Car gadgets beat out ties for Dad's Day

It's June 16, one shopping day left to Father's Day. Stores will be, uh ... open. And, no doubt, they'll be showing off the latest in loud tie wear.

But kids, it doesn't have to be like that. Dads like cars, right? (At least more than ties). And those colorful satin and polyester chokerchiefs can get downright pricey. They cost more than a tire gauge, that's for sure.

So in the interest of the Father's Day shopping populace, here's a quick guide to pricing vehicular items as if they were neck ensembles. A tie-o-meter, if you will.

BizRate.com is selling Father's Day ties from $15.99 to $18.65. Throwing in taxes, shipping charges and the desire for nice round numbers, and the average tie costs $20.

So here's your per tie cost for some potential auto gifts, recommended by Amazon.com and Motor Trend magazine.

One to two ties

--Classic racing photos: Motor Trend cited two suppliers with prints starting at $19. They are The Klemantaski Collection and the Vintage Arte House.

--Park-Zone 110-Volt Precision Parking Device: At $19.99, the remote gadget runs on an AC adaptor or four AA batteries, according to Amazon.com. It has an ultrasonic sensing mechanism that alerts you when you're too close to a garage wall.

--Griot's Garage catalog: Griot's has "cool" auto accessories, car tools and car care, according to Motor Trend. Kits and gift packages start around $24.99.

--Power Sport tire inflator: Costing $29.99, the compact air compressor can inflate up to 300 pounds per square inch, according to Amazon.com.

--Accutire Racing tire gauge: With an easy-to-read blue backlit display, the gauge reads pressures 0-60 pounds per square inch in 1/100th increments. Price? $34.99 at Amazon.com.

--Digital compass: According to Amazon.com, the device, for $39.95, has a large digital display for easy reading and attaches with double-sided adhesive tape.

Two to five ties

--5-watt solar battery charger: Costing $47.99 at Amazon.com, it plugs into a vehicle's 12-volt lighter socket and works on a car, ATV, power ski or boat batteries.

--120-volt air compressor/inflator: The device inflates a 14-inch tire in less than two minutes. It also deflates. Cost on Amazon.com is $64.88.

--Actron Diagnostic Code Scanner: Designed for post-1996 vehicles, the $72.99 scanner retrieves trouble codes from a vehicle's computer to diagnose problems. A large LCD screen displays descriptions, according to Amazon.com.

Five to 10 ties

--Xantrex-brand portable backup power source: Costing $109.99, the equipment has a built-in light, AM/FM radio and digital alarm clock, according to Amazon.com.

--Wireless backup camera: Equipped with 2.5-inch color LCD monitor, it runs $119.99 at Amazon.com. The camera mounts on a license plate, while the monitor fits on the dash or visor.

10-250 ties

--Puma by Schedoni custom shoes: Costing $500 a pair, they are branded with a serial number and the owner's initials. "You'll find them on the feet of F1 drivers and Hollywood's serious car people," Motor Trend contends.

--Cell phones: Ferrari and Lamborghini are designing their own mobile phones, priced at $500 and up, according to Motor Trend.

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.