Dayton Daily News

Wheels: Do you have any last-minute gift ideas for the automotive enthusiast?

Halderman: Here are some items that may be very welcome:

1. A gift certificate for automotive books

2. A gift certificate for automotive tools

3. A magazine subscription to an automotive magazine

4. A tire gauge

5. An automotive-related 2008 calendar

6. Tools of any type (Did I mention tools before?)

7. A gift certificate for an oil change (or four — one for each of the four seasons)

8. Clothing with an automotive theme, such as hats and jackets

9. Model car kits, automotive theme clocks, posters or other art

10. Tools

11. Car products such as wax, a car duster, car washing soap, etc.

12. A getaway weekend to a car museum (Auburn/Cord Museum, Auburn, Ind., or Greenfield Automotive Museum, Dearborn, Mich.)

13. Hand tools

14. Power tools

15. Shop equipment

16. Automotive car parts suitable for hanging on the wall

17. Automotive books

18. Tools

Note to readers: It is now officially winter (Dec. 21) and it is time for an oil change. Be sure to also inspect the rest of the vehicle, including the cooling system, battery and tires to be ready for winter. I'll remind everyone again about March 21, the first day of spring, to change oil.

James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician, a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the author of 12 textbooks. Submit your automotive care questions to Halderman via e-mail at jhalderman2@juno.com, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.