Car Parts – FAQ

Should I Purchase Aftermarket Automotive Parts?

An aftermarket part is any part for a car that is not sourced directly from the vehicle’s manufacturer, or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). These parts are certainly less-expensive for the repair of your car and upgrade. Online retailers and independent, local shops may (though not necessarily) offer a selection of aftermarket automotive parts. These automotive parts are made to function similarly to the OEM versions. Aftermarket auto parts, however, have their own pros and cons.

• Quality:
  Low prices could signal a lack of quality craftsmanship
• Warranty:
  These parts are not warrantied
• Price:
  These auto parts can be cheaper than the manufacturer/OEM parts
• Availability:
  Most auto-repair shops have these parts readily available

Which Automobile Parts Are The Most Expensive to Service?

While basic parts range between $150 to $500, some automobile part repairs can actually break a budget.

The automobile parts most costly to replace are:

• Transmissions – $4,000 to $5,000
• Brake Lines – $1,000
• Suspension – Up to $3,000
• Cylinders – Up to $10,000
• Hybrid battery – $6,000 and up

When Should You Buy OEM Parts?

Always purchase OEM Manufacturer parts when it comes to collision repairs. non-OEM automotive repair products may not fit securely when your car, truck, or SUV has damaged body panels after a accident. Plus, an aftermarket part installation may void your leasing vehicle warranty. So, always use OEM parts for all lease vehicle repairs.

Which Auto Parts Are Covered or Not Covered Under Warranty?

A complete auto manufacturer’s warranty necessarily doesn’t cover every part. However, car buyers, can typically choose something like an extended warranty, bumper-to-bumper, or factory warranty for the most comprehensive coverage. Even with an extended warranty, all of your vehicle’s parts will likely not have coverage. Here is a list of what’s covered and what’s not.

Powertrain Warranty Coverage:

• Transmission
• Gaskets
• Engine
• Transfer Case
• Axles

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Coverage:

• High-tech systems
• All major vehicle systems
• Safety features
• AC and heating

Covered With Extended Warranty:

• Extends coverage of all items under original Factory Warranty

Not Covered By Warranty

• Scheduled maintenance
• Wear and tear items
• Body panel or exterior damage
• Interior damage
• Accidental damage
• Environmental damage

Should I Purchase Automotive Parts from Craigslist?

Craigslist is not an auto retailer; but on this online platform, third-party vendors sell automotive parts. For this reason, the quality cannot be guaranteed. If you are buying car parts from this source, make sure to research, verify, and compare before the purchase.

Is Amazon an Okay Place to Get Car Parts?

Indisputably, Amazon is a reputed marketplace and provides shoppers with a convenient and easy platform to shop for quality car parts. While most car parts sold by Amazon are from reliable sources, it can be difficult for you to know if you’re getting the correct product for your car since you are not dealing directly with an auto expert.

Can You Buy Car Parts at The Dealer?

Yes. The dealership is one of the best places to purchase auto parts. Most auto dealerships only sell standard OEM manufacturer parts. Best of all, they can use your VIN number to find the correct part for your car or truck.

Can You Bring Your Own Parts to The Dealership?

You can always bring your own auto parts to a auto dealer. The auto dealer,however, is unable to warranty the purchased part, nor will they be able to guarantee its performance. It is highly recommended to get your vehicle checked by an certified service technician at a local dealership before purchasing any auto parts for installation. The auto-experts will also be able to diagnose the actual problem and recommend an appropriate replacement part, if necessary.

Who Installs Aftermarket Parts?

Bring your aftermarket car or truck part to a local auto dealer to get it installed. Before installation, a service technician at the dealership will check the aftermarket auto part to check if it is suitable for your car. Even if they install the aftermarket auto part, however, the car dealer can only issue warranty on the labor.

Auto Parts – FAQ