Publications
Partners
It's that time of the year when everyone gets paid early, the shops are full and there is Gammon on just about every table.
With that said, things can get hectic and this notion rings true when having to buy Christmas gifts, especially for car-crazy loved ones.
What to look for
If you're planning to buy a gift for someone and they are a petrolhead, there are quite a few items that will have them smiling from ear to ear.
READ: Top 8 Christmas gifts for petrolheads: Cool gifts ideas and 'no-go' zone items
Whether its a scale model car or a logo t-shirt, there is a wide variety of options to choose from.
Wheels24's Janine Van der Post says: Model cars and car t-shirts are a winner any time of year and would definitely make my husband smile. In fact, I wouldn't mind finding something like that under the tree as well. I am in desperate need of a new book shelf, and I wouldn't mind one made from a car grille or even shaped like a car against our bedroom wall.
Or a paint job for my Toyota Corolla 20V RSI - that would put him in my good books for a solid two years!
Here are a few things to consider:
1. Sound system upgrade
A host of car audio shops are having discount sales this time of the year on things like head units and subwoofers. Places like Soundmatch and Autostyle stock a wide range of products.
Depending on the brand and its features, you can pick up a head unit for around R400 or even take a look at combo specials on offer as well.
Image: Soundmatch
2. Logo T-shirts
There is nothing to show that you love cars more than wearing a logo printed t-shirt.
There are a host of international websites that sell these but it often takes a month or two to arrive here, meaning they won't get it in time for Christmas.
On the other hand there are a host of printing shops that can do it for as little as R100.
If you don't want to go through the printing process, there are a number of local suppliers like StoneDeff Originals and Double Apex.
Image: eBay
3. Scale model cars
The Simonstown toy car museum and the Dreamers hobby shop is the places to visit if you want to snap up a collectible model car.
Most of the cars housed at the museum cannot be bought anywhere else so there is a bit of rarity attached to it.
The Dreamers hobby shop is a much closer alternative and also has a wide variety of cars on show.
Image: Dreamers hobby shop
4. Key rings/stickers/lanyards
Almost all automotive shops sell these. Everything from miniature NOS canisters to 'not sponsored by mom and dad' stickers can be found.
A popular spot is Racing Edge in Parow with a glass cabinet full of add-ones starting from R100.
Image: eBay
5. Meguiar's car care products
These can be a bit pricey but it is a quality product used by a number of car washing services in Cape Town.
It is sold both separately and part of a pack depending on which application you want to use. Game stores have a wide range to choose from.
Image: Meguiar's
6. Fast and the Furious box-set
You're not a true petrolhead if you don't enjoy atleast one of the movies in the franchise.
The blu-ray copies make for excellent quality while there are also a host of additional or deleted features not known if you watched it in the cinema.
Be sure to check stores like Musica and Takealot.com for availability.
Image: Takealot.com
7. Set of new wheels
There is no better way to kit your car out with a fresh set of wheels to roll on into the new year.
Just like with plenty of other products this month, there will be discounts and combo specials on specific sizes, notably from 15 to 18".
Alies Wheels, Goodhope Tyres and Shaba Mags are some of the most well-known places for the latest sets.
Image: Goodhope Tyres
8. Forza Horizon 4 or Gran Turismo Sport
If they have an Xbox One or Playstation 4 they will love you forever with either one of these.
Just about any computer or big outlet store will have it. Alternatively, you can also purchase it online.
Image: Takealot.com
9. Advanced driving course
There are a host of these packages available online. Whether its hijack prevention or just high performance driving around the track, there are a number of options to choose from.
These courses can be purchased as vouchers with prices starting from R1 500. Check out Gift Experience South Africa.
Image: Gift Experience
10. Xenon/LED replacement lights
They are cheap and offer a much better alternative to the ordinary globes.
Every reputable auto parts shop stocks them, China town also has rear reverse light ones that looks really cool.
Image: Amazon
