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Nifty automotive-themed gifts for a special teen that’s turning 16

By msanger

You knew all along that you were going to surprise your firstborn with a car for their 16th birthday, and, with a lot of hemming and hawing, you finally decided upon a fire-engine red midsized beauty that you know they will simply love. There is so much that goes into gifting your child a car, from a safety inspection to new tires to insurance – the list goes on and on. 

We have put together a collection of supplies that will help make their (and your) transition from training wheels all the way up to car keys a little less worrisome and a lot more fun! Congratulations to you both on this incredible milestone!

There will be times when your new driver will need a second battery in their vehicle. For example, a second battery will come in handy when they need to hook up devices that require power (such as their laptop, phone, or speakers) while the car is off, and don’t want to drain the car battery. That’s where this awesome auxiliary battery wiring kit can make all the difference between an enjoyable excursion and being stuck with a flat car battery when it’s time for them to head home. (What time is curfew again?) This wiring kit can help you to install a second battery in their car that is isolated from the car battery, leaving the car battery to do the job it was intended for – starting the car!
$0 from Amazon

This dashboard cover helps to prolong the life of the dashboard by protecting it against harmful UV rays, heat, dirt, and scratches, and hides existing blemishes. It will also reduce windshield glare. Its design makes it incredibly easy to install: Just put it directly on the dashboard and that’s it! It is custom-tailored to fit the vehicle’s make, model, year, and configuration, and hugs the contours of the dashboard giving the car’s interior a stylish new look. This cover is made from polyester fabric that is sourced from recycled bottles. Please note that this is only compatible with the Nissan Altima Sedan Coupe (2007 – 2012).
$0 from Amazon

Occasionally, it will be necessary for your new driver to add fluids to their car. These funnels will be so handy when the oil is running low or they are out of washer fluid. They come in a three-pack allowing there to be a designated funnel for each type of fluid, preventing what could be disastrous cross-contamination! They are leak-free, barrier-free, and spill-free, and the flexible wide neck allows them to be used at any angle.
$13 from Amazon

Of course, your 16-year-old will want to keep their car clean. In fact, they will probably be so excited about their new set of wheels that their car stays cleaner than their room! These trash cans were specifically made for the car, and were designed for use with plastic grocery bags so there’s no need to purchase separate liners! They have magnetic closures on the lids helping to prevent spills, and even have large mesh pockets on both sides, which provide a spot for storing extra liners or other cleaning supplies.
$0 from Amazon

So many things can affect tire pressure, including time and even temperature. Proper tire pressure ensures that tires wear evenly, helping them to last longer while also making them safer. It can even improve gas mileage! This tire pressure gauge can be used on all types of vehicles, including cars and trucks. It was designed to last a lifetime and is so easy to use. This gauge can give you peace of mind knowing that your teen can check their tire pressure without needing to stop at a gas station or tire repair store. This easy-to-read, accurate gauge comes with a pencil gauge that they can keep on their keychain and a digital guide showing ways to improve their gas mileage.
$0 from Amazon

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As hard as it is to realize that your baby is growing up, sharing the experience of their first car will be a time in life that you both remember forever. With the right preparations, a few special supplies, and a whole lot of faith, this time in life is truly a joyous occasion. While these supplies can help your teen to keep their car a little cleaner and a bit safer, there’s really nothing that can prepare you for the feeling you’ll have watching them drive away for the first time on their own. Maybe we should’ve included a box of tissues on the list!

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