subject: All Car Parts May Not Be Created Equal [print this page] There are many things to consider when shopping for car parts. For example, if your starter is making strange noises, it may be time to replace it. Can you do the job yourself? Where do you go for the right part? What choices will you be facing as you look for a starter replacement? Here are some points to think about.
Making The Right Decision
You could be faced with a lot of options when you shop for your car part. You can get information online for what you need. The parts dealer should have a website. When you go there and find the right starter, you may be surprised. There could be a list of items that will fit your car. You may have to decide between new and remanufactured. You might also have the option of a long or short warranty period.
Parts That Have Been Rebuilt
Re-manufactured means used but rebuilt. It is not directly from a junkyard. There is a core charge with rebuilt parts. The core charge is an inducement for the customers to turn in their old parts. The old parts are used to make rebuilt replacement parts. A core charge on a starter may be ten dollars. In most cases, you bring your old part back in, and you will get the ten dollars back. The only exception would be if the part is damaged severely. If it cannot be rebuilt, it is if no use to the people rebuilding it.
Recycling Old Parts
Some places will ask that you save a box or container that the part was in. They will use that to send the part back to be rebuilt. New parts will be added to it, and it will be made workable again.
Parts Which Are Brand New
New parts are completely new. They did not come from a previous vehicle. They are more expensive as a general rule.
Does The Warranty Matter?
How long do you plan to keep your present vehicle? That can determine your warranty decisions. Consider a longer warranty if you have no plans to replace your car. If you will not be keeping it long, any warranty will probably do. A LLT warranty will be your best choice in many cases. It is a limited lifetime warranty. Usually you just bring it back if it fails, at any time. You will be given a suitable replacement part. You may pay more for a lifetime warranty, but you will probably get a better part. With any warranty, always read it to be certain.
In Closing
Make sure you read the warranty that comes with your part. Remanufactured parts can be as good as new, in some cases. If you do not plan on keeping your car long, warranty is not very important.
