Repairs to your car can be quite expensive, driven by the cost of parts. Buying aftermarket ones is one way to mitigate these expenses.
But you want to make sure you’re not sacrificing quality to save a few bucks. There are so many aftermarket parts retailers, it can be difficult to know how to identify reputable ones.
The information below lays out what you should look for when choosing aftermarket parts. It also recommends three of the best retailers consistently recommended by auto experts and car enthusiasts alike.
Aftermarket Parts Basics
Aftermarket parts are generic components made by a company other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Note that these are not used car parts, but new alternatives to what originally came with the vehicle.
There are two main reasons to choose aftermarket parts. One is cost. You can often find a generic part that will be comparable to the OEM part but at a fraction of the price.
Many people choose OEM because they can be confident in their quality. But, depending on the component and manufacturer, some aftermarket parts are designed with performance in mind. A good example is custom-fitted floor mats.
Whether you are looking for budget finds or allstar performance parts, these sites will help you find the ones you need.
- Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts has been around since 1932 and has more than 5,000 stores across the country. You can find one in almost every city or town.
The big advantage they afford is that they carry everything from basic maintenance parts like belts, batteries, fluids, and lights to major engine or drivetrain components. And they stock some of the best aftermarket brands.
One of the reasons they are a great choice for aftermarket parts is that they offer discounts and incentives. So their prices are competitive. Also, they provide same-day delivery or the option to pick up a part in their store. They also have a 45-day return policy.
- PepBoys
Staff at auto parts stores will help you with basic tasks, like changing your windshield wipers in the parking lot. Pep Boys will as well, but what landed them on this list is that they take it a step further: they offer full repair services.
This means that you can shop online for a part, then schedule an appointment to have it installed. This goes for everything from tires to engine components, or any part you’re uncomfortable installing on your own.
- Rock Auto
One of the biggest advantages of Rock Auto is that its site is very easy to navigate based on your car’s make and model. And they also have parts for every car on the road. From domestic manufacturers like Jeep and Dodge to rare or older imports like Citroen, they have it all.
Rock Auto sources its parts from dozens of manufacturers throughout the world. So, they can keep their prices very competitive.
Find Aftermarket Parts Today
Now that you have an idea of the advantages of aftermarket parts and where to find them, you can get your car back into shape and save a few dollars doing so.
We hope this information was helpful to you. If so, be sure to check out some of our other automotive posts, as well as those on news, entertainment, and much more.
