Original Equipment Manufactured versus Generic Parts: An Auto Parts Blog

Hi, my name is Stan, and I want to welcome you to my blog. I love working on cars, and I have worked on them since I was a little kid working alongside my dad. Over the years, I have seen vehicles grow more complicated, and I have also seen a range of parts manufacturers enter the market. Some of them make amazing parts while others make parts that aren't quite as good as original manufacturer parts. If you want to learn about the differences between generic and original parts or if you have other questions on auto parts, this blog has the answers you need. Please get comfortable and start exploring.

4 Tips for Finding Cheap, Quality Auto Parts Online

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When purchasing parts for your car or motorbike online, it can be difficult finding quality parts at the best price. Let's look at some top tips to make your search for online auto parts and accessories a breeze.

Shop with big companies

With the buying power to offer all-time low prices to their customers, the larger auto parts suppliers are often the cheapest option for new auto parts and accessories. Not only do they have everyday low prices, major online retailers have regular sales, discounts and promotional deals that most smaller companies just can't compete with. If you purchase a lot of auto parts online, look out for loyalty programmes that reward you with purchase points redeemable for real cash savings.

Compare prices

Don't settle for the first price you find for the part you need. Widen your search, and compare prices across a few larger companies, as well as online wreckers, classifieds, and even social media for sale posts. If you do manage to find a cheaper part than a major online retailer's listing price, don't hesitate to contact them and ask for a price match—many larger companies have a lowest price guarantee that they will gladly adhere to in order to retain your business.

Look for free shipping

An extra cost you don't usually factor into an online purchase until you're at the checkout, shipping for heavy auto parts can sting your wallet. Check out the shipping policies of a few online auto parts retailers—many offer free shipping for purchases over $50 or $100. If you're purchasing a few items at a time, you can easily meet the minimum purchasing requirements for free shipping and make a decent saving.

If the part you're purchasing is only small, consider ordering some items that you need regularly to make up the minimum purchase amount; you can never have too much motor oil, and small parts such as spark plugs and air filters don't have an expiration date.

Consider second-hand parts

If you're searching for a rare or particularly expensive part, purchasing a well-looked after or reconditioned second-hand part can be an excellent way to save some serious money. Make sure you get what you need when buying second-hand auto parts by doing your research first, and shop with a reputable second-hand parts dealer with a returns policy.

Compare prices of used, reconditioned or aftermarket parts from dismantlers and wreckers across Australia by talking to suppliers like Q.A.H. Auto Spares.

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13 May 2015