aren't your cup of tea, they're also available in blue and red. And for more track-focused footwear, we also really enjoyed Chicane's more high-performance racing shoes.

Review: Chicane Racing Shoes

Gresso California Titanium Sunglasses

With bendable titanium frames and straight but snug arms that don't pinch behind the ears, these superb sunglasses from Miami-based Gresso weigh just 16 grams. The combination of lightness and comfort make 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. We opted for the California frames, classic aviators in black with gradient dark lenses. A few of the frame styles are a bit too mod for some, but there are plenty of traditional designs too. With such a wide selection of frames and lens styles, there's bound to be one for everybody.

Car Gear We Use

Flying Eyes Optics Hawk Sunglasses

Flying Eyes was started by a pilot who wanted sunglasses that would fit comfortably under the headset he wore while at the controls. They're great for race-car drivers, motorcyclists—anyone who wears a helmet. The arms are flat and slide right between your head and ear pads. On a daylong ride, you definitely don't want sunglasses that grind and slice into your ear or cranium.

Car Gear We Use

TCX Staten WP Boots

Chelsea boots first became popular back in the Swingin' London scene of the 60s. The Australian brand Blundstone gave its elastic-shanked boots Chelsea style but with a chunky sole, rugged construction, and, most of all, comfort through the roof, turning Chelseas from a mod fashion statement into a modern everyday boot for everyone from hipsters to mechanics. Now, Italian boot manufacturer TCX has released its own version of a motorcycle boot inspired by that rugged-yet-comfortable design, with steel toes, ankle shanks, non-slip soles, and other rider-friendly features including a waterproof internal membrane to keep feet dry. On or off the bike, these Staten WP ("waterproof) riding boots might be just as comfortable as Blunnies, and the zippered inside closure makes them even more functional for motorcyclists.

Prada SPS 02X

Who would've thought a pair of Prada sunglasses would make it to our Favorite Driving Sunglasses list? We were pleasantly surprised by the performance and comfort of these shades, and it was one of our most-worn pairs during testing. The SPS 02X felt very light and durable, with a dose of strength that seemed to hug behind the ears ever so gently.

Stylistically, you can't go wrong with a boxy pair of shades, and if it weren't for the Prada logo along the arms, you might assume they were generic. They ranked No. 3 overall in our light-test list, registering at 149.9 Lux—and the lenses offered good coverage, blocking out light in all but the farthest corners of our peripheral vision.

Tested: Driving Sunglasses for Road Trips

Books

Automotive passion doesn't end when the car is parked. Keep these by your bedside.

Taschen Ultimate Collector Cars

Ultimate Collector Cars is the most captivating, current, and comprehensive source for the most desirable cars ever to roam the earth. Ranging from the 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 40 HP to the 2020 McLaren Speedtail, the book covers every important automotive era.

The two volumes—which require real strength to extract from the shipping box—come in a sturdy shell that holds them together as a nice display. Volume 1 spans 1903 to 1959, while Volume 2 covers 1960 to 2020. As you flip through the glossy, sleek pages sporting countless full-spread colored photographs, you'll learn facts and tidbits along with the history of each vehicle.

If you—and by you, we mean your arm muscles—can handle the weight, Ultimate Collector Cars is a must-own for anyone interested in the historical significance of the world's greatest cars.

The Ultimate Coffee Table Book about Collector Cars Is Here

Road & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars

If your car-loving child is looking for a new form of entertainment, don't get something for a screen—get something with pages. Road & Track Crew's latest book offers hours of engagement with a plethora of fun facts (701 to be exact!), tidbits, and, of course, amazing vehicles.

Also nestled between the covers are interviews with high-profile people in the car world, including race-car drivers, celebrities, and Hot Wheels designers. And if you want to see who owns some sweet car collections, look no further. Big & Fast Cars: 701 Totally Amazing Facts! peeks into the garages of The Rock, Lady Gaga, Guy Fieri, and more.

Road & Track Crew's Latest Book Is a Car Lover's Encyclopedia

Electronics

The latest tech will ensure you have the safest, smoothest journey possible.

SuperOne 150W Power Inverter

For a light-duty power inverter that does a little bit of everything, the SuperOne 150W is our pick. Featuring two USB, one AC, and two cigarette lighter–style ports, there's room for a host of different gadgets. The cupholder design is nice, but only if you have the room to spare (a road-trip beverage is the priority, right?).

It's rated for 150 watts, which might not sound like a whole lot but is enough for most electronic devices necessary for a pleasant family road trip. Because of its versatility, it's our pick for the Best Light-Duty Power Inverter.

Tested: Best Power Inverters

iOttie Wireless-Charging Cupholder Car Mount

This cupholder mount from iOttie features wireless charging and automatic clamping on the phone. When inserted into a cupholder, a simple expansion mechanism keeps it secure on the road. While these only really work in vehicles with raised cupholders, like trucks, it's a fantastic choice at an affordable price.

Tested: Best Car Phone Mounts

JuiceBox 40 Smart Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station with WiFi

The JuiceBox ranks as one of the most feature-rich, Wi-Fi-enabled Level 2 chargers. In addition to the 40-amp version that we tested, there's a 48-amp version, or a 32-amp version that costs slightly less. The JuiceBox provides detailed energy output and charge time for each charging session, various adjustable notifications, and the ability to set up customized charge times to take advantage of differing electricity pricing.

