- A1 Quality Spare Parts | Jan 15, 2024
These days, car owners keep their cars for longer periods of time without selling them. In contrast to the previous years, this number has risen exponentially, and this substantial growth can only continue in the future.
It’s worth remembering that, in order to reach longer lifespans, car owners are continually replacing old parts with new ones, which come with a year’s warranty and guarantee.
However, the cost of such auto parts is rising every day, and owners are forced to pay exorbitant rates for them. But, parts replacement is inevitable and to keep driving your vehicle around for years, you need every now and then.
However, people don’t put in much thought before buying spare parts for their vehicles. This is the reason why most of us end up paying an exorbitant amount sometimes even for faulty parts.
You can’t avoid parts replacement but what you can do is save a lot of money and increase your vehicle’s longevity by knowing these things:
1. Be aware of the store’s warranty, guarantee, and return policies.
One major thing to bear in mind when buying a spare part is to see if it comes with a guarantee/warranty period, as this helps you to get a refund or request a renewal for a damaged product if it is still under the warranty period.
It also serves as protection and ensures the item’s authenticity. Avoid buying one that doesn’t come with a warranty because you won’t be able to return it if it breaks, and you’ll have to buy a new one.
To prevent such a situation, it is preferable to buy only guaranteed/warranted products. Make sure to read the website’s return policy beforehand if you’re buying a spare part online.
Many stores use catchy phrases so that you will not read through the rest of the provisions. Always pay particular attention to the policies’ exceptions
So, you don’t miss out on anything which is exactly what the seller wants you to do.
2. Some automotive parts should be replaced with brand-new ones.
Financial limitations are one of the main reasons why some people opt for used spare auto parts. This is completely understandable.
However, it’s also important to comprehend the ramifications of purchasing critical components. If you’re looking for a side mirror, a used one could suffice.
But, if you’re talking about something like a spark plug, should you risk your engine’s performance to save a few dollars? Definitely not.
Auto parts like brake rotors, brake pads, and starters that wear out quickly should be replaced with brand-new parts at all times.
Large and expensive automotive components like alternators, transmissions, and radiators that are vital to your vehicle’s overall performance should always be backed by a strong and long warranty.
At the very least, each of these should come with a 12-month warranty. It’s important to remember that these components are critical to your car’s overall performance.
You’ll save a few hundred bucks by buying used parts, but long before you know it, you will need a replacement.
3. Avoid major franchises and stick with local and safe auto parts stores.
Big-name auto parts store franchises, contrary to common belief, are not always the best sources for the items you need.
There’s a good chance the product they’ll send you isn’t going to be the best not to mention how expensive they can get. You can not save any money from such stores because they have a lot of operating costs to consider.
Among consumers of used car parts, there is an unspoken fact. Big franchises make money by leveraging their name, comfort, and the desperation of car owners.
For those who want justice in their purchases, this does not sit too well. Local stores are your best choice for used car parts.
You should still expect more personalized service because they don’t have the big-name branding of a franchise. No matter where you buy, know your seller.
On the other hand, it is also important that you purchase products from a reputable business with a proven track record, rather than just a user-friendly store that saves you time.
4. When buying used car parts, always bring an expert with you.
When purchasing used or secondhand auto parts, there are several reasons why you should always bring an automotive expert with you. This is particularly true if you are unfamiliar with the part you would purchase.
However, selecting someone you can trust or that you know on a more personal level is important. Some people may have a financial interest in an auto parts store.
There’s a possibility he’s invested in the deal with the store if he doesn’t want you to try out other stores. So be careful who you choose. Having a trusted mechanic by your side during such transactions is always a good idea.
One who’ll be able to give you valuable advice on which auto parts to buy may also be able to tell the difference between a genuine and a fake component.
Most mechanics are also familiar with the features and characteristics of each component.
5. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the history of the used auto part you’re interested in purchasing.
When it comes to selling you the parts you need, some car parts stores are not absolutely honest. Learning more about the past of the auto component is critical to ensure that you do not end up with a substandard product.
Remember that all of these auto parts can be rejuvenated to make them look brand new. They may contain secret cracks or flaws that will cause them to fail in the future despite appearing to be flawless.
You would be wasting your money on a useless product if the store does not have any warranty or refunds on your purchases. Before making the purchase, inquire about the auto parts‘ age.
The seller should be aware of the item’s history. A more critical question to ask is whether the object has been modified, repaired, or rebuilt previously.
If you receive an ambiguous response, you should double-check the price. If the price is too cheap than what you had expected, maybe it is due to the item’s shaky past.
If the seller doesn’t want to disclose any information regarding the history of the part then back out immediately. Such stores are not worth doing business with.
6. Know what kind of Auto Parts Best Suits You: Genuine, OEM, Or Aftermarket parts
Genuine Parts:
Genuine parts are those that automakers use in the factory when putting together a vehicle. Even if they were originally made by other firms, these components bear the branding of the automotive manufacturer.
These components are also costly to purchase since the car industry goes through a lengthy process of planning, engineering, and testing them to perfection.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts:
OEM parts are manufactured by the company that originally made those parts for the automaker, as the name implies.
When comparing it to genuine auto parts, you won’t notice any variations because it’s designed under the same design and engineering.
Also, unlike genuine parts, these parts do not come in fancy packaging but this does not imply that their quality would be compromised.
Aftermarket Parts:
Finally, aftermarket spare parts are made by firms that are not associated with the automaker in any way. As a result, the automaker is under no obligation to share design and engineering with these firms.
As a consequence, you might not always get a great match like you would with genuine or OEM pieces.
All in all, if you want to install auto parts with top quality but want to save money at the same time then go for OEM parts. Aftermarket auto parts might turn out to be faulty most of the time and genuine stores won’t even sell them.
