Boyertown 7/17/2012 1:48:40 AM
News / Science & Technology

Auto Parts as Close as a Click Away

With rising costs of just about everything, consumers are doing more things on their own than they are hiring out. Many people are doing simple car repairs and parts replacement themselves, saving the cost of labor. An essential part of doing one's own automotive work is being able to order the parts. There are several ways to find parts for an automobile.

Dealers
In past decades, car dealers clearly had the corner on the market for parts. Since he initially supplied the automobile, the dealer was often the first stop for replacement parts and repairs. Customers still can acquire parts from a dealer. Some people trust the dealer to deliver a higher quality part. Others just prefer the convenience of dealing with the same company from which they purchased their vehicles. One of the downsides of buying auto parts from a dealer is higher cost. The markup is evident when using a middleman such as a dealer since each company in the chain needs to make money.

Auto Parts Stores
It seems that just about any city boasts at least one auto parts store, and many of them have several chains represented on their street corners. With the prevalence of these suppliers, it is easy for the average customer to work on his own car. These stores will sometimes offer lifetime warranties on higher-priced parts and will do free installations of smaller things like windshield wipers. A few chains give their customers incentives such as a rewards program for frequent purchases. The advantage of the local auto parts store is immediate availability of most parts since these establishments are keeping more things in stock.

Salvage Yards
One of the most cost-effective ways to find auto parts is to buy them used through a salvage yard, often known as a junk yard. These are becoming more popular for those trying to save money. However, some people prefer new parts for their automobiles. Another inconvenience of buying from a used parts yard is the limited availability. Also, warranties are virtually non-existent on these parts which can cost the consumer more money in the long run.

Online
One newer option when it comes to purchasing auto parts is the internet. While it is typically not the first place most people think of checking for car replacement parts, it is gaining in popularity. Online dealers can offer wholesale prices since they draw from warehouses across the United States. This is a great option for both wider availability and better costs.

One particular website for quality GM parts online is GM Parts House. It is quite user friendly since customers can click on the specific manufacturer as well as select their automobile's particular model and year. The efficient process makes purchasing parts and accessories much easier. They do not inflate shipping charges and their employees are dedicated to the online business. If a customer finds a better price online, they will match it. When a customer purchases GM parts online from them, he can be assured of new parts, fresh from the factory. Accessories can be purchased from them as well.