Tested: Best Home EV Chargers

Rove R2-4K Dash Cam

You could spend hundreds of dollars on a dashcam, or you can spend tens. This one falls near the middle, which means it's full of features but won't cost the equivalent of a car payment. Its ultra-HD camera can capture images up to 2160-pixel resolution, and the built-in Wi-Fi and GPS can track your route on the free Rove app or on Google Maps. It has a 150-degree wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture, plus parking-mode, motion-detection, g-sensor, loop-cycle-recording, emergency-lock, time-lapse, and slow-motion capabilities.

Best Dash Cams

Energizer 500W Power Inverter

If you need a power inverter for higher-draw devices, we recommend the Energizer 500W. With the ability to plug into your vehicle's cigarette-lighter port and connect directly to the battery, it offers a few more options. On the inverter, there are four USB ports and two AC outlets to choose from, so there's room for everyone.

To utilize the full 500-watt rating, you'll need to connect it directly to your vehicle's battery with the included alligator clamps. Because of the six plug options and internal protection, this is our pick for the Best Power Inverter for Higher-Draw Devices.

Tested: Best Power Inverters

Sandmarc Active Wireless Car Mount

Sandmarc's vent phone mount features a top-notch vent grip with an adjustable knob, and the internal magnet is strong. It looks sharp and features a braided cord, which is helpful to prevent tangles. However, it does not come with a cigarette-lighter adapter—it's only compatible with a USB-C connection. If you want more magnet strength, you'll have to purchase a sticky magnet for the back of your phone separately.

Tested: Best Car Phone Mounts

Bouncie

Bouncie's effortless UX makes it our choice for the Best Overall GPS Tracker. Boasting a true plug-and-play setup, activating the device took mere moments. With a range of alert options like impact detection, curfew, and erratic driving, it was clear Bouncie is a company that has given sincere thought to what a typical person is looking for in a GPS tracker.

The real star was its intuitive, easy-to-use app, which displays fuel levels, engine and battery health, and vehicle specs—it even features a space for insurance details. This factor pushed it to the top in our testing.

Tested: Best Car GPS Trackers for 2023

Belkin Universal Car Mount

For a fantastic budget-friendly window/dash phone mount, this is the one we like the best. Belkin's Universal Car Mount boasts a suction cup that is both easy to attach and remove. The head then telescopes for easy adjustment to get your phone facing the proper direction. The best part? It's extremely affordable, which comes with a caveat—there are no fancy frills. It simply holds your phone securely, which is all we need.

Tested: Best Car Phone Mounts

Toys & Video Games

These are definitely not for kids only. Have some car-crazed fun!

Forza Motorsport 4

This is it. The best Forza game of all time. The cars handle better than ever, look more detailed than ever, and sound like a symphony of combustion. Add the Top Gear integration with the tracks and various narrations by Jeremy, James, and Richard, and Forza Motorsport 4 features the best aspects we look for in racing games. This is a must-own for any car guy or girl; we don't even care if you have a 360 or not. Put it on a shelf and bathe in its glory, we command thee.

Ranked: Every 'Forza' Game for Xbox

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 delivered improvements we didn't even know we needed from the previous iteration. Stunning blooms of color, vast swaths of varying terrain to explore, and a staggering car list combines to offer an accessible, yet addicting open-world racer. The one thing that keeps it from our top spot is somewhat subjective: it's missing a splash of personal magic. There's almost too much to conquer, too much to see—and can feel somewhat overwhelming at times. Is that a bad thing in an open-world game? Not necessarily. If that's the only knock on the game, we'll gladly take it.

Ranked: Every 'Forza' Game for Xbox

Logitec G29 Gaming Racing Wheel (PS5/PS4/PS3)

The G29 racing wheel is the perfect blend of performance and affordability. Our experts love this wheel and its realistic dual-motor force feedback system. The pedals deserve praise, too—the gas pedal is smooth, the brake pedal is resistant, and the clutch feels strong. The Logitech G923 is nearly identical, but compatible with Xbox. This is the wheel to get, say our experts.

Experts Recommend These Racing Wheels for Gaming

Lego Porsche 911

This is a masterful Lego set. The smooth, accurate silhouette comprises clean pieces that sculpt the 911's iconic curves expertly, and any skeletal structure is hidden beneath the pearly exterior.

This set also offers two building options: Turbo and Targa. The Turbo comes with the classic whale tail, wide rear stance, and an extra snail that nests in the engine compartment. The Targa features the iconic removable top, fixed roll bar, and smooth bodywork. Either variant is gorgeously replicated by Lego—the hardest part is deciding which one you'll build first.

Tested: Three of Lego's Newest Vehicle Sets

Track Accessories

Stay safe and have a blast at the track with these editor favorites.

Simpson Hybrid S Safety Device

For a few years now, Simpson has marketed a device called the Hybrid S, which meets all the same safety standards as a HANS. Unlike a HANS, the Hybrid S doesn't need to be held down by shoulder belts, instead anchoring around the torso.

GM has mandated these for track testing for a few years now, and we just started using them as well. At nearly $1200, the Hybrid S isn't cheap, though it's a small price to pay for safety. We think it's essential for anyone tracking their road car.

Car Gear We Use

Why Trust Us?

Car and Driver and its sibling brands at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team doesn't need to worry about getting clicks or padding our coffers. Gear Team picks and recommendations are based on testing and knowledge, not hype. We won't tell our readers to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something if we haven't.

These tests were conducted in an environment that provided equal opportunity for each product to shine: the Car and Driver garage. We use and evaluate each item thoroughly, on its own merits and without bias, often against its competition, to discover which ones perform the best. Upon tallying up our findings, we agreed that our tests were fair, legitimate, and provide the most complete information for our readers.

Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here.

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