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Men love cars—there’s no denying it. However, their attitude and approach are changing. Previously, they would have spent the entire weekend in the garage tinkering, but now it is becoming more of a group event. Dads are finding ways to balance their automotive passions with the needs of their families.
This development is all part of the revival of the “cool dad” image. Cars were once an escape but now they are a part of “being present” in relationships, and more of a prop than a hobby.
“We’re seeing so many more dads coming to us, looking for vehicles they can share with their spouses and children,” says MPH Club, an exotic car rental firm. “For them, it’s all part of what it means to be a great father and spend quality time with other family members.”
As such, car culture is evolving. It’s less about machismo and more about having fun with the family and serving others. Automotive excellence is no longer toxic, but something healthy and thrilling.
Of course, cars have always been a way for dads to bond with the next generation. Vehicles are an exciting part of life and an opportunity to teach kids more about how the world works. Cars introduce them to engineering, mechanics, and even history.
Being involved in maintaining cars may also be beneficial for children. Getting them off their phones, and under the hood is a great way to teach real-world skills. Children who explore vehicles with their dads are likely to be stronger and more capable with their hands.
Some children even build vehicles (like kit cars) with their dads. These bonding sessions can go on all weekend.
“It should come as no surprise that vehicles are a hub around which family members can bond,” says MPH Club. “Yes, they’re exciting, but there’s also so much to them, and so many conversations kids and parents can have about them. Once you discover a shared interest in vehicles, there’s often no way back.”
This all ties in nicely with family road trips and adventures becoming priorities. Car culture is morphing into family time, with vehicles becoming increasingly set up for ferrying people around.
Going on a long drive in a 1990s or 1980s family saloon wasn’t always a simple prospect. Cabins were cramped and entertainment was minimal. However, these days, the situation is different. Kids and parents have much more space, and most vehicles have entertainment options built into the fabric of the vehicle (reducing the need to carry Game Boys).
Furthermore, when dads do stop on the open road, their vehicles remain more capable than ever. Many have attachment points for awnings, tow bars for bicycles, and plenty of truck space for camping gear, food, and cooking equipment.
“The sheer size of vehicles today is making them more practical and facilitating family time,” says MPH Club. “Previously, sitting in a vehicle for more than two hours was challenging, but the lack of trunk space made it even harder. These days, it’s possible to rent supercars with more practical storage than vehicles of yesteryear.”
Whether electric vehicles will drive this trend even further remains to be seen. However, the initial signs are promising. Manufacturers are finding all sorts of ways to reduce engine and component bulk, adding space to the cabin.
For example, many electric vehicles don’t have a central ridge for the drive shaft because there isn’t one. They also have room in the front for a “frunk” because the motors sit above the wheels (eliminating the need to transmit power to the four corners of the vehicle).
These innovations mean that there is usually considerably more room for everything else families need. Dads have more legroom, children have bigger seats, and there is room in the back for whatever’s required for trips on the open road.
“Sustainable vehicle development is having a profound effect on how people use their cars,” says MPH Club. “It makes a tremendous difference simply switching to electric motors and putting them above the wheels, getting rid of 70% of the bulk of conventional internal combustion engines.”
Because of these developments, modern dads are getting better at balancing their love of cars with their families. As these trends play out, the relationship becomes less toxic over time.
For many, vehicles are a place to unplug from regular tech and connect with the family. They reduce distractions, enabling better conversation and communication between parties. Given how hectic kids’ schedules are these days, there are even murmurings that dads are using their vehicles for so-called “quality time.” Estranged fathers are leveraging vehicles to connect with their children and learn more about their feelings, aspirations, emotions, and everything else.
For some, this quality time takes the form of deep conversations. However, for most, it’s about listening to music and generally having fun.
Whether cars retain their therapeutic potential remains a point of contention. Dads used to use them as a retreat and time alone. However, these days there are so many alternatives to that.
“Dads are hiring supercars for themselves, but also for family enjoyment,” says MPH Club. “They want to share the thrill of performance with the people around them instead of hoarding the experience for themselves.”
Furthermore, many dads are combining the ability of vehicles to “de-stress” themselves while still being there for their families. Sometimes, it’s nice for them to hop into their car and drive for four hours straight without a break. It’s a way to communicate family traditions to future generations, emphasizing the value of vehicles.
Whether this trend of balancing cars with family will continue remains to be seen. A new cultural wave could start affecting everyone.
However, car enthusiasm will likely become less stereotypical. Over time, dads will include more people in their hobbies and passions. Perhaps even different races and genders will be able to get involved as the movement develops.
“We’re excited to see what happens next,” remarks MPH Club. “It’s a great time to be a dad who loves cars.”
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