When a part of your car breaks down or requires a recall, what’s the first thing you do? Probably visit a mechanic to buy a replacement, or even try to get one from your manufacturer. Unfortunately, neither of those options is cheap.
But what if there was a better way to get what you need?
Depending on what breaks down, you might want to look at finding and buying the car part you need yourself. And to help you do that, today we’re going to look at the car part shopping mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Here are five things you should never do when you’re in-person or online car part shopping.
- Not Comparing Car Part Prices
Would you make any big purchases before shopping around to ensure that you’ve found the best deal? Of course not! Make sure not to do that when replacing car parts.
Before committing to buying from any junkyard, mechanic, or individual, make sure that you are buying at the lowest price possible. You’ll thank yourself for doing your due diligence later!
Pro-tip: If you’re Australian, a good place to start is OzzyTyres.
- Not Speaking With Experts
Unless you have the expertise needed to diagnose and assess car problems, don’t pretend to be an expert. Make sure to speak with knowledgeable people before buying anything.
Whether you have a car-savvy friend or have a local mechanic’s shop in your community, take the time to speak with an expert. You don’t have to buy anything then — you’re just looking for advice!
- Forgetting to Bring Safety Equipment
Regardless of what your car needs, vehicle parts are heavy and sometimes dangerous. Don’t forget to pack the necessary safety equipment to move them.
Gloves are a must, and depending on what you’re purchasing, a helmet and work boots might not be a bad idea either.
- Not Being Ready to Transport New Car Parts
Remember that at most junkyards, you’re in charge of transporting whatever parts you’re thinking about buying. If you don’t have what you need to bring the parts home, you’ll waste time.
By the time you get back to the shop, someone else might’ve already purchased what you were after.
Ensure that you arrive at the shop or yard with a vehicle capable of bringing what you need home.
- Forgetting to Ask About Warranties
If you’re buying from a scrapyard, don’t forget to inquire about part warranties. These will ensure that if another problem arises soon after, you’ll be able to get a replacement part or your money back.
Asking about warranties is essential since you never know the origins of the parts you’re purchasing.
Avoid These Car Part Shopping Mistakes
It’s easy to make car part shopping mistakes. Depending on what you do wrong, these can either make it more difficult to find your parts or cause you to end up spending more money.
Use this guide to avoid making all types of mistakes.
Are you looking to learn more about replacing car parts? If you are, check out the rest of our site for more great content.
