Some stereos now have an iPod Docking Station or iPod Docking Craddle, which allows you to store the iPod inside the stereo and control iPod functionality from the front panel of the stereo.
This will help protect your iPod and allow you to listen to all the music files stored in it and select them conveniently from the stereo controls.
The connection is normally made via the 30-pin Apple Dock connector and the Docking Station can also charge the iPod battery via this connection.