You can find practically everything online for a price. When it comes to car parts, you have hundreds of sites that sell OEM and aftermarket parts. It can be daunting to buy car parts, not only from the sheer volume of sites, but also because of the questions you may have. Whether you’re looking for a winch mount or muffler, you might wonder whether the part will really fit your car or whether the price is right. Here’s our guide on where to buy car parts online to help you know how to judge a website.
Specialized Auto Parts Retailers
There are dozens of stores where you can Find a radiator replacement, but when you’re shopping online, you’ll want to find a specialized auto parts store with good customer service. Research the store for reviews and its history in the business. You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau where the store is physically located to see if there are any complaints.
You get what you pay for. Finding a store with a good reputation with reasonable prices will be much better for quality parts than a discount store that offers low prices without customer service.
Making Well Informed Decisions Purchasing Online
Once you feel confident that the website is reputable, you need to make the best purchase. Resist impulse buying when you’re buying car parts to maintain or repair your car. Know what you need for your car. It can help to have the VIN number along with the make, model and year to find the right parts that fit your vehicle. If you’re thinking about buying aftermarket parts, start with the OEM part number so you make sure the parts are compatible with your car.
Check Out Social Media
Look for the social media pages of the business to learn more about their business. On Facebook, you can find customer reviews and see how the car parts store interacts with customers who have good and bad experiences. A business social media page can also tell you how that business presents itself to the world. If their social media focuses on helping customers find the right parts instead of selling parts, the company cares about its customers.
Don’t Click “Buy” Without Checking The Fine Print
Before you buy anything, read through the customer service information. You’ll save yourself a big headache when you understand the returns policy and warranty information before you order. Do a little research to learn about shipping policies. You may even want to look for coupons or discounts to get the best deal.
Go With a Store That Puts Customers First
Not every auto parts website is forthright about their policies, so look for websites that have a good reputation for customer service and a history in their own community. Don’t choose stores that have the lowest prices, but balance price and service to make sure you get high quality parts for your car to stay on the road. Whether you’re looking for performance parts to upgrade your car or parts to make repairs to your truck, choose wisely.
