{"id":120950,"date":"2024-10-28T23:09:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T06:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=120950"},"modified":"2025-09-26T03:48:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T10:48:14","slug":"5-rugged-car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/5-rugged-car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Rugged Car Accessories to Gift on Veterans Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column120950_826906-59 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column120950_826906-59 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column120950_826906-59 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column120950_826906-59 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column120950_826906-59 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column120950_826906-59 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column120950_826906-59{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column120950_826906-59 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column120950_826906-59 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column120950_826906-59 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-934e72  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-7e8361\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading120950_dc55e1-f7\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Veterans Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation to former servicemen of the United States Armed Forces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step bumpers are a good choice for veterans who value convenience. If your veteran loves going on off-road adventures, running boards can enhance their trips. You can also get them a hitch if they haul cargo or tow a trailer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fog lights are perfect for those who aren&rsquo;t afraid to drive in low-visibility conditions, while sun visors are a great pick for daytime drivers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Veterans Day is all about celebrating the heroic men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Most of them sacrifice a lot for their country. If you know a veteran, be it a loved one or an acquaintance, why not show them you care this coming Veterans Day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good way to thank them for their service is with a thoughtful gift. If they own a car, you can&rsquo;t go wrong with giving them a practical car accessory. Here are our top five gift ideas for veterans (and their trusty ride).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"car accessories to gift on veterans day\" class=\"wp-image-120954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you know a veteran, be it a loved one or an acquaintance, why not show them you care this coming Veterans Day?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Veterans Day Gift Ideas for 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the Pickup Truck Owner: Step Bumpers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some veterans who own certain pickup trucks find it difficult to access their truck bed because it&rsquo;s so high up. It&rsquo;s worse if they have lingering injuries or conditions that make it a struggle to climb the truck bed. Getting them <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/step-bumper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"step bumpers\">step bumpers<\/a> can make this problem a thing of the past and reduce the risk of slips and falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step bumpers are attached to the rear-end bumper of a vehicle, making it easier for drivers and passengers alike to get in and out of the truck bed. They also give pickup trucks a more adventurous and outdoorsy look. They&rsquo;re an excellent gift to give to someone who takes pride in their ride&rsquo;s ruggedness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step bumpers are typically made of sturdy, durable materials, such as heavy-gauge steel. They&rsquo;re built to withstand the test of time and support tremendous amounts of weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Gift Options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-article-productlink\">    <!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bumper-cover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/repn010348p_1\" alt=\"Bumper Cover\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Bumper Cover&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/repn010348p_1\" alt=\"Bumper Cover\">    <strong>Bumper Cover<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bumper-grille\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/rk01530021_1\" alt=\"Bumper Grille\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Bumper Grille&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/rk01530021_1\" alt=\"Bumper Grille\">    <strong>Bumper Grille<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bumper-reinforcement-bracket\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/3966_1\" alt=\"Bumper Reinforcement Brackets\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Bumper Reinforcement Brackets&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/3966_1\" alt=\"Bumper Reinforcement Brackets\">    <strong>Bumper Reinforcement Brackets<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content --><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the Off-road Adventurer: Running Boards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to make life easier for veterans who own tall vehicles and love going off the beaten path, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/running-boards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"running boards\">running boards<\/a> are an excellent gift choice. These accessories have a flat profile and run along the sides of a vehicle, right below the doors. They provide an extra step to make it easier for drivers and passengers to enter and exit vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Running boards are also incredibly handy when it comes to keeping the interior of a vehicle clean, which is a common struggle for off-roaders. Passengers can use the surface of the running board to rub or knock the dirt and mud off their shoes before entering their car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>On top of that, running boards also provide vehicles with additional protection against hazards like rock, mud, and other debris that might get kicked up during transit. This means veterans won&rsquo;t have to worry about things flying off the ground and scraping the body of their ride as much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Gift Options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-article-productlink\">    <!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/nerf-bars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/w162153560_1\" alt=\"Nerf Bars\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Nerf Bars&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/w162153560_1\" alt=\"Nerf Bars\">    <strong>Nerf Bars<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/side-steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/ri84100001-hd_1\" alt=\"Side Steps\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Side Steps&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/ri84100001-hd_1\" alt=\"Side Steps\">    <strong>Side Steps<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/rock-slider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/w1642141955_1\" alt=\"Rock Sliders\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Rock Sliders&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/w1642141955_1\" alt=\"Rock Sliders\">    <strong>Rock Sliders<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content --><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the Cross-Country Explorer: Hitches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gifting veterans a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/hitch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"hitch\">hitch<\/a> will help ensure that they&rsquo;ll have a much better time towing heavy cargo. Hitches are small add-ons that can be massive game changers for drivers who don&rsquo;t believe in traveling light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bear in mind that if you want to gift someone a hitch, you must get one that&rsquo;s compatible with their vehicle type and overall towing capacity. Pay close attention to what they might need it for and choose the appropriate hitch for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hitches are typically used to tow trailers which often carry large, unwieldy cargo, such as boats, bikes, and camping gear. They can also be used to tow trailer homes for veterans keen on living mobile lifestyles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Gift Options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-article-productlink\">    <!