Finding The Perfect Car Accessory Gift

The holiday season is just round the corner, so if you want to get on your teenager's good side, then brush up on your car accessory knowledge with this tutorial. With a little lingo in your pocket and a good set of ears, you should be able to figure out what to slide under the Christmas tree this year.

Lately, it's all about the wheels – what showcases the tires and car the best. Tastes run from honkin' big lug nuts to trick center caps for rims that will light up. Alternatively they can go for spinners and pretend that they are a rap star like 50 Cent. Another popular option is under carriage LEDs. Let's just say it is eye catching.

Some Terms You Should Know:

• Spinners can be one piece rims or added onto you current rims and have roller bearings to allow them to move, giving the wheels the visual impact of unexpected movement. The unexpected movement is because the spinners are independent of the rims so they can move even when the car is stopped, due to momentum they spin around on their roller bearings with almost no resitance from the rims.

• When you buy a car your rims have what are called factory center caps. To jazz up your ride, you can purchase high-style chrome center caps that will set your car apart.

• Center caps can be snapped into place when upgrading your tires with aftermarket rims. They cover the axle hub in the center of the wheel and feature all sorts of logos – domestic, import or concept designs. A tip for finding center caps for rims on the cheap is to check local salvage yards. Don't forget the web; there are plenty of suppliers who would be happy to help you find the perfect set of caps.

• Rims purchased from a manufacturer other than the car maker are called aftermarket rims and are used to personalize your car. These rims are commonly set up with center caps that come with the rims or are purchased seperately to really get a unique look.

• Hub caps cover the complete rim to protect and add style to the stock steel rims they normally cover.

• LED lights can be added to your car wheels. The LEDs emit a glowing light and are powered by small long-life batteries.

• With wheel spacers you can add extra width to the wheels, positioning them a little closer to the fenders. You get an aggressive appearance and improved handling, too.