You’ve seen enough videos online or have taken enough mechanics courses to fix your vehicle at home, but now you need the parts. The following are seven sources for car parts that you may want to consider.
1. Direct From Manufacturer
One way you can obtain the parts you need is to buy the parts directly from the vehicle’s maker. These large companies have the parts you need; just make sure you call or email the right company. The good thing about buying parts directly from the manufacturer is that you know you’ll be getting original parts. On top of that, you will likely get parts that come with a warranty, which is a positive thing.
2. Online Aftermarket Stores
Purchasing items straight from the manufacturer works but can be expensive. Sometimes, if you want something a little more affordable, the best thing to do is purchase from an online aftermarket store. You can find anything, from air filters to rotary vane vacuum pumps online. Now, you are going to have to wait for your part, but at least the price is reasonable for something that could have cost you an arm and a leg elsewhere.
3. Aftermarket Parts Store
A reliable solution is regular aftermarket parts stores. You can probably find a number of these in your neighborhood. Depending on the size of the store, you’ll be able to find the part you need that day and go home to start working on your vehicle. Sometimes, the store might not have the part you need, which usually means you’ll have to order it or call other stores to see if anyone else has it.
4. Used Parts Store
The next option you have is to go to a regular used parts store. These stores offer parts at a fraction of the price you would normally pay. The parts work just fine, but the problem you’ll encounter is limited options. You might find the part you need or you might not. Sometimes, it can take a while before the store can locate the part you need. It’s cheaper but not too convenient.
5. Private Seller
Private sellers could also offer the parts you need and usually at a pretty decent price. The good thing about private sellers is that the part hasn’t been used by many people. You can find private sellers on auction sites, or you might be able to find them in your local newspaper. You want to look for a person who is piecing out his or her vehicle for profit probably because it cost too much to fix it. Just make sure you know what you are looking for before you make a purchase.
6. Junk Yard
The junkyard could have the part you’re looking for. This option is a bit iffy. You’ll likely have a hard time finding the part you need; it’s almost like going on a treasure hunt, which is quite exciting. Buying your part from a junkyard means you are going to be saving a lot of cash, which is the biggest reason people choose to go this route. You may have to visit more than one junkyard as you hunt for the part you need. It might not be a bad idea to grab parts you might need in the future.
7. Trustworthy Mechanic
Sometimes, mechanics keep some working parts. You should consider talking to your mechanic to find out if he or she has the part you’re looking for. The price is going to vary from mechanic to mechanic, but it’s usually affordable. If he or she does not have the part, consider some of the aforementioned options. A mechanic isn’t likely to keep many parts, so this is a bit of a long shot, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
These are some ways you can get the parts you’re looking for to fix your vehicle at home. If you are going to get a new part, make sure you get a warranty just to be safe. Also, be sure to look at the details of the warranty so that you don’t do anything to void it.
