5 Must-have car accessories that will make your dad's daily drive that much better

1. Multimedia audio upgrade

If your dad's car is running an older generation double-din audio system head unit that can easily pop out, it might be the ideal time to upgrade to an Android receiver. Google Android-based multimedia units with touch screens have come down in price, and you can get a decent one .

Some of these head units can support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although CarPlay receivers are pricier. It's an ideal upgrade for older sedans, bakkies, and vans. Android head units support easy-to-use navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, so no more excuses from dad about getting lost on the way to a function because he refuses to ask for directions.

2. More 'crunk' in the trunk

Suppose your dad already has a car, bakkie or SUV with a decent multimedia head unit but regularly complains about a lack of thump in the cabin. In that case, you might want to get him some subwoofers and an amplifier.

These compact subs usually measure around 8-inches, and they come in bespoke enclosures designed to work in tight spaces. Usually, they are also fitted with an amplifier, so all you'll need to do is get the woofer connected to the head unit by a professional installer. Original equipment manufacturers in the premium segment favour compact bass drivers as they don't infringe on boot space.

3. Power bank for emergencies

These days, most of us will have a compact power bank in our laptop bag or somewhere around the house to keep our smartphones and tablets topped up when the inevitable loadshedding takes place. But, what if you need more juice, say enough to jumpstart a vehicle? You can get your dad a powful power bank like one of these that can be used as an electricity backup, or he can use it to jumpstart the car.

It's a particularly thoughtful gift if your dad is an adventurer and spends lots of time camping. We've all been there at the campsite where the car battery runs flat, and there's no one in sight with jumper cables. Or you might even have jumper cables, but there aren't any vehicles around to give you a boost. There are numerous power banks, so it's best to speak to an outdoor adventure centre or 4x4 fitment centre to find out what battery capacity and output might work best for your dad's vehicle.

If these accessories don't hit a sweet spot, perhaps look at these items in the vehicles accessories section in your Takealot app. You can even find hand tools, service and maintenance items, car care equipment and even vehicle diagnostics tools for your father this Father's Day - and that's a lot nicer than a pair of psychedelic socks.