Auto Repair Parts
Auto repair parts can be confusing. If you do diy auto repair then you know how hard it can be to find the right part for the right price. This auto parts buying guide will help you decide what type of part you need and what will be involved in buying the right part for your car.
Types of Auto Repair Parts
1. New OEM Parts
If you take your car to a dealership, they will only use brand new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts for repairs.
This is part of the reason why dealership repairs are so much more expensive. Generally speaking OEM parts are much more expensive than aftermarket or used parts. Most of the time you don’t need to spend the extra money on this type of auto replacement parts, but sometimes you do.
Find out if you need to spend the extra money on OEM parts.
2. New Aftermarket Parts
If you take your car to an independent repair shop, they will almost always use aftermarket parts unless you specifically ask them to use only OEM parts. In some cases it is better to use OEM parts because they are better quality, but usually there will not be any difference. The most important thing is that they are covered under the repair shop warranty.
Find out if you should be buying aftermarket parts instead.
3. Used Second Hand Parts
If you are buying a big ticket item that doesn’t need to be new and no one will ever see (things like a PCM, transmission, etc.) then used is a great way to go.
However, there are some key things that you need to know in order to get the best used auto placement parts:
Learn more about how to get reliable second hand auto parts.
What is Your Best Option?
The best option for you all depends on what type of part you are looking for and what it is for.
If you are buying a commonly used part, like brake parts, then I highly recommend buying aftermarket parts, but if you are buying a more specialized part like a custom hydraulic hose then you might only be able to get it from a dealer.
There are some things that you will want to buy from the dealer even if aftermarket parts are available. For example, some people buy aftermarket “universal” oxygen sensors. The problem with this is that even though they are advertised as being “compatible” with any car, in reality they are not.
If you are trying to save money, then you really need to focus on aftermarket and used car parts. When I buy part for my vehicles I generally buy out of those two categories.
Whether you buy new or used auto repair parts, It is important to choose quality parts in good condition. This will lead to fewer problems, less repairs and more time on the road.
Update: Having bought countless items from different retail shops and websites over the years, I now buy almost all auto parts, tools and supplies from Amazon: Automotive.
I begun buying vehicle replacement parts on Amazon a few years ago due to the cost savings and convenience. I find that Amazon sells most automotive products about 20 to 30% cheaper than retail stores, plus the free shipping helps me cut down traveling expenses and time.
Amazon’s Automotive Part Finder also makes it a breeze to find the correct parts and accessories. All I have to do is to enter the vehicle year, make and model… and Amazon will show me a list of parts which fit that specific vehicle.
If you sign up for Amazon Prime, you can expect to receive most items within two days. This is far quicker than other online auto retailers who often take 5 to 14 days to deliver.
