Parts Policy

Key Facts

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are exact replacements
OEM-equivalent aftermarket parts meet or exceed OEM specs at lower cost
We discuss options and trade-offs for your specific situation
All parts carry manufacturer warranties
Customer-supplied parts accepted with conditions (no warranty on parts)
We source from reputable distributors with warranty support
Parts pricing is transparent in estimates
Old parts available for your inspection upon request

OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

OEM PARTS: Made by or for the vehicle manufacturer. Guaranteed exact fit and compatibility. Typically highest price but often longest warranty. Required for warranty-period vehicles in some cases.

OEM-EQUIVALENT AFTERMARKET: Made by reputable manufacturers to meet or exceed OEM specifications. Carefully selected for quality and warranty support. Often 20-40% less expensive than OEM with similar quality.

ECONOMY AFTERMARKET: Budget parts from various manufacturers. We typically don't use economy parts except when customers specifically request lowest-cost options and understand trade-offs.

How We Select Parts

We default to OEM-equivalent parts offering best value: quality meeting OEM specs at competitive prices with solid warranties. For brake, suspension, and safety systems, we prioritize quality over cost.

For vehicles under manufacturer warranty, we verify that aftermarket parts won't affect warranty coverage. When in doubt, we use OEM parts on warranty-period vehicles.

We explain options when part choice significantly affects cost or warranty. YOU decide between OEM and quality aftermarket based on your priorities and budget.

Customer-Supplied Parts

We do install customer-supplied parts with the following conditions:

- We cannot warranty customer-supplied parts (manufacturer warranty only, if any)

- Labor warranty still applies to our installation work

- We inspect parts before installation and reserve the right to refuse incorrect, defective, or questionable parts

- Customer assumes all responsibility for part selection, compatibility, and quality

- Parts must arrive before scheduled appointment to avoid delays and rescheduling fees

Parts Availability and Lead Times

Common parts are usually available same-day or next-day from our distributors. Specialized parts may require 2-7 days for delivery from manufacturers.

For time-sensitive repairs, we check availability before scheduling. Backorders and supply chain delays affect some parts - we communicate expected delivery times honestly.

Core Returns and Old Parts

Some parts (starters, alternators, brake calipers) have core charges - deposits refunded when we return your old part to supplier for remanufacturing. Core charges are clearly itemized on invoices.

Your old parts belong to you. We keep them available for inspection. If you want old parts returned, request this before work begins. Parts with core charges must be returned to supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are OEM parts so expensive?

OEM parts include manufacturer branding, exact specifications, and typically longer warranties. You're paying for guaranteed compatibility and manufacturer backing. Quality aftermarket often offers 90% of benefits at 60% of cost.

2. Are aftermarket parts safe?

Yes - quality aftermarket from reputable manufacturers meets safety standards and OEM specifications. We select aftermarket parts carefully. Avoid confusion with "economy" parts - we discuss quality levels.

3. Can I bring my own parts?

Yes, see our customer-supplied parts policy above. We install customer-supplied parts but cannot warranty them. We reserve the right to refuse installation of questionable or incorrect parts.

4. What if the part is wrong or defective?

If we installed it, we handle returns and warranty claims. We source from distributors with easy returns. Wrong or defective parts are replaced at no charge to you - we deal with suppliers.

5. Why can't I return parts I bought online?

Many online sellers have strict return policies, especially for electrical parts. We source from distributors with professional return policies. If you supply parts and they're wrong, you handle returns.

6. Do you price match online prices?

Online prices often don't include warranty support, return policies, or correct part identification. Our parts pricing includes these services. We can explain value differences but generally don't price-match online-only sellers.

7. What brands do you use?

We source from multiple quality brands depending on availability and specific application. We can provide brand names when preparing estimates if you have preferences.

8. Can I see the old part?

Yes - we keep old parts available for your inspection. This lets you verify the problem and understand why repair was needed. Request to see old parts when picking up vehicle.

9. What happens to my old parts?

Parts with core charges are returned to suppliers. Other parts are yours - we keep them for you to inspect or recycle them responsibly if you don't want them. Hazardous materials (fluids, batteries) are disposed per EU regulations.

10. Do you use remanufactured parts?

Quality remanufactured parts (starters, alternators, brake calipers) offer excellent value with warranties matching new parts. We discuss options when remanufactured parts are available.

Related Pages

Last updated: 9 January 2026