The automotive aftermarket is changing quickly. From rising household costs and an ageing vehicle parc to new vehicle brands, electrification and increasingly software-driven cars, motorists and businesses are having to adapt. We spoke to TEPA, the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association, about the state of the industry, what motorists should watch out for and why proper maintenance remains closely linked to road safety.
A Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket
TEPA is a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). It is the voice of the tyre, equipment and parts industry in South Africa, acting as an intermediary between government, business and the consumer.
Its role is to promote a professional, ethical and safe aftermarket, while setting standards for members and representing their interests. For motorists, TEPA accreditation provides a trusted mark to look for when choosing where to buy tyres and parts or have work done on their vehicles.
TEPA represents tyre dealers and fitment centres, workshop equipment and tool importers and distributors, parts wholesalers and retailers, independent operators, and manufacturers and importers of aftermarket parts. There are more than 2 000 TEPA businesses nationally.
The organisation supports them through advocacy with government and regulators, access to RMI services such as labour relations and dispute resolution, industry information, networking and skills development.
Accreditation is not automatic. A business must meet minimum standards on premises, equipment and qualified staff, and is inspected before accreditation is granted. That standard is designed to protect both members and their customers.
Pressure on Businesses and Motorists
The industry is operating against a difficult economic backdrop. Households are under real financial pressure, while businesses are dealing with rising electricity and logistics costs and a volatile rand that pushes up the price of imported parts and equipment.
Another challenge is unfair competition from informal and non-compliant operators that do not carry the same costs or responsibilities as accredited businesses. Skills are also becoming increasingly important as vehicle technology changes faster than the training pipeline.
For motorists, these pressures are changing how vehicles are maintained. Motorists are more price-conscious, shopping around, questioning quotes and increasingly moving to independent workshops once their warranty or service plan ends. They are also more informed, researching products and services online before making decisions.
The concern is that some motorists stretch service intervals, delay repairs or choose the cheapest option without fully understanding what they are buying. Tyres and brakes are often where people try to save first, yet these are exactly the components where cutting corners can carry the greatest risk.
Keeping Older Vehicles on the Road
South Africans are also keeping their vehicles for longer as the cost of buying a new vehicle remains a consideration. For the aftermarket, an ageing vehicle parc creates steady demand for maintenance, replacement parts, tyres and repairs.
But keeping a vehicle for longer also raises the stakes when it comes to safety. Older vehicles need more attention to brakes, suspension, steering and tyres, while potholes and poor road conditions can add further wear.
Keeping a car longer can make financial sense, but only if it is properly maintained.
With fuel, food, electricity and insurance all placing pressure on household budgets, motorists need to prioritise safety-critical items such as tyres, brakes, steering, suspension and lights. Preventive maintenance is almost always cheaper than dealing with a breakdown or major repair.
Motorists should get more than one quote, ask for a breakdown of costs and speak to a reputable workshop about available options. There are often quality alternatives that can fit a budget without compromising safety. Always ask for an invoice, as this provides important protection if something goes wrong.
The Small Tyre Mistakes That Can Become Big Problems
Tyres remain one of the most important safety components on any vehicle, yet some basic mistakes are still common.
Incorrect tyre pressure is one of them. Both under-inflation and over-inflation can affect handling, braking, and fuel consumption while causing tyres to wear faster. Checking pressures once a month, including the spare, is one of the simplest safety habits motorists can adopt.
Uneven tyre wear can point to alignment or suspension problems, while pothole damage can cause bulges or cuts in the sidewall. Fitting tyres of unknown history without having them properly inspected can also be risky because damage is often invisible to an untrained eye.
If a motorist has hit a pothole hard or is unsure about the condition of their tyres, having them checked at a TEPA fitment centre can provide peace of mind.
The same caution applies to automotive parts. Counterfeit brake pads, filters, bearings and other components can look almost identical to genuine products but may fail under pressure. They also offer little traceability or recourse for consumers.
In 2023, TEPA launched the TEPA Whistleblower platform, allowing consumers and industry to anonymously report suspected illicit trading activity through the TEPA website. Motorists should be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, buy from reputable outlets, and always insist on an invoice.
An Aftermarket Being Transformed by Technology
The traditional aftermarket is also being reshaped by technology. Modern vehicles are increasingly controlled by electronics and software, meaning many repairs now begin with a diagnostic scan rather than a spanner.
Sensors, cameras and driver-assistance systems may need calibration after work such as wheel alignment or windscreen replacement, while tyre pressure monitoring systems are becoming standard. Online parts sales, digital catalogues and e-commerce are also changing how parts reach workshops and consumers.
Workshops will need modern diagnostic tools, software subscriptions and calibration equipment,
When in doubt about your vehicle, ask your nearest TEPA fitment centre for guidance. Look for the TEPA logo, or phone 011 886 6300 or visit www.tepa.org.za to find your nearest TEPA business. Accreditation gives you standards, accountability, and recourse if something goes wrong.
