For an increasing number of drivers, ordering car parts from their couch has become second nature. No standing idly in queues, access to a wider range of products, and often better prices than you’d find in a local store are the main appeals.
Nevertheless, the headache of searching for car parts online lies in determining if what you are purchasing is the real or counterfeit product and which will naturally costs you in the long run.
Know What You are Paying For
It is easy to be influenced by the lowest price on the screen. It is important to note that when it comes to purchasing a part, cheaper doesn’t always mean better value.
A good deal today can be an expensive headache tomorrow if the part fails prematurely, and does not perform to its intended capabilities.
Usually, quality parts will have certification, warranty, or manufacturer support, to highlight a couple of small detail, that suggest quality, reliability, and give you reassurance in what you are fitting to your vehicle.
To understand the multiple options, it is good to be aware of the distinctions between genuine, OEM, and aftermarket parts. Genuine parts come from the vehicle manufacturer.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are designed and manufactured by the company that supplies the manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are manufactured by a third party supplier. And that is why knowing your supplier is important.
The Importance of Supplier Reputation and Transparency
One of the best indicators for the quality of a car part is to look at who is selling it. Established online retailers really try to provide an accurate product description, specifications, and provide decent customer service which makes it easier for you to tell if the part will fit your car before you buy.
Look for detailed listings which include part numbers, notes on compatibility, and high-definition images. Most of the time, if the description seems vague or incomplete then that is not a good sign.
In contrast, an online retailer who backs their products with reasonable return policies and warranty information should mean they are more confident to stand by the quality of what they are selling.
Material Quality and Manufacturing Standards
While an online purchase provides no opportunity to physically hold the product before purchase, the product description should tell you a great deal. Good suppliers will always tell what the part is made from.
For example, the performance and wear characteristics of brake rotors made from cast iron, as opposed to carbon composites will be different from each other.
Similarly, polyurethane suspension bushings will last much longer than a more affordable rubber suspension bushing. The part materials say a lot about how durable it will be.
Manufacturing standards can also give a clue. Parts that have a known international standard like ISO/TS 16949 are manufactured to known testing standards. This might be included in a product listing and gives some reassurance that the component is manufactured to do the job properly.
Compatibility and Fitment
Buyers confuse one-part fits all. Even just staying within the model range different trims and runs of manufacture can cause a rotary fitment mess. Getting a rotary fitment will be more than frustrating and potential damage can lead to significant costs.
Always double and triple check part numbers and specifications before placing an order. Reputable online retailers typically have compatibility filters or selection tools to help minimize the risks.
However, if you are still unsure a quick conversation with customer support could be the difference between a successful purchase and a frustrating return request.
Building a Trusted Buying Routine
Purchasing car parts online shouldn’t be a leap of faith. If you can find a trustworthy supplier, the next purchase process becomes much easier. Reliable sellers usually are very consistent: they ship timely, carry quality parts, and maintain a high standard of customer service.
After buying a few times from the same reliable supplier, that consistency develops trust, so you know you don’t have to second guess where to go again for further purchases of car parts.
Final Thoughts
Finding quality car parts online is as simple as doing your homework. Always note the reputation of the seller, look for complete listings, look for known standards, and be sure to check compatibility.
With a little attention to detail, you can avoid the common mistakes and ensure your vehicle receives reliable performance you can depend on without leaving your home.