As a daily driver, frequent basis driving means car maintenance and repairs are inevitable. From changing the brake fluid to fixing the whole engine system, garages around the corner are always the best place for repair services. However, when it comes to parts replacement, are you sure you’re getting the best deal?
Ever since the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, the safest way to move from place to place is by our own vehicles and the best way to parts shopping goes online with delivery at door. Another fact is the price of local distribution rises while all of us are struggling to save up each cent. Then the question is, how exactly do you know what you’re paying for? In the following paragraphs, we will show you how to have a better understanding of your vehicle and save BIG BUCKS, by SIMPLY 3 STEPS.
【STEP 1.】 Check Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and Find the Data of Your Car
When it comes to car issues, first thing first, check your VIN. Each VIN consists of 17 digits and stands as the identifier of your car. Via this unique code, you can find out the complete data of your vehicle, including manufacturer, country, engine, body type, year …etc.
Where to find VIN on my vehicle?
- Driver’s Side Dashboard Corner
- Inside Door Trim of Driver’s Side
- Under the Trunk or Hood
- The front end of Frame
When you shop clothes on eBay or Amazon, sizes are definitely the key information to input. Same as shopping car parts online, car manufacturers, car make, year, engine types, engine numbers, and part OE number are the key points to find out the right replacement for you. After finding your VIN, use http://www.catcar.info/en/ to figure out the complete details and parts diagram of your vehicle.
【STEP 2】Determine the Part Replacement and Search for Part OE Number
Technician Support
Keep in mind that in terms of parts replacement, identify where the part locate is crucial, you may take your car to the repair service for a checkup or contact PartsLINQ for FREE online tech support.
After knowing which part to replace, use http://www.catcar.info/en/ and choose the diagram of the parts accordingly, then you will get the OE part number.
OE Number & Compatibility
OE Part Number, abbreviated from Original Equipment Number is the registration number of each part from the vehicle indicated in the Parts Manual. With this specific code, you can easily find out numerous deals on eBay Motors, Amazon Automotive, and many others.
Better safe than sorry, always double-check the car application in the compatibility table.
【STEP 3】Genuine Parts v.s. Aftermarket Parts? Brand New or Refurbished? The Cheaper the Better?
Genuine Parts v.s. Aftermarket Parts
Soon enough you will find out the search results are divided into two parts, the very expensive ones with the car manufacturer’s logo shown (also often are out of stock) and the other ones that only cost half of the price.
The difference in between is whether the parts are genuine or aftermarket. Genuine parts are the original parts produced by a car manufacturer and believed to be the best quality and the most expensive. Aftermarket parts are manufactured based on the spec of genuine parts by other manufacturers, much less expensive and there are many well-known brands with a superb performance in quality.
Brand New v.s. Refurbished
This matter often happens when you’re searching on eBay motors, there are used, brand new, refurbished(reconditioned) parts, always go with brand new parts for both genuine and aftermarket parts.
Hidden risks and safety concerns have to be considered when buying the used ones, when it comes to cars, it’s always better safe than sorry, even though their prices are so tempting.
Cost Performance Ratio? Quality and Price are equally important
Even if a penny saved is a penny earned, the quality of spare parts is the most important, there are two key points you can view as a reference : Firstly, an universal quality standard for automotive manufacturers called TS16949 that stands for quality warranty. Secondly, product test report and comparison can be taken as a reference.
