How to find cheap parts
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==Be realistic there, speed racer== | ==Be realistic there, speed racer== | ||
One of the first tricks to saving money on parts is only buying what you need. One of the most commonly messed-up parts choice is brake components. For example, people buy race-type brake pads and the cross-drilled rotors in order to get that last 2% more braking power for their SUV that is driven back and forth to work in rush hour traffic. Its a big mismatch. Buy parts that suit your actual driving style. Many times, buying upgraded parts will only be a benefit if you are doing ''upgraded'' driving. Other common money pits are engine oil, gasoline additives, wheels and tires, alternator amperage, and air filters. Sometimes you need the upgrade, sometimes you don't. | One of the first tricks to saving money on parts is only buying what you need. One of the most commonly messed-up parts choice is brake components. For example, people buy race-type brake pads and the cross-drilled rotors in order to get that last 2% more braking power for their SUV that is driven back and forth to work in rush hour traffic. Its a big mismatch. Buy parts that suit your actual driving style. Many times, buying upgraded parts will only be a benefit if you are doing ''upgraded'' driving. Other common money pits are engine oil, gasoline additives, wheels and tires, alternator amperage, and air filters. Sometimes you need the upgrade, sometimes you don't. | ||
| − | == Know your quality brands, know your junk == | + | ==Know your quality brands, know your junk== |
In addition to knowing which type of part you need, it's wise to know what brands will offer the most bang for the buck. Many times there is no need to spend the extra money on the factory original part. In fact, many factory original parts are pretty pathetic pieces that were supplied to the auto maker by the lowest bidder. For instance, you might find that Gates belts and hoses are cheaper and better than the original ones that came on your vehicle. Other times you might find that the economy replacement part is really junk and should be left on the shelf. Knowing which ones work best is key to maximizing the quality of the parts you get for your money. | In addition to knowing which type of part you need, it's wise to know what brands will offer the most bang for the buck. Many times there is no need to spend the extra money on the factory original part. In fact, many factory original parts are pretty pathetic pieces that were supplied to the auto maker by the lowest bidder. For instance, you might find that Gates belts and hoses are cheaper and better than the original ones that came on your vehicle. Other times you might find that the economy replacement part is really junk and should be left on the shelf. Knowing which ones work best is key to maximizing the quality of the parts you get for your money. | ||
One of the best ways to find out which ones work best is to ask the parts dealer. This means a wholesaler, not a retail parts-store employee trying to get a bonus for upselling a premium part. Which parts have fewer returns for defects? Chances are they've handled every brand that comes through the door and they can attest to their quality first-hand. Asking on forums will get you widely varying results. On one forum, perhaps someone made a compelling argument for one brand because it worked for him/her, but the truth is somewhat obscured by the opinions of forum members and an inaccurate grasp of their experience. Does this poster have 10 years experience in a shop that specializes in your vehicle, or is it a shade-tree mechanic who just changed their own brakes last week and wants to chime in? | One of the best ways to find out which ones work best is to ask the parts dealer. This means a wholesaler, not a retail parts-store employee trying to get a bonus for upselling a premium part. Which parts have fewer returns for defects? Chances are they've handled every brand that comes through the door and they can attest to their quality first-hand. Asking on forums will get you widely varying results. On one forum, perhaps someone made a compelling argument for one brand because it worked for him/her, but the truth is somewhat obscured by the opinions of forum members and an inaccurate grasp of their experience. Does this poster have 10 years experience in a shop that specializes in your vehicle, or is it a shade-tree mechanic who just changed their own brakes last week and wants to chime in? | ||
| − | == The password is "undercar" == | + | ==The password is "undercar"== |
Most towns and cities have a wholesaler that goes by the name "something Undercar." When you go to a shop to have your brakes done, they call up their undercar wholesaler who then delivers parts in a few minutes to an hour. They of course tack on a huge upcharge and pass that on to you. Oftentimes these undercar wholesalers also supply your local chain parts stores. The bigger ones like Auto Zone or Pep Boys typically have their own supply hierarchy, but if the customer bats their eyelashes, often times Manny, Moe, and Jack will call up the undercar wholesaler and see if they can make a buck. | Most towns and cities have a wholesaler that goes by the name "something Undercar." When you go to a shop to have your brakes done, they call up their undercar wholesaler who then delivers parts in a few minutes to an hour. They of course tack on a huge upcharge and pass that on to you. Oftentimes these undercar wholesalers also supply your local chain parts stores. The bigger ones like Auto Zone or Pep Boys typically have their own supply hierarchy, but if the customer bats their eyelashes, often times Manny, Moe, and Jack will call up the undercar wholesaler and see if they can make a buck. | ||
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The added benefit for you is not only saving money, but the people who work at these wholesalers are in constant contact with hundreds of shops that do everything from exhaust, brakes, custom fabrication, restorations, paint and body. They spend 10 hours a day doing nothing but gaining experience with almost every facet of automotive repair and customization. As a rule they know their parts. | The added benefit for you is not only saving money, but the people who work at these wholesalers are in constant contact with hundreds of shops that do everything from exhaust, brakes, custom fabrication, restorations, paint and body. They spend 10 hours a day doing nothing but gaining experience with almost every facet of automotive repair and customization. As a rule they know their parts. | ||
| − | == Head for the junkyard == | + | ==Head for the junkyard== |
| − | + | Many parts can be purchased for pennies on the dollar at the local recycling yard. Not only does it save you money, but it saves another part from being manufactured new. Why buy a new wheel when there are 500 of them in the junkyard that just need a rattle can paint job? Some geographic areas are more conducive to salvage yard operations and others just are a little lean. Some places it's not much of a savings, while others are fun, inexpensive, and still operate on the good-ol-boy mentality. Wheels, axles, differentials, body parts, electronics, driveshafts, transmissions, gas tanks, hardware, and glass are things that are commonly available at junkyards. Many used engines and driveline pieces that they sell as running replacements are still in cars where they can be tested, driven, and heard running before you plop down the cash. Some even offer a 30-day warranty. | |
| − | Another thing you might pleasantly find at junkyards is that the cost of buying a larger part can save you money. If you need a set of heads, chances are | + | Another thing you might pleasantly find at junkyards is that the cost of buying a larger part can save you money. If you need a set of heads, chances are it's only a few dollars more to buy the whole engine. Then you have extra parts you can keep or sell to offset the cost. Save your pennies, save the environment. |
| − | You can also often find great freebies at auto repair shops. While | + | You can also often find great freebies at auto repair shops. While it's not often acceptable to use worn-out parts, some customers want their tires replaced even though there is still good tread on the old ones, or new shocks because the ones they put on last month are too stiff. You'd be surprised what gets tossed. If you make a relationship with the shop manager or owner, chances are they'll be very happy that you are carting off their trash because it saves on disposal costs. Larger dealership service departments are great for this. Most of the replacement parts that the manufacturer covers under warranty get sent back to the source for testing or proof that it was failing, but some less-specific parts like axles, engines, gas tanks, transmissions, and electronic parts don't get sent back. Most of this bonepile gets picked through by the techs in the shop, but many times there are very large piles of neat stuff. Make a friend in the department, and have fun digging. |
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