The HOTO air pump master. (HOTO/TNS)

Jim Rossman | Tribune News Service (TNS)

I enjoy driving and that’s good because it gives me so many opportunities to test gadgets for drivers.

This week I’m looking at a handful of useful things that can make your ride safer or more comfortable.

You’ll notice I’ve included two air pumps. I like them both and they each have their advantages. The prices listed are retail, but you may find them cheaper.

Dr Well Laxon DR-6000 Air Massage Seat for Vehicles

As I get older, a comfortable seat becomes more important. I enjoy driving long distances, but after about 90 minutes in the driver’s seat, my hips and back start to hurt.

The Laxon DR-6000 Car Air Massage Seat ($399.99, Laxon.us or Amazon.com) is designed to sit on top of your seat, strapping to the headrest and around the back of the seat.

The DR-6000 uses a small air compressor to quickly fill air chambers strategically placed on the back and bottom of the seat. There are several massage modes that offer different massage intensities. I’m a big guy, so I liked the more aggressive settings.

The compressor is housed in a small bag that hangs below your knees. It is quiet and fills the air chambers quickly.

The DR-6000 also has heated seats, which I didn’t need this summer in Texas, but I’m sure will come in handy this winter.

The massage and heat levels are controlled via a small wired remote control that can be stored in a bag next to the compressor.

Topdon V2200Plus jump starter

A small, battery-operated jump starter has replaced the jumper cables in my vehicles in recent years.

The Topdon V2200Plus ($149.99, topdon.us) can jump start your vehicle up to 35 times on a full charge.

It can start up to 8-liter gasoline or 6-liter diesel engines and delivers up to 2,200 amps of peak current.

The clamps are smart enough to prevent you from causing damage to your vehicle or the jump starter if you attach them to the wrong terminals.

The V2200Plus also has Bluetooth so it can communicate with an app on your phone that will give you a report on the health of your vehicle’s battery.

It also has a (handy) LED flashlight and can charge your phone or other USB powered devices.

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve helped with a portable jump starter. This is a good one.

HOTO Air Pump Master

A flat tire is no fun. We’ve all been there. A little yellow tire pressure warning light comes on on your dashboard and you now have to figure out which tire is flat.

I also don’t like looking for a working air pump at a gas station, let alone one that doesn’t require a credit card.