"Does Lexus recommend any accessories for its vehicles, like roof racks?”

“Does Lexus recommend any accessories for its vehicles, like roof racks?”

THAT’S A FINE question, which is why we’re going to use it as an opportunity to recommend a few accessories that’ll come in handy for summer travel. Here are some official Lexus accessories, as well as some handy gadgets that we thought might spark your interest:

Lexus Roof Rack Crossbars: First up, these are the crossbars you want for your Lexus RX and GX. They’re, of course, made specifically for these vehicles, plus they’re light and easy to adjust (they’re held down by hand-adjusted wheel locks), and they’re compatible with Lexus bike and ski/snowboard attachments. (Approx. price for crossbars: $260 MSRP; see your Lexus dealer)

GL1 Car Diagnostic Gadget & App: Okay, this is super cool—a gadget that turns your iPhone or iPad into a real-time vehicle-diagnostics reader. (Popular Science gave it a “Breakthrough Product” award last year.) How it works: after picking up the connector, you download the free app that goes with it. From there, it’s a simple matter of plugging one end into your iPhone or iPad, and the other into your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port. Then great info shows up: fuel economy at different speeds, engine performance, the reason the Service Engine light just went on.... (Approx. price: $100)

Pro.Fit UltiMount V2 Smartphone Holder: Speaking of mobile phones, if you’re looking for a reliable, non-permanent smartphone holder, Pro.Fit makes a good one. The UltiMount V2 is universal, so you’ll of course find a convenient spot on the dash or windshield to place it; the adhesive backing is safe for auto surfaces. Join it up with the Pro.Fit component that fits your particular phone, which connects to the UltiMount V2’s head (which swivels around nicely). (Approx. price: $25)

Interface Kit for iPod/iPhone: After you’ve mounted your iPhone—or even if you prefer your phone on the seat next to you—consider the iPod interface kit. This is an official Lexus accessory that connects your iPod or iPhone straight into your audio system, so you can play your favorite tracks via the vehicle controls (the connectors are easily concealed in the glove box when not in use). The device also charges your iPhone/iPod as your drive. (Approx. price: $299 MSRP; see your Lexus dealer.)

Wander Hammock Car Seat Protector: We like this high-quality cover from Frontgate because unlike most pet-seats and car seat protectors, this one creates a space that protects both the rear seat and floor. Plus it’s got a sturdy recreational feel, since it’s made with a waterproof and stain resistant PVC—and it comes with a travel bag for the leash and your dog’s beach/park chase toys of choice. (Approx. price: $65)

>Related Lexus-driver benefit: 15 percent off online purchases at Frontgate.com

Coast Interior Auto Map Light: This flexible little guy, made by Coast, the premium recreational LED flashlight maker, is both sleek and durable, and it plugs right into your dashboard lighter for localized driver-side-passenger illumination. (Approx. price: $25)

 

 

Lexus Wireless Headphones: There are plenty of high-quality wireless headphones out there, but these gems are not only premium—they actually go with your Lexus interior, in addition to, of course, complementing the Rear-Seat Entertainment System in the LS, LS Hybrid, RX, RX Hybrid, GX, and LX. Plus, they’re light, with leather trim, and they switch between two audio sources, such as movies and music for your rear seat passengers. (See your dealer for price.)

The Pod: A simple way to use your vehicle hood as a steady, level platform for point-and-shoot group photos, The Pod is basically a packable, malleable, non-abrasive beanbag that won’t scratch any surfaces. (Approx. price: $15)

 

 

Lexus All-Weather Cargo Mat: Made to fit your specific Lexus model, this removable Lexus accessory adds an extra layer of cargo area protection against sand, garden-nursery soil, water, and anything else that might hitch a ride in your vehicle this summer. Bonus: it actually helps reduce interior cabin noise. (Approx. price: $92 MSRP; see your Lexus dealer)

 

Lexus First Aid Kit: Basic, essential, and perhaps the only first-aid kit that looks like it belongs in a Lexus vehicle. It’s designed to be mounted in the rear cargo area via Velcro mounting strips, and in addition to a large assortment of first-aid-kit supplies, it comes with tweezers, an emergency blanket, and scissors capable of cutting through a seatbelt. (Approx. price: See your Lexus dealer)

Hoodless Battery Jumper: Tech and auto bloggers love this thing, and for good reason—it allows you to jumpstart your vehicle from the comfort of the driver's seat. Simply plug one end into your dashboard lighter, hand the other end to the owner of the charging vehicle to attach to her/his battery, and wait five to 10 seconds for your battery to receive its charge. (Approx. price: $25)

The Essential Weekender: Finally, if you haven’t picked this up yet, you deserve to. Part of the Lexus Collection’s line of recreational bags and luggage, this one fills the role of classy, go-to bag for the gym, travel, or whatever you need a premium, all-purpose duffel bag for. Made by Cutter & Buck, the leather bag comes with a padded hand-wrap and a detachable shoulder strap. (Approx. price: $279)

—BRIAN GILL, MANAGING EDITOR

Courtesy of Lexus.com