We often say it’s better to give than to receive, but be honest. Wouldn’t you rather do both?

This Christmas, you can have your fruitcake and eat it too by treating your car, and yourself, to a wide range of accessories available at select St. Albert retailers.

Tired of starting your trip with a frustrating search for your cord in the blowing snow? NAPA Auto Parts has the solution with their Ultra Pro high visibility extension cords. These 25-foot, weather resistant cords sell for $37.69, are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and come in bright pink, yellow, orange and green, so they’re easy to spot in a blizzard.

When starting is a challenge, NAPA offers the CarStart Ultra-Portable Jump Starter and high intensity flashlight. For $49.99, it’s versatile, rechargeable and provides 900 peak amps for a much-needed boost. Just place the clamps on your dead battery and charge it like you would in a car-to-car boost, but without the need for that second car.

For those who seek instant warmth in the morning, Ron Hodgson Pontiac Buick GMC carries the complete line of Titan Remote Starters. Priced at $579 installed (entry level model), it lets you pre-warm your car from the comfort of your home or office. You can even use the Smart Start feature to start your vehicle through your iPhone, Smartphone or Blackberry (most models), giving you an unlimited range of activation.

Sick of scraping? The Arctic Guard Snow and Ice Windshield Cover saves you time and effort. Simply lay it over your window exterior to avoid difficult snow and ice removal. You’ll find it in the automotive department at Walmart for $7.97.

If your defrost is in decline, there’s the Superex 2-in-1 Ceramic Heater/Fan with 150-watt output. Simply plug it into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet and place it on your dashboard, where it heats up instantly and clears frosted windows in no time. It’s available at Walmart for $14.97.

As the temperature drops, you can raise your spirits with the Auto Trends Luxury Far-Infrared Heated Seat Cover. It plugs into any 12-volt car outlet and provides soothing relief for back, shoulders and thighs, all for just $36.99 at Canadian Tire.

If you thought getting stuck in winter was unavoidable, As Seen on TV wants you to think again. The Original Tow Truck in a Box guarantees that you will “never get stuck again.” Its patented traction bar design works in mud, sand and snow, and is available at Canadian Tire for regular vehicles ($29.99) and those with larger tires ($39.99).

Of course, even with all of the latest technology at your disposal, it pays to prepare for the worst. That’s why the Alberta Motor Association assembled the Emergency Road Kit and filled it with 22 items to be there when you need them most. From booster cables and waterproof matches to a blanket, poncho and first aid kit, it aims to give you peace of mind on treacherous winter roads. You can find it at your local AMA office, priced at $79.99 for members or $99.99 for non-members.

So why not extend the spirit of giving to your vehicle? It might just make winter a little easier to take.

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