Options To Consider When Looking For Parts For Your Vehicle

Auto parts for your car, truck, or SUV do not have to be new parts, although new parts are often better if you can get them. Some situations make it hard to find new parts, but there are other options that you might want to consider when you need something specific for your car, truck, or SUV.

Buying New Parts

New auto parts are the most commonly used for repairs to most cars, especially modern vehicles only a few years old. The parts are easy to find at the local auto dealership in their parts department or at an independent auto parts reseller that deals in aftermarket and OE (original equipment) parts. 

The OE parts are the best option for some parts because they come directly from the same source that the manufacturer uses when the car is assembled. Other parts are acceptable to get from an auto parts store, but look for new parts if you can get them because they typically have a better warranty, and while they may cost a little more, they are often higher quality than cheaper parts made by random companies that are just mass-producing generic parts for many different vehicles.

If there are no new parts available from the dealer or auto parts store, you may want to consider a remanufactured part instead. Remanufactured auto parts use the OE part and are taken apart, cleaned and inspected, then reassembled with any new components that are needed to make the part function like a new part. 

The auto parts store will often require you to return your old part after removing it so that the remanufacturing company can use the core to refurbish and make another remanufactured part for someone else's car.

Used Auto Parts

There are times when you can't find a new part for your vehicle, especially if it is an older one. Shopping for used parts from a salvage yard or auto recycler can offer an excellent solution, and many times the auto parts the salvage yard sells are in great shape and will last a long time.

Used auto parts are often less expensive than new parts as well. They may not have a long warranty but check with the salvage operator to find out what they offer. Buying used auto parts does not mean you can't have a professional installation; in fact, many mechanics will install the part for you and inspect it to ensure it is worth installing before they do the work.

If you can't find new auto parts for your car, used parts could be your only option, and using these recycled parts is an excellent way to reduce and reuse if you are into recycling products and materials. Look for a shop near you that offers auto parts.