Lithium-ion 12-volt batteries
According to Antigravity (yes, that’s the brand name), lithium-ion batteries have significant advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries for automotive use. Lithium-ion batteries (lithium iron phosphate in this case) provide up to three times more cranking power, according to the manufacturer, and weigh about 70 per cent less. They also tend to last longer.
They can still run down when there’s current draw, but the battery shuts itself off to avoid going dead. And with the push of the button on the supplied fob, the battery switches on (the technology is called Re-Start) so you can start the vehicle. Prices range from US $460 to $1,200, plus shipping, depending on power and vehicle compatibility.
Lithium-ion batteries are also available for motorcycles and powersports vehicles. Check out the full range at antigravitybatteries.com.
Cover your pads
Black dust on your vehicle’s wheels is the unsightly byproduct of disc brakes. One way to significantly reduce the problem – and dress up your vehicle at the same time – is with caliper covers from MGP.
According to the company, the products are made from aerospace-grade aluminum and use a patented clip-on fastening system. According to MGP’s website, there are “over 9,000 vehicle applications and … new developments each week.”
The covers are also powder-coated in a variety of colours and have precision-engraved logos. A typical set starts at about US$250 for four (engraving is extra), plus shipping to Canada, from calipercovers.com.
A classic charge
If you own a classic vehicle, installing a period-correct battery can add a measure of authenticity to the overall appearance. Battery Central Mall makes an assortment of six- and 12-volt power sources that look just like those found in 1920 to 1974 model-year vehicles.
These aren’t covers that conceal a modern battery; they are built-to-order reproductions, right down to the lettering on the cases and the size and colour of the caps. The only differences are the modern materials used to produce each battery.
Each one comes with a one-year replacement warranty and a four-year pro-rated replacement warranty. Prices vary depending on battery and vehicle type but typically run US$330 to $380, plus shipping, with some costing US$500. View the complete line at batterycentralmall.com.
Plug in to keep driving
When selecting a cell-phone holder for your vehicle, flexibility, visibility and security are important considerations. The CupFone Two View by floor-mat specialists WeatherTech (Part Number: 8ACF5TV) sits inside one of your floor console’s cupholders and can pivot and angle to the desired position.
It can also be adjusted to display your phone vertically or horizontally The CupFone can accept phones as narrow as 2 7/8 inches wide (73 millimetres) and up to 6 3/4 inches long (171 millimetres). You can also select from 12 colours of attachment knobs.
Order the CupFone Two View for $75, including shipping, plus sales tax, at www.weathertech.ca.
Written by Wheelbase Media.
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