In June, over 2 million people on TikTok saw Zoë May decorate her new Ford Fiesta, a gift after getting her driver’s license. The viral video wasn’t about roaring engines or big car modding, but showcased a few tweaks that gave a humble hatchback a personal touch.
“Some little touches made my car uniquely mine,” said May. The IT consultant from Johannesburg bought a spoiler, bumper diffuser, chrome strips, and a key cover on Temu. “Car accessories are often overpriced here and hard to find in stores or flea markets. I needed a one-stop shop where I could find everything I needed.”
May is part of a growing movement called “micro-modding” — using small, affordable accessories to personalize vehicles without major mechanical changes. And she’s not alone in South Africa.
In the Eastern Cape town of Makhanda, 26-year-old admin assistant Bernice Magabie had a similar experience. Her video of installing a new armrest gained 186,000 views on TikTok.
“The car isn’t just a way for me to get around,” Magabie said. “It was my first big purchase, and decorating it became a real extension of my style and independence.”
Her Temu cart soon filled with over 20 items: underglow lights, daisy air fresheners, a sleek trash can, the custom armrest, and even a star projector. And she’s just getting started.
“I’d love to add a sunroof, a rear spoiler, light brows, and window visors,” said Magabie.
This micro-modding trend extends far beyond South Africa. According to Allied Market Research, the global car accessory market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2033, growing at 7.5% annually. The report attributes this growth to increasing consumer demand for personalized accessories that improve comfort, safety, and entertainment.
For South African micro-modders, timing has been crucial. The rise of accessible and budget-friendly online marketplaces has made car customization more attainable than ever. According to a recent News24 survey, one in three South Africans now shop online regularly, with many reporting significant savings on lifestyle and automotive accessories.
For both women, the accessibility of these accessories has opened doors that were previously closed, particularly for women in car culture.
“We may not be traditional petrolheads, obsessing over engines and horsepower, but we do love our cars,” May said. “These little changes make our rides feel more like us. Maybe it’s time to rethink what ‘petrolhead’ means so it includes people like us too.”
Magabie agrees: “The more women take up space in this industry, the more we break the stereotype that cars are just boys’ toys.”
“If you’re even slightly interested in making your car a bit cuter, you should definitely give it a try,” she added.
