Cheap auto parts: where to buy and how to choose?

Nowadays, it's possible to buy auto parts online, have them delivered right to your doorstep, and install them yourself (only if you're good enough at DIY, otherwise leave it to the pros) on your car! The catalogs of commercial sites are particularly well supplied: brake pads, shock absorbers, ignition coils, spark plugs, fuel filters, reversing camera, complete clutch kit, catalyst, starter, hood cylinder, water pump, fan for motor, or even snow tires… almost everything is accessible! And more often than not, at a lower cost. Cheap

auto parts

that allow you to extend the life of the vehicle.

Since January 1, 2017, car maintenance and repair professionals have the obligation to inform vehicle owners of the possibility of choosing when replacing used parts, in order to promote a virtuous circular economy.

There are two main types: classic second-hand parts from scrap yards, and so-called standard exchange parts that have been completely refurbished.

This second category is subject to specific standards, and the parts concerned must meet the same manufacturing, warranty and quality requirements as the original parts.

Our selection :

Wolf GUARDTECH 10W40 B4 Motor Oil  

Set of 4 universal floor mats in black color

Front brake pads Valeo First 301715

Banner Power Bull P5003 Car Battery

Plates and night lights 5 LED T10 W5W

Where to find cheap auto parts?

To carry out maintenance on your vehicle (motorcycle, car) and keep it in good condition, you must from time to time purchase certain spare parts (batteries, dipped beam headlights, bulbs) as well as ancillary products (engine oil, jack, roof box, windshield washer fluid).

There are several possibilities for this, such as technical centers or car dealers, which have a good catalog and can order directly from the manufacturers to meet a specific need.

However, this is not necessarily the most economical solution.

The prices charged in these brands are sometimes ... salty, let's say.

If you want to buy an inexpensive auto part, and maintain the vehicle without breaking the bank, e-commerce sites seem to be a better option.

However, it is advisable to go to recognized and trusted platforms, offering certain basic guarantees and above all an adequate returns policy!

The purchase in breakage is also a possibility to benefit from spare auto parts at low cost, but it should be known that it will be the case of second-hand parts, unlike generalist or specialized online shops which offer them new parts, and provide you with a considerably more diversified and varied choice.

Whatever your choice, it is essential to choose either a universal part that is compatible with all (or at least most) vehicles, or a low-cost auto part that exactly matches the model of your car.

How to choose your auto parts?

Which parts to choose?

Preferably, for all safety-related components, it is recommended to choose an original part, which is used by the vehicle manufacturer.

This does not mean that it must necessarily be of the same make as that of the manufacturer.

Indeed, almost all car manufacturers use subcontractors specializing in the supply of auto parts (known as OEMs) when assembling the vehicle.

Among the most famous are: Valeo, Faurecia, Bosch, Michelin, Continental, Magna, Denso, Hella, Hyundai, etc.

All these brands are safe values, since the manufacturers use their products!

For certain spare parts, it will be possible to choose a universal product, designed to meet the needs of the vast majority of vehicles.

These universal parts have the advantage of being less expensive, as a rule.

However, this is not possible for all components.

In many cases, you will need to choose an auto part that is compatible with your vehicle.

How do you know which one is correct?

To find a part suitable for your car, you have at least four possibilities of filtering your searches on trade sites by specifying: the name of the manufacturer or the supplier, the model of the vehicle, your license plate, or again the OEM code (for original equipment manufacturer) of the original manufacturer if you know it.

The latter option is by far the most reliable and precise.

The good thing about shopping through the OEM number is that you don't have to worry about compatibility - you know the part you purchased is the right one.

Most often, it is indicated on the vehicle part without having to disassemble it.

And if this component has caused you problems in the past, the OEM code should also be specified on the invoice from the professional used to change it.

Are cheap auto parts reliable?

In the case of new auto parts, as long as the purchase is made through trusted service providers (trade sites, dealers, technical centers), and as long as you select the right parts for your vehicle, it should not be of particular concern, even if they are offered at a discount price.

In the case of used auto parts, which are accessible at ultra-low prices, more care must be taken. Remember to check the source: what do online reviews say? And especially the origin of the component! Is there any traceability? Is it a standard exchange type part, i.e. a second-hand part that has been completely rebuilt, of the same quality and warranty as the original part? In addition, you should know that not all parts can be replaced by second-hand products. This is possible for some bodywork components (doors, rims), but it is forbidden for example for products sensitive to wear such as brakes.

When buying online, it is best to go through reference sites, if possible based or having a subsidiary in France to have a contact person to talk to.

If ever there is a problem, it's always helpful to have customer service available!

Beyond the best price, there are other important points to compare the commerce sites between them and to decide between them such as the speed of the delivery, the duration of the guarantees offered or the possibilities of exchange in the event of error on component compatibility.

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