Many ways to spoil Dad on Father’s Day

But let us be honest, if Dad owns a double cab bakkie, an SUV, or anything with four-wheel drive and a personality, you already know what he really wants. And no, it is not another mug that says, “World’s Best Dad”, even if he does insist on using the cracked one from 2008.

South African fathers and their vehicles share a bond that is somewhere between companionship and long-term romance. The bakkie is not just transport. It is a lifestyle, a storage unit, a weekend warrior, and occasionally a mobile throne at the rugby field.

Chris Bangle, the influential automotive designer who led design at BMW in the 1990s and 2000s said “Cars are the sculptures of our everyday lives.” In South Africa, the bakkie might be the full installation piece, complete with dust, scratches, and a story or two about that time it nearly did not make it up Sani Pass.

So, this Father’s Day, why not lean into that love affair? After all, nothing says appreciation quite like an upgrade that makes his pride and joy even more, well, joyful.

Enter the bull bar, roll bar, spotlights and other accessories. To the uninitiated, these may appear to be simple pieces of metal bolted onto the vehicle. To Dad, they are declarations of intent. A bull bar says, “Yes, I may encounter wildlife, potholes, or questionable parking at the mall, and I am prepared.” A roll bar, meanwhile, adds that subtle edge of adventure, even if the most extreme terrain he tackles is a gravel driveway in Clarens.

Then there are spotlights. Ah, spotlights. Few automotive accessories inspire such quiet satisfaction. They sit there, mounted with purpose, waiting for the moment Dad can flick them on and illuminate half the area. Whether he is navigating a late-night farm road or simply demonstrating their brilliance to an unimpressed family dog, spotlights bring a certain theatre to driving.

If you really want to elevate your Father’s Day game, consider an experience rather than an object. A 4x4 or advanced driving course is the kind of gift that keeps on giving, mostly in the form of stories. There is something wonderfully humbling about watching Dad learn that his beloved vehicle has capabilities far beyond school runs and grocery trips. Under expert guidance, he might finally master low range gearing, controlled descents, or that elusive art of not spinning the wheels in sand.

More importantly, it connects him to a broader community of enthusiasts who understand why tyre pressure is a topic of serious conversation. As rally legend Colin McRae famously put it, “If in doubt, flat out.” While instructors may not fully endorse that approach, the spirit of confidence and exploration certainly rings true.

Of course, not every gift needs to be as dramatic as a course or as shiny as new accessories. Sometimes the smaller touches matter just as much. Consider a premium car care kit that allows Dad to spend a quiet Saturday morning restoring his vehicle to showroom condition, or at least something close to it. A high-quality portable fridge for those long road trips or a set of durable floor mats that can handle everything from muddy boots to spilt coffee can also go a long way.

And if all else fails, take his beloved vehicle and go fill it up, even if it is just a half tank of juice. That will make him glad and even it messes up your budget, at least it will be highly appreciated.