Side-window deflectors
Some readers might remember when vehicles were equipped with those odd wing windows that folded out for better ventilation and noise deflection. Sure, they were handy back then, but times have changed, mostly because of the addition of air conditioning in most vehicles. However, as Autoanything.com explains, side-window deflectors, such as those products made by Weathertech, are another solution to a stuffy cockpit. "These low-profile deflectors let you open your windows without the ear-splitting wind noise." Plus, you can keep your windows partially open on those rainy days without getting completely drenched. These acrylic side-window deflectors "can withstand blows from airborne road rubble, kamikaze bugs and other roadway hazards." And, they are specially treated to resist blistering UV rays and scratching. Visit Autoanything.com.
Paperless directions
Ever wish you could just send those online driving directions straight to your vehicle instead of having to keep track of your printout or figuring out where you wrote them down? As the Detroit Free Press recently reported, if you own a General Motors vehicle equipped with OnStar turn-by-turn capability, you'll soon be able to do that.
OnStar recently announced a partnership with MapQuest that allows customers to send routes to their vehicles. In addition, the in-car navigation and safety system also announced a new option that will allow OnStar customers with screen-based navigation systems to download their directions straight to the map screen if they choose. Until now, OnStar turn-by-turn directions were available only as written directions in the instrument panel or on the radio display. They are also broadcast over speakers in the vehicle.
Both new offerings are in response to driver requests and will not add to the cost of an OnStar subscription.