5 Tips for Finding the Right Replacement Parts for Your Car
It can be stressful when your car breaks down. What’s even more stressful is looking for the right replacement parts, especially if you’re not that familiar with auto mechanics and repair procedures.
Obviously, you’re looking for products will deliver excellent performance and last for a long time. The question is, where and how do you find them?
Fortunately, it’s not that difficult. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to get that replacement part to get your car back into great running condition:
Go Online
For ultimate convenience and a wide selection of auto parts, one of your best bets is to shop online. This is especially true if you have an older-model car, simply because physical stores often stock parts for newer vehicles rather than older vehicles.
What’s even better about shopping for car parts online is that it’s easy to compare prices and technical specifications. You can use search parameters such as the car’s brand name, the model of the car, and its year of manufacture to quickly locate a part. This way, you can be sure that you’re only viewing parts that are specific to your car.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, buying car parts online can help you save money. That’s because online stores don’t have the same operational costs as traditional ones, so they can keep their prices relatively lower.
Check the VIN and Part Codes
All cars in New Zealand have a VIN or vehicle identification number. This is a 17-character code or ID used for registration and other similar purposes. It’s also unique to your vehicle, which means it’s a way to prevent theft, fraud, and other crimes.
You can also use your car’s VIN to search for car parts. Since the VIN contains information that’s exclusively tied to your car, it’s much simpler to locate the right components.
There are also some instances in which the part itself will have an identifier or code, though sometimes it may have worn off from years of use or covered in layers of grease & dirt. Still, if you’re able to locate the code, you’ll have an easier time looking for the right part for your car.
Consider Second-Hand Parts
Sometimes, no matter how many shops and websites you’ve been to, you might not be able to find a brand-new part that you need. If ever this happens, looking for second-hand parts may be your next best option.
Of course, there are plenty of advantages when you go for a new part. For one, you’ll get a full warranty. You also don’t have to worry about how long the part still has left before it conks out. If the part is good to last 3 years, then you can expect it to last for 3 years.
Meanwhile, second-hand parts are much cheaper. If you have an older car, you’re also more likely to find second-hand parts simply because the manufacturer may not be making new parts anymore. And with limited edition vehicles, parts are even more rare.
Know the Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts
Another decision you have to make when you’re buying car parts is whether or not you want to go for OEM or aftermarket parts.
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer, which means the part is made by the same manufacturer of your car. Sometimes, OEM parts are also called factory or stock parts. Meanwhile, aftermarket parts or “generic” parts are made by a company other than your car’s maker.
For a safe & secure option, go for OEM parts. They’re designed and made using exact specifications, so they’re guaranteed to fit and perform as intended.
Meanwhile, if you want to save some money, look for aftermarket parts. They’re much cheaper than OEMs, although make sure to purchase from reputable stores so you can be more sure of the quality. In some cases though, aftermarket parts are your only choice (e.g., when your car’s manufacturer has stopped producing parts for your car’s specific model).
Still, if you have the extra money and you can find the specific part you need, go for OEM parts. They’ll be well worth your investment.
Read Reviews
Last but certainly not least, read reviews. In particular, check feedback from customers regarding the part’s fit, performance, and longevity.
You should also look for comments about the shop itself. Do they respond to enquiries on time? Do they treat their customers well? Do they offer consultations or other value-add services? Are the products they sell legitimate and reliable? These are just a few things you need to know.
No matter how sturdy your car’s construction is, its parts won’t last forever. After some time and normal wear-and-tear, you’ll eventually need to change some components. Keep these tips in mind so you can find the right replacement parts and keep your car functioning well.