Where to shop for car accessories
Where to shop for car accessories
By Chad Lückhoff
The car customisation scene is surprisingly large, and why wouldn't it be? Who doesn't want their car to be special and unique? Many of us want our cars to represent something. Our station in life, an expression of our personality, a billboard for our success. One of the ways we can do that, is to make our cars look different from all the others.
Car customisation takes on many forms. It's not always the Fast and Furious style with over the top wings, body kits, neon lights and large wheels, it's sometimes a few small changes or additions that make the world of difference – the devil is in the details, they say.
The world of customisation can be quite tricky, though. Not all modifications are good for your car and some will void your warranty. There are many options that can improve your car and are backed by the manufacturer, so it's always wise to check with your particular manufacturer before setting about changing your vehicle up.
If you're one of those that cringe at the idea of fitting aftermarket goodies to your expensive possession, then check with your local dealership to see what OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) accessories are available for your particular vehicle. These will usually come with the peace of mind that the changes are backed by the manufacturer warranty.
Modifying your car can be fun, though, and there are many places that will offer all sorts of accessories to suit your tastes and budget – some accessories can even be bought from the comfort of your own home, so here's a list of some of our favourite stores and sites for shopping for accessories.
One of South Africa's leading aftermarket accessories stores with a multi-award winning e-commerce website that allows you to shop from the comfort of your own home and have your goodies delivered to your door. Check out their specials that often include free shipping.
Durban-based accessory retailer that offers online shopping for wheels, audio and accessories. While their range is not as extensive as others, their hard-to-find items and friendly service make up for it.
A Cape Town based accessories retailer that offers products from Reiger, Prior-Design, Carlsson and Eibach. No online shopping and limited inventory shown on their site but their extensive gallery will give you some ideas.
A Gauteng-based retailer with several branches conveniently located around the province. Best known for their Webasto sunroof range where they supply and fit. They also offer wheels, accessories and audio.
A one-stop retailer and fitment center that caters for everything from mild to wild with only your imagination (and budget) stopping you in your tracks. Big Boss Auto offers everything from accessories to sound installations, body kits and racing equipment.
SporTech Cars is another one-stop solution for automotive modifying. They are agents for a number of high-end, exclusive brands including Lumma, Lexani, Vorsteiner and Vossen. Interior, exterior and performance modifications are all the name of the game for SporTech Cars.
Craighall Car Radio is an established name in the aftermarket car audio scene, offering a wide variety of reputable brands along with professional installation and advice. While primarily centered around car audio, chat to them about interior modifications and reupholstery.
Offering a host of respected accessories and components for car audio systems. Their comprehensive website doesn't offer online shopping, but will allow you to request a quotation to get the ball rolling.
One of the leading 4x4 and off-road accessories retailers and fitment centers in South Africa. With names like Old Man Emu, ARB, Front Runner and IPF, 4x4 Mega World is the store for adventurous souls. With more than 24 dealers country wide and online shopping for most accessories, 4x4 Mega World is the industry leader.
LA Sport 4WD Megastores has evolved into a group of professional one-stop 4WD centres with 10 branches all over the country and Namibia and Zambia. With their own range of robust, built-for-Africa accessory range, LA Sport has become a respected name.