At Hearst Autos, we’re constantly trying out new equipment for cars, trucks, and motorcycles — and for the people who love them. The staff of Vehicle and Driver, Sugar & Sugarand Autoweek are in the trenches week after week bringing you the best in automotive news and information. In the process, we use a lot of things. That includes tools for working on vehicles; aftermarket products to improve them; and gadgets, technology, cleaners and accessories that make them more user-friendly.
There’s a ton of automotive equipment and products out there — and plenty of places to buy it all. But if you haven’t tried something yourself, how can you tell if it’s worth your hard earned money? That’s why we share our personal recommendations for auto gadgets and auto accessories that we use ourselves.
Here are our picks for the best auto gear of the week.
Emiliano GranadoVehicle and Driver
Simpson Hybrid Safety Device WILL
Head and Neck Strain (HANS) greatly reduces the chance of head and neck injuries following a racetrack crash, although it can only be used in cars equipped with racing harnesses . In other words, you cannot use one with a three-point seat belt in your vehicle. That was a real problem during the follow-up day.
In the past few years, Simpson marketed a device called the Hybrid S, which met all of the same safety standards as HANS. Unlike the HANS, the Hybrid S does not need to be held in place by a shoulder belt, instead being anchored around the torso.
GM has authorized us to test the tracks for a few years now, and we just started using them at Sugar & Sugar also. At nearly $1200, the Hybrid S doesn’t come cheap, although it’s a small price to pay for safety. I think it’s essential for anyone tracking their road car. —Chris Perkins, senior reporter, Road & Track
Scott OlmanVehicle and Driver
Wobble Pittsburgh Socket Extension
Swing extensions are a real game changer for accessing a lanyard just small enough to cause difficulty. They are not intended to bend corners or 45 degrees, but rather provide just enough wobble so your outlet can perfectly position itself in tight spaces. Say what you will do about seaport shipping, but this set is affordable and perfect for a weekend warrior on a tight budget. Plus, saving a few bucks will allow you to spend more on car parts. –Scott Olman, Marketing Manager Hearst Autos
Ezra DyerVehicle and Driver
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment
Listen, I’m not a fuel scientist. I have not analyzed Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment in my lab and have independently verified its claims — that it conserves fuel, revives stale fuel, and prevents phase separation. But I can say that when I have used it, the things related to bad breath have not happened yet. And when I haven’t used it yet, those things have happened sometimes. I take the “no harm” approach to Star Tron and it serves me well.
A few years ago I had a gas pressure washer get rid of a Star Tron stain and then developed acute carb and varnish that required a thorough cleaning. Meanwhile, I’ve been using it continuously in my Honda generator (sometimes for six months or a year) without experiencing any ill effects from the old fuel. I guess it’s the enzymes!
A standard 8-ounce bottle treats 48 gallons of gas for up to two years, so one bottle lasts a long time on motorcycles, ATVs, and lawn mowers. Thanks to the bottle shape and small diameter spout, Star Tron does not need a funnel. Got some more? Pour it into your car. Or leave it on a shelf in the garage. You will find a use for it. —Ezra Dyer, senior editor, Cars and Drivers
Wesley WrenVehicle and Driver
Aircat . Shock Resistant Wrench
I wrote about this handy little guy for Autoweek back in 2019, but great, I’ll say it again: A half-inch-long impact wrench changed the game for me. Impact wrenches no longer need to be unwieldy monsters that weigh tons and are so large that they often can’t get where you really need to. I use the Aircat 1056-XL pictured above, which is an older model. But Aircat has a lot of new and improved ones. Despite its size (slightly longer than a deep socket) and weight (under 3 pounds), it still packs a punch.
I connected mine to some high flow air fittings and connected it to a 3/8 inch hose, and it had no problem pulling the lug nuts. And it is placed in places where greater impact force, especially compressed air, cannot go. I use it more than I deserve. For general use, it was the first impact wrench I took. For sure, you will have to equip a compressor if you haven’t already, but those may be there for less than you think today. —Wesley Wren, editorial associate, Autoweek
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