Buying parts without the involvement of auto service specialists attracts drivers with the possibility of saving up to 30–40% of the repair cost. However, inexperience in selecting parts often leads to serious problems. Installing incompatible components can cause premature engine wear, transmission failure, or brake system malfunction. The consequences of an incorrect choice cost car owners sums that exceed the initial savings by 2–5 times.
Main Mistakes When Choosing Parts
The most common problem is the incompatibility of parts with the specific car modification. Many buyers focus only on the brand and model, ignoring the differences between versions with different engines, transmissions, or years of manufacture. Purchasing counterfeit products poses a particular danger to driving safety. For example, fake oil filters allow particles larger than 15 microns to pass through, while original ones trap contaminants from 3 microns. Low-quality brake pads lose effectiveness at temperatures above 300°C, which is critical during intensive braking. Errors in catalog numbers lead to receiving parts with similar but not identical characteristics. Changing one digit or letter in the article number can mean parts with a different hole diameter or mounting type.
How to Properly Check and Select Parts
Accurate part selection requires the use of professional catalogs that contain complete compatibility information. Quality automotive parts can be found provided the vehicle is correctly identified by its VIN code, which contains information about the factory configuration. Checking the authenticity of parts begins with an inspection of the packaging and markings. Original products have clear engraving of numbers, security holograms, and QR codes for verification. Quality alternatives from manufacturers like Febi, Lemforder, Swag also contain full technical information and comply with OEM standards. Comparing characteristics helps to choose the optimal price-quality ratio. Alternatives often surpass original parts in service life due to the use of modern materials and manufacturing technologies.
Practical Tips for a Safe Purchase
Choosing a reliable supplier determines the success of buying parts. Verified sellers provide the following opportunities:
- technical consultation on part selection considering the vehicle’s specifics;
- warranty on parts for a period of 12 to 24 months;
- possibility of exchange or return of goods within 14–30 days;
- availability of quality certificates and permits;
- liability insurance for the quality of supplied products.
Online shopping requires additional caution when choosing an online store. Checking the seller’s rating, studying customer reviews, and comparing prices from several suppliers minimize the risks of receiving low-quality goods. When buying in offline stores, it is necessary to carefully inspect the packaging for damage and check the correspondence of the article number to the ordered part before payment.