Car Parts – FAQ

• Quality:

These branded manufacturer items guarantee quality and performance.

• Warranty:

These automobiles parts always come with a manufacturer limited warranty.

• Price:

These top of the line auto parts can cost more than comparable aftermarket items.

• Availability:

Dealers usually order specific parts from the manufacturer. If not already in stock, it may take a few days to get it in.

Should I Get Aftermarket Automotive Parts?

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

• Quality:

Low price often suggest a lack of quality

• Warranty:

Aftermarket parts don’t come with a warranty

• Price:

These car parts can be more affordable than manufacturer parts

• Availability:

Most independent car-repair shops have these parts readily available

Which Car Parts Are Most Costly to Service?

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

The auto parts most costly to replace are:

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

When Should You Require OEM Parts?

Always purchase OEM Manufacturer parts for collision repair. non-manufacturer car parts may not fit properly when your vehicle has damaged body panels after the accident. Plus, installing aftermarket parts may void your lease vehicle warranty. So, always use OEM parts for all lease vehicle repairs.

Which Vehicle Parts Are Covered or Not Covered By Warranty?

A complete manufacturer’s warranty necessarily doesn’t cover every part. Car buyers, however, can always choose something like a bumper-to-bumper warranty, factory warranty, or an extended warranty for the most comprehensive coverage. Even for an extended warranty, all your vehicle’s parts may not have coverage. Check out our coverage overview list below to learn more.

Covered Under Powertrain Warranty:

• Transmission
• Gaskets
• Engine
• Transfer Case
• Axles

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Coverage:

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

Covered Under Extended Warranty:

• Extends coverage of all items under original Factory Warranty

Not Covered Under Warranty

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

Is Craigslist an Okay Place to Buy Automotive Parts?

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 a Reliable Place to Purchase Car Parts

Certainly, Amazon is a reputable marketplace and provides customers with a convenient and easy site to find quality automotive parts. While most car parts sold by Amazon are from reliable sources, it can be hard for you to know if you’re getting the right product for your car since you are not dealing directly with an automobile expert.

Can You Order Vehicle Parts at The Car Dealer?

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

Can You Bring Your Own Auto Parts to The Dealer?

You can always bring your own auto parts to an auto dealer. The car dealer, however, cannot issue a warranty on the part you’ve purchased, nor can they guarantee its performance. It is highly recommended to get your vehicle checked by an certified service technician at a local car dealer before buying any parts for installation. The factory-trained technician will also be able to diagnose the problem and order the required replacement part, if necessary.

Who Installs Aftermarket Car Parts?

Bring your aftermarket vehicle part to a local auto dealer to get it installed. Before installation, a service technician will check the aftermarket vehicle part to verify if it is a match for your vehicle. Even if they install the aftermarket auto part, however, the car dealership can only warranty the labor.

FAQ – Car Parts | Gene Messer Volkswagen