Revved Up With Itu Motoba
I enjoy buying books, bags, and car accessories. Strange combination, I know — but hear me out. Black Friday is one of my favourite times of the year because I get to score amazing bargains, especially on accessories. I mean who doesn’t like accessories: earrings, bracelets and bull bars maybe?
Black Friday is almost here — hooray(not)! That magical (and slightly chaotic) day when we convince ourselves that “saving” R500 justifies spending R5 000. While the rest of the country is queuing for TVs, sneakers, and air fryers, we drivers are quietly scoring deals that make every journey smoother, safer, and a little more stylish.
This is your guide to being that smart driver — the one who uses Black Friday not to fill up their closet, but to level up their car game. Safety should always be your top priority, but making your car look hot in the process? That’s definitely a bonus.
Let’s be honest, car accessories aren’t always at the top of everyone’s shopping list. But the truth is, Black Friday can be the perfect time to invest in things that make driving safer, cleaner, and a bit more comfortable. Think of it as self-care… for your car. Start by checking what your vehicle actually needs. Maybe your tyres are looking tired (pun intended), or you’ve been meaning to get that dash cam you saw on TikTok. Having a list helps you stay focused when the sale madness hits — because impulse-buying a neon cup holder that doesn’t fit your car isn’t the vibe.
If there’s one area worth splurging on, it’s tech and safety. Dash cams are game
changers for road safety and insurance claims, and many local retailers like Takealot and AutoZone slash their prices in November. Portable tyre inflators and jump starters are lifesavers, especially if you travel often or drive long distances alone. Bluetooth kits and phone mounts keep you hands-free (and SAPS-hassle-free), while parking sensors or rear cameras save you from those embarrassing “oops” moments in tight mall parking spots.
If you’ve been putting off big-ticket purchases, Black Friday is the time to do it. Tyres often drop significantly in price, with some brands running “buy three, get one free” promos. Roof racks and travel boxes are smart buys ahead of the December holidays, and some service centers even offer discounted car wash memberships or maintenance packages — small investments that pay off in the long run.
And let’s not forget the clean-car energy. There’s something so satisfying about driving a spotless car — and Black Friday sales make that feeling affordable. Mini vacuum cleaners, detailing kits, and microfiber bundles usually go on sale at Midas or Makro, while seat organisers and boot storage boxes help keep your ride tidy. Add a car diffuser or air purifier to top it off — because your car deserves to smell as fresh as you do.
Of course, practical doesn’t have to mean boring. Seat covers and steering-wheel
wraps protect your interior while adding a personal touch. LED interior light strips may not be for everyone, but if you love a little mood lighting for your night drives, this is your cue. And don’t sleep on those car-care gift sets — they’re perfect for gifting or keeping your car looking photo-ready for festive season road trips.
To make your Black Friday shopping smooth and effective, plan early. Sign up for alerts from your favourite auto stores and dealerships. Compare online versus in-store deals— sometimes the website price beats the chaos at the mall. Know your car’s specs before buying, because nothing ruins the mood faster than accessories that don’t fit your model. And most importantly, set a budget. It’s easy to get carried away when everything looks “on sale.”
Oh, and one last tip — don’t forget the fuel. All those bargains mean nothing if your tank is on E and your budget’s gone to Bluetooth speakers.
Black Friday might be chaos for some, but for the savvy driver, it’s the perfect pit stop to upgrade without overspending. Whether you’re after safety gear, style points, or road-trip essentials, treat your car the way you treat yourself — with a little love, a little care, and a lot of good timing.
Because looking good on the road doesn’t have to cost you several limbs. Wake up early, eat well, stay hydrated, and keep calm. Now you’re ready — go forth and conquer this dreaded day.
