FAQ – Car Parts

Where Can I Find BMW Auto Parts in Merriam, KS?

There can be many instances that you may need or want to buy new auto parts for your vehicle. To help you decide, we’ve asked our automotive service and parts gurus some frequently asked questions. Here’s is what they had to say.

Should I Buy OEM Parts?

OEM auto parts designate the “Original Equipment Manufacturer” parts. They are manufactured for unique car or truck models by the OEM. These are your vehicle’s exact-matching parts. They are sold with a limited warranty. Auto Dealers use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to source the right OEM part for your car, truck, or SUV.

• • Quality:

These branded manufacturer items provide quality and performance.

• • Warranty:

These automobiles parts come with a manufacturer warranty.

• • Price:

These parts can cost more than comparative aftermarket items.

• • Availability:

Dealers usually order certain OEM parts from the manufacturer. This can take a few days if it is not already in stock.

Should I Purchase Aftermarket Auto Parts?

An aftermarket part is any part for a vehicle that is not provided directly from the vehicle’s manufacturer, or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). These auto parts may be less-expensive options for the repair of your vehicle and advancements. Online retailers and local, independent shops generally (though not necessarily) offer a wide selection of aftermarket parts. These automobile parts are made to function similarly to the OEM versions. Aftermarket automotive parts, however, have their own pros and cons.

• • Quality:

Low prices could signal a lower quality craftsmanship

• • Warranty:

Aftermarket parts don’t come with a warranty

• • Price:

These automotive parts can be less expensive than the manufacturer/OEM parts

• • Availability:

These parts are readily available at most independent car-repair shops

Which Auto Parts Are Most Expensive to Replace?

While basic auto part costs range between $150 to $500, some auto part repairs can break an average budget.

The most expensive automotive parts to repair are:

• Transmission – $4,000 to $5,000
• Brake Lines – $1,000
• Suspension – Up to $3,000
• Cylinders – Up to $10,000
• Hybrid batteries – $6,000 and up

When Should You Request OEM Parts?

Always purchase OEM parts when it comes to collision repairs. non-manufacturer auto parts may not fit securely when your car, truck, or SUV has damaged body panels after a crash. Plus, an aftermarket part installation may void your lease vehicle warranty. Therefore, always use OEM parts for all types of vehicle repairs if you have a leased car.

Which Auto Parts Are Covered/Not Covered Under Warranty?

A comprehensive auto manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t cover every single part. Car buyers, however, can always choose something like a bumper-to-bumper warranty, factory warranty, or an extended warranty for the most comprehensive coverage. Even for an extended warranty, all your vehicle’s parts may not have coverage. Here is a list of what’s covered and what’s not.

Covered With Powertrain Warranty:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Axles
• Gaskets
• Transfer Case

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty Coverage:

• High-tech systems
• All major vehicle systems
• Safety features
• AC and heating

Extended Warranty Coverage:

• Extends coverage of all items under original Factory Warranty

Not Covered With Warranty

• Scheduled maintenance
• Wear and tear items
• Body panel or exterior damage
• Interior damage
• Accidental damage
• Environmental damage

Should I Buy Car Parts from Craigslist?

Craigslist is not an auto retailer; but on this online platform, third-party vendors sell automotive parts. For this reason, the quality cannot be guaranteed. If you are buying car parts from this source, make sure to research, verify, and compare before the purchase.

Is Amazon a Reliable Place to Purchase Car Parts

Indisputably, Amazon is a reputed marketplace that provides shoppers with an easy and convenient place to purchase quality car and truck parts. While most car parts sold by Amazon are from reliable sources, it can be hard to know if you’re getting the correct part for your vehicle since you are not dealing with an automobile expert directly.

Can You Order Auto Parts at The Auto Dealership?

Yes. The dealership is one of the best places to buy automotive parts. Most auto dealerships only sell standard OEM parts. Best of all, they can use your VIN number to identify the correct part for your vehicle.

Can You Bring Your Own Parts to The Auto Dealer?

You can always bring your own parts to a car dealership. The dealer,however, is unable to warranty the purchased part, nor can they guarantee its performance. It is highly recommended to get your vehicle checked by an certified service technician at a local auto dealer before ordering any auto parts for installation. The auto-experts will also diagnose the problem and order an appropriate replacement part, if necessary.

Who Installs Aftermarket Car Parts?

Bring your aftermarket vehicle part to a local auto dealer for installation. Before installation, a service technician at the dealership will check the aftermarket auto part to check if it is a match for your car. Even if they install the aftermarket auto part, however, the dealership can only issue warranty on the labor.

FAQ – Car Parts