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/hitch-step\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/luv415254571528_1\" alt=\"Hitch Step\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Hitch Step&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/luv415254571528_1\" alt=\"Hitch Step\">    <strong>Hitch Step<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/tow-hook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/set-rv01430001-hd_1\" alt=\"Tow Hook\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Tow Hook&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/set-rv01430001-hd_1\" alt=\"Tow Hook\">    <strong>Tow Hook<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/winch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/mop52019555_1\" alt=\"Winch\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Winch&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/mop52019555_1\" alt=\"Winch\">    <strong>Winch<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content --><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the One Who Drives in Low Visibility Conditions: Fog Lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it&rsquo;s because they want to or because they have to, many people go on late-night drivers. Veterans are no exception. Visibility decreases significantly after the sun goes down, making the long trip home a lot more dangerous than it should be. This is doubly true when it&rsquo;s rainy or foggy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best ways to show you&rsquo;re thinking about someone is to give them something they might need. In this case, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/fog-light\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"fog lights\">fog lights<\/a> are an excellent gift choice. These accessories are useful for evening drives because they greatly improve visibility, especially in fog, smoke, and heavy rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just be sure to warn the recipient that fog lights are extremely powerful and shouldn&rsquo;t be used unless it&rsquo;s foggy. After all, it&rsquo;s illegal to use fog lights in some urban areas. While fog lights aren&rsquo;t meant to be used all the time, there are many situations where they can save lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Gift Options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-article-productlink\">    <!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/led-light-bar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/w1658950055_1\" alt=\"LED Light Bar\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;LED Light Bar&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/w1658950055_1\" alt=\"LED Light Bar\">    <strong>LED Light Bar<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/offroad-light\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/ars1501304_1\" alt=\"Offroad Light\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Offroad Light&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/ars1501304_1\" alt=\"Offroad Light\">    <strong>Offroad Light<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/offroad-fog-light\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/dv8bcfljl01_1\" alt=\"Offroad Fog Lights\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Offroad Fog Lights&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/dv8bcfljl01_1\" alt=\"Offroad Fog Lights\">    <strong>Offroad Fog Lights<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content --><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For the Regular Daytime Driver: Sun Visors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best gifts to show a veteran you care for their safety and comfort is a new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/sun-visor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"sun visor\">sun visor<\/a>. It can shield both drivers and passengers from bright sunlight and glare. Sun visors can also help lower a vehicle&rsquo;s interior temperature by blocking direct sunlight, making for cooler, cozier drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although all modern vehicles are equipped with sun visors by default, there&rsquo;s no denying that some are more effective than others. For example, some sun visors are equipped with vanity mirrors, while others have storage compartments for items like glasses and sunglasses. You can gift your veteran with a sun visor that caters to their specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Gift Options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-article-productlink\">    <!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/car-cover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/c59c68mc_1\" alt=\"Car Cover\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Car Cover&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/c59c68mc_1\" alt=\"Car Cover\">    <strong>Car Cover<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/sun-shade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/w24ts1360_1\" alt=\"Sun Shade\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Sun Shade&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/w24ts1360_1\" alt=\"Sun Shade\">    <strong>Sun Shade<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/overhead-sunglasses-holder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label='&lt;img src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/rd40130001_1\" alt=\"Overhead Sunglasses Holders\"&gt;    &lt;strong&gt;Overhead Sunglasses Holders&lt;\/strong&gt;'><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_300,w_300,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/rd40130001_1\" alt=\"Overhead Sunglasses Holders\">    <strong>Overhead Sunglasses Holders<\/strong><\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content --><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Find the Right Accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding the perfect gift for a veteran doesn&rsquo;t just stop at the idea, it&rsquo;s about knowing where to get quality parts they can rely on. Veterans deserve accessories that last, whether it&rsquo;s step bumpers, running boards, or fog lights. That&rsquo;s where the JC Whitney Performance Hub comes in. It&rsquo;s your destination for off-road, Jeep, truck, classic VW, and restoration parts, making it easier to choose the right fit for the heroes in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>JC Whitney has been around since 1915, building trust with drivers for generations. From lift kits to lighting, performance exhausts to classic restoration parts, the JC Whitney Performance Hub brings together premium brands you already know and love. Top brands, one hub. The best names in off-road, performance, and restoration, all in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re ready to explore durable and dependable upgrades, visit the JC Whitney Performance Hub today. With a long-standing reputation for quality and variety, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jc-whitney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JC Whitney parts\">JC Whitney parts<\/a> remain a go-to for drivers who want the very best. It&rsquo;s a great way to honor veterans with gifts that bring both practicality and lasting value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Veterans Day is all about celebrating the heroic men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Most&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/5-rugged-car-accessories-to-gift-on-veterans-day\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":121880,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[53,3768],"tags":[1278,1582,1636,1581,3018],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-120950","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-features","8":"category-lifestyle","9":"tag-fog-light-2","10":"tag-hitch","11":"tag-running-boards-2","12":"tag-step-bumper","13":"tag-sun-visor","14":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>5 Rugged Car Accessories to Gift on Veterans Day - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Celebrate a veteran in your life. 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Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust."},{"term_id":2985,"user_id":1646,"is_guest":0,"slug":"richardmccuistian","display_name":"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/","last_name":"McCuistian","first_name":"Richard","job_title":"ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","description":"<div class=\"auth-social-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\/\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"linkedin\" aria-labelledby=\"linkedin\">LinkedIn<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/McCuistian\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"instagram\" aria-labelledby=\"instagram\">Youtube<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\nRichard McCuistian grew up in Alabama learning from his father who ran an automotive repair shop. Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=120950"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120950\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/121880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=120950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=120950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=120950"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=120950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}