This year, Father’s Day falls on 20 June 2021. As we continue to adapt to the new normal, showing care and concern to our loved ones take on a deeper meaning. Besides making effort to spend more time together, a thoughtful gift for Dad can go a long way.
What would be an ideal present for Dad on this Father’s Day? If Dad is a car owner, a car-related gift could just be the one that puts a smile on his face. Here are some suggestions for car accessories and enhancements that you can delight your father with.
Here are some suggestions for car accessories and enhancements that you can delight your father with. These are all in compliance with LTA’s car-modification guidelines and do not impact the premiums for your car insurance.
Little things that add up
It doesn’t take much to please Dad. Little thoughtful gestures like cleaning the car and refilling the tank after you used the family car are good enough. If you are thinking of going the extra mile, you don’t need to spend a lot to enhance the car and the overall quality of the ride.
Often, simple accessories can make daily driving a safer and more pleasant experience, or just improve the looks of your car.
Bluetooth tracker
We’re not saying Dad is absent-minded, but sometimes, it’s easy to misplace small items such as keys. A Bluetooth tracker would make a cool and practical gift for Dad this Father’s Day. Are you already eyeing Apple’s latest product, the AirTag? There are plenty of other options in the market ranging from between $10 to $100.
Steering wheel and seat beat cushion covers
Available in a variety of materials such as bling bling diamond, leather, wood and synthetic mesh, steering wheel covers protect steering wheels from wear and tear. Worn steering wheels can become slippery over time whereas well-secured wheel covers help drivers maintain a firmer grip on the steering wheel, thus improving driving safety.
Steering wheel covers can also give the interior of the car a subtle new look that drivers will appreciate. Covers made from synthetic mesh have the advantage of not heating up as much compared to leather. These can make driving a car that has been parked under the sun a more pleasant experience. Good quality steering wheel covers typically cost S$30 to S$70.
Some people find seat beats uncomfortable but they tend to get more comfortable after a while. A seat beat cushion cover can help in circulating air underneath (bid hot vinyl seats goodbye), and gently massages the back and legs while one drives. Available in a variety of designs, they also spruce up car interiors by adding a dash of colours. These can be bought for under S$20 each.
Steering wheel locks
A steering wheel lock may sound excessive in Singapore but if you or your dad plans to drive frequently to Johor Bahru after the pandemic is under control, this could be a visual and physical deterrent to car thieves. In case you think your car is absolutely safe from thefts in Singapore, read this
Depending on the lock material (i.e. plastic or steel), a steering wheel lock can improve car security and costs between S$20 to a few hundred dollars. Buy online or from a car accessories shop near you. Of course, you should also have a comprehensive car insurance that covers your car even when you cross borders!
#TiqOurWord Our Private Car Insurance covers Singapore, West Malaysia and some parts of Thailand! Learn more here.
Door and bumper protectors
These are small strips of soft plastic that are taped onto the edges of car doors and bumpers. These protect opened doors from being scratched when accidentally knocked against a wall or another vehicle, and bumpers against light scraps against kerbs.
Available commonly in black or silver, they also help to accent the outline of the car and provide a mild cosmetic facelift. Car door protectors cost about S$10 to S$20 per set, whereas bumper protectors cost about S$40-S$70 each.
Customised car covers
If dad is the laidback sort who finds car washing to be a chore, you may want to consider offering your services to help dad wash his car on this coming Father’s Day. In addition to that, how about giving dad a customised car cover with bold graphics?
According to the U.S. based cover maker Tarra, “Anything is possible – from a crazy giant shoe to an event billboard.” Fashion statement aside, this essential car accessory can help to keep the car clean (from fallen leaves and bird droppings) and cool amid the relentless hot weather in Singapore!
New windscreen wipers
An often overlooked component of a car, windscreen wipers are the unsung heroes that keep you safe on the road on rainy days. Worn out wipers leave streaks of water across the windscreen, which makes driving in the rain uncomfortable and compromises safety.
