Auto Express summer essentials gift guide

It may not feel like it right now, but summer's here, and if you’re in need of the ideal present for a passionate petrolhead then we’ve got it covered.

We have a great selection of gift ideas to suit all budgets, featuring everything from tools to dash cams and the latest cool boxes that are perfect for a road trip adventure.

Take a look below for some inspiration...

BUNKER Cool Boxes

BUNKER Cool Boxes by Draper Tools are built for adventure, keeping your food and drinks ice-cold - wherever the road takes you. Available in three sizes (18L, 42L and 66L), there’s a BUNKER that’s perfect for any road trip, festival, or day spent trackside watching your favourite motorsport. Boasting impressive insulation and a rugged build, these cool boxes won’t let you down; the non-slip feet prevent the box from sliding around and there are tie-down anchor points for securing to a boat or trailer. So pack your BUNKER, fire up the engine, and get ready for an epic summer!

Price: From £149.99

Visit: bunkerstorage.com

Bilt Hamber Double Speed-Wax

After you’ve finished meticulously cleaning your car, it’s important to make sure your hard work doesn’t go to waste. That’s why a premium wax is a vital part of any home-detailing kit - providing a layer of protection over the paint finish while also giving a glossy shine. Bilt Hamber’s Double Speed-Wax is an award-winner that’s both water-repellent and detergent-resistant, producing impressive, long-lasting results. It’s better value than the more expensive paste waxes, too, with Double Speed-Wax coming in at £16.95 for a 250ml tin that also includes an applicator pad and a microfibre cloth.

Price: £16.95

Visit: bilthamber.com/product/double-speed-wax

Pioneer SPH-DA77DAB

Upgrade your car’s onboard infotainment system with a multimedia player from Pioneer. The Mechafree 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via your smartphone, along with WebLink® USB mirroring. A space saving chassis design allows easy installation for a wide range of vehicles, while you’ll benefit from DAB+ digital radio and a 13-band equaliser that provides premium sound quality. Plus, there's the in-built convenience of Bluetooth technology for connecting your audio and hands free calls.

Price: £419

Visit: pioneer-car.eu/uk/products/sph-da77dab

AlcoSense Elite 3 Breathalyser

The AlcoSense Elite 3 breathalyser provides results that can be trusted, helping you accurately check you’re safe to drive the morning after. The unit works via a premium 28mm2 semi-conductor sensor, providing a reading that goes down to two decimal places delivered in just a few seconds. This is combined with clear colour coding - green, amber and red. A memory recall function makes it easy to check the previous nine results, while the Elite 3 can be set to any limit used in the UK and Ireland. The unit is also discreet and pocket-sized, so it can be taken anywhere.

Price: £69.99

Visit: alcosense.co.uk/elite3

Nextbase 522GW Limited Edition Bundle

Stay protected on the roads this summer with the award-winning 522GW Limited Edition Bundle. The award-winning 522GW dash cam comes with 1440p Quad HD recording, a 140-degree viewing angle and an inbuilt polarising filter to dramatically reduce windscreen glare and reflection, offering crystal clear footage. Plus, the 522GW comes packed with extra features including GPS, Emergency SOS and Alexa Voice Control, while connectivity features include Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi to automatically send any footage to your smartphone. The 522GW LEB includes a wired rear window camera, plus a carry case and 32GB micro SD card; available exclusively from Halfords for £219, with a handy £50 saving. Off er available from 26th June – 19th August.

Price: Available at Halfords.co.uk for £219, save £50

Visit: halfords.co.uk

GYEON Q2M Bug&Grime and Q2M QuickDetailer

Summer car trips are great fun. That is, until you get home and look at the extent of the bug splatter at the front of your car. Q2M Bug&Grime off ers an easy and effective way of removing unsightly bug splatter and other road grime, reducing the chance of damaging bodywork with aggressive scrubbing. Just a single application and rinsing with an effective pressure washer will remove most of the visible contamination, even old and more resistant stains. And, despite its strength, Q2M Bug&Grime is safe for all types of paintwork and ceramic coatings.

For additional help, Q2M QuickDetailer offers an easy method of making your car’s surfaces slicker and glossier. It has a special formula designed to remove smudges and smears, and this makes it perfect for post-wash touch-ups, or for getting rid of those dreaded fresh water spots. It’s also great as a drying aid if you’re washing your car in hot conditions. Completely safe to use on coatings and traditional waxes, Q2M QuickDetailer is an easy and effortless way to boost the look of your car in almost no time at all.

Price: from £10

Visit: mycarcleaning.co.uk/collections/gyeon

Overland and Overland + jump starters

Winners of four Auto Express Best Buy reviews, the Overland and Overland + are excellent expedition-proven power banks that can also jump start any engine from 0.1 to 5.0 litres. The units can be recharged via either mains or an optional fold-out solar panel, and are supplied with their own 12V lighter-style socket.

Price: from £89.95

Visit: mobilesolarchargers.co.uk

The Roof Box Company Products

Travel in safety, comfort and style with the Roof Box Company. Long journeys are much more comfortable when there’s plenty of space for passengers, and the Roof Box Company stocks a huge range of roof boxes which are now available with roof bars in money- saving package deals. Plus, there’s a selection of roof, tow bar and rear mounted bike racks, with options for almost any type of bike.

Price: from £169.95

Visit: roofbox.co.uk

Car Mats from CarMats.co.uk

CarMats.co.uk specialise in perfectly tailored car mats to fit every make and model. Manufactured in the UK, the fully custom carpet and rubber car mats are both weather resistant and anti-slip, while every mat passes rigorous quality compliance tests. You can make big savings compared with OEM car mats, and can even personalise any purchase with your own choice of trim and embroidery. A reassuring one-year warranty provides extra peace of mind, plus you can save 10% by using the code EXPRESS10when you decide to buy.

Price: from £21.99

Visit: carmats.co.uk

Nilfisk High Pressure Washer Special Offer

Being able to give your car a proper wash is essential to keep it looking its best this summer. With a maximum pressure output of 160 bar, the powerful Nilfisk Excellent E160 pressure washer gives you a professional level car wash with the minimum of fuss. Powered by a low-noise, induction motor and a longer-lasting metal pump, the Excellent 160 includes a multipurpose gun and a lance featuring three different nozzle settings for delicate or more intense tasks.

You can foam up your detergent with the Power Foam Blaster, which attaches directly onto the end of the gun, while the award-winning washer is able to tackle anything from cars, bikes and wooden decking to garden furniture, tools, and barbecue grills. Plus, unique features like the integrated hose reel means you can avoid any troublesome kinks and knots, and a telescopic handle allows for easier storage and mobility - all saving valuable time and leaving you to get on and enjoy doing the things you love. If you use the exclusive code AUTOEXPRESS10 you’ll get 10 per cent off the purchase price (offer ends July 31st).

Price: £287.99 with code AUTOEXPRESS10 (normally £319.99)
Visit: shop.nilfisk.com