Whether you’re a consumer waiting on a vehicle
repair, a service provider in the automotive industry, or a car
enthusiast, finding quality automotive replacement parts can at times
feel like a scavenger hunt gone bad. While some stores offer cheaper
parts, others may present a better value. While you can count on your
dealership for quality, they may not have your part in stock. With so
many options to weigh, considering factors and scenarios to match, the
following functions as a general guide to determining the best place to
find automotive replacement parts, and under what conditions.
Auto Parts Retail Store
With the proliferation of franchised auto part retailers, chances are
there is a location right around your corner. Stores like Parts Plus
will most likely have the lowest prices and a wider selection of parts
than small family owned auto parts stores. Auto parts retail stores are
usually best for generic auto parts and accessories such as oil filters
and windshield wipers.
Car Dealership
If a specific part is required, such as a passenger side door handle
for a 1996 black Toyota Camry, a visit to your car dealership may be in
order. However, it’s rare that a dealership will have your specific
automotive replacement part in stock, which typically results in
increased wait times and marked up prices. Since manufacturers often
mark up rates to cover services costs, visiting a dealership should be
a last resort.
Auto Salvage Yard
When inexpensiveness is paramount, auto salvage yards are the
destination of choice. “Junkyards” will sell automotive replacement
parts for just a few dollars, and most carry a wide selection. Use
caution. Buying critical automotive replacement parts like those for a
transmission, poses the risk of walking away with parts of poor
quality. To avoid part failure, these shops should be visited only when
seeking out automotive replacement parts that are cosmetic in nature.
Internet
With the advent of the internet, wholesale Websites of both new and
used automotive replacement parts have begun to find a home on the
World Wide Web. Though many online storefronts offer secure ordering
and prompt shipping of well made, inexpensive automotive replacement
parts, caution is always warranted when shopping online. Look for a
phone number so you can speak directly with a customer service
representative to help you understand payment, shipping and return
policies.
Another
crucial factor is security. Look for the HTTPS: protocol in the Web
address of the payment page to determine whether your ordering
information will be secure, private and protected. (When the browser
address bar reads https; it means the Webpage is encrypted with a
secure socket layer, or SSL Certificate.) A Webpage with an SSL should
also have the SSL logo displayed. Clicking on the logo will show
whether the SSL is valid and if it is expired. When online auto stores
pass the security test, they can be the absolute best places to find
automotive replacement parts; price is often lower online, given the
many wholesale providers buying directly from the manufacturer.
Post a Classified Ad
If you still cannot find the replacement part you’re looking for, try
to reach out to the people in your community. Posting an ad in a local
newspaper or on free classified Websites such as Craigslist
(http:www.craigslist.org) can be rewarding. You may find that someone
in your area has a car that doesn’t run but has the working part you
are looking for.
Join a Car Club
Finally, if you are looking for automotive replacement parts for
classic cars, joining a car club is a good idea, albeit an obvious one.
Enthusiasts know that finding automotive replacement parts for cars
that our 40 or 50 years old can be quite the challenge. Car clubs will
provide tons of resources – and can be a way for you to reach a
community of people with similar cars.
Though
there are several avenues to finding automotive replacement parts, do
look first online to avoid spending unneeded time, money and effort.
When credible, online storefronts deliver beyond expectation.