You can upgrade standard rubber wipers by choosing silicone ones that are more resistant to Singapore’s harsh sunlight, and also leave a coat of silicone on the windscreen that beads up rainwater and improves visibility. These cost S$40-S$70 per blade. Popular aftermarket brands in Singapore include PIAA and Bosch.
#TiqOurWord At Tiq by Etiqa, our Private Car Insurance comes with on-the-go windscreen servicing. That means Dad’s car windscreen can be repaired or replaced anywhere, anytime, if the need arises.
Better sounds for the music-loving father
Most factory-installed car audio systems are adequate, but not outstanding. The sky is the limit when it comes to upgrading a car’s audio system, with possibilities such as swapping out the audio receiver and the speakers, adding an additional amplifier, a subwoofer, and installing insulations in car doors for sound dampening. However, doing so can set you back a few thousand dollars.
Receiver units
Fortunately, it only takes a modest investment to noticeably improve the quality of in-car entertainment with more precise base, richer mid-range and smoother treble. Experts advise that one way to do so is to replace the factory front speakers with aftermarket ones. You will notice improvements even with modestly priced ones costing around S$200 to S$300.
Alternatively, if Dad’s car is an older model and the in-car system is lacking newer features such as blue-tooth connectivity, multi-media capabilities and USB ports, you can consider replacing the receiver unit (also known as head unit). Receiver units typically cost S$300 to S$800.
In-car entertainment systems
Popular brands for in-car entertainment systems include Pioneer, Kenwood and JBL. In-car audio components are not something you can easily install yourself, so it would be best to consult in-car audio professionals for recommendations on systems that are compatible with your family car, and have them do the installation for you.
Improve looks and performance
Aftermarket rims
Want an enhancement that not only improves the looks of Dad’s car, but also its handling and performance? Customise it with a set of aftermarket rims of a design to Dad’s liking – you will be surprised how different the car will look with this enhancement.
These are ideal when the car is a few years old and can do with a refreshed look. The choice of rim design, like clothes, allows the driver’s personality to shine through. Choose a design with a larger number of spokes for an executive look, or fewer spokes for a bold, sporty look.
When upgrading the car’s rims, keep things simple by getting a set with the same size (diameter and width) as the factory rims. If you get rims that are larger than original, it is vital that you get a set of tyres that are proportionally thinner, such that the overall diameter of the wheel (tyre plus rim) stays the same.
A change in overall diameter will adversely impact the accuracy of the car’s speedometer and gearing. Do be aware that larger rims will be heavier, and thinner tyres will cause the ride to be less comfortable.
The cost of aftermarket rims can cost from S$1,500 per set inclusive of installation costs, depending on brand, model and size. There are numerous brands to choose from, including premium ones such as Enkei, OZ Racing, and Yokohama. Consult a professional workshop on the choices available for your car.
Show Dad your love this Father’s Day
Still looking for gift ideas? Whatever your budget is, there is no lack of choices when it comes to car-related gifts for Dad this Father’s Day. If Dad’s motor insurance is near expiry, do consider showing him your love by protecting him with Private Car Insurance from Tiq by Etiqa Insurance. Now with free coverage for child seat (great if you have younger ones at home), watch this space for promotions on our car insurance and more!
[End]
Information is accurate as at 14 May 2021. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.
A digital insurance channel that embraces changes to provide simple and convenient protection, Tiq’s mission is to make insurance transparent and accessible, inspiring you today to be prepared for life’s surprises and inevitabilities, while empowering you to “Live Unlimited” and take control of your tomorrow.
With a shared vision to change the paradigm of insurance and reshape customer experience, Etiqa created the strong foundation for Tiq. Because life never stops changing, Etiqa never stops progressing. A licensed life and general insurance company registered in the Republic of Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Etiqa is governed by the Insurance Act and has been providing insurance solutions since 1961. It is 69% owned by Maybank, Southeast Asia’s fourth largest banking group, with more than 22 million customers in 20 countries; and 31% owned by Ageas, an international insurance group with 33 million customers across 16 countries.
Discover the full range of Tiq online insurance plans here.
