When something breaks in your car, you have a choice to make: fix the part or buy a brand-new replacement. While shiny new car parts might be tempting, fixing what you have can often save you a nice chunk of change. According to AutoTrader, when a car stays on the road for 12.5 years, it pays to make sure you save money with used parts. Here’s how sourcing car parts helps stretch your auto maintenance budget.

Evaluate the Damage

Before deciding to replace or repair, take a good look at the broken part and diagnose the issue. Does it have a small, fixable problem like a loose connection or worn gears? The odds are good that many common automotive parts like starters, alternators, power windows, etc. can be repaired for far less than a full replacement. Diagnosing first prevents wasting money on new parts you may not even need.

Find the Right Parts Supplier

The key to cost-effective repairs is connecting with a quality supplier of new, used, and remanufactured car parts. Some sites offer both new and remanufactured options that are budget-friendly. Refurbished parts suppliers take faulty units, fix them up, and offer warranties. Cast a wide net to find parts that meet factory standards at prices significantly lower than brand-new.

Consider Remanufactured Options

For many components like engines, transmissions, brake calipers, pumps, and more, remanufactured parts offer big savings. These are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that have been cleaned, inspected, repaired, and tested to function like new again. You gain the reliability and performance of a new part for less. Look for remanufactured parts that come with decent warranties for added peace of mind.

Weigh the Labor Cost

Even if a new part is priced affordably, take a moment to consider the labor charges involved. Is it a simple swap, or will significant effort be required to access, remove, and replace the part? Complex jobs with high labor time make repairing existing parts even more cost-effective. Alternatively, some new parts can be installed relatively easily. Evaluate both the parts cost and labor hours to make the best financial decision.

By taking time to diagnose issues, shopping around for quality affordable parts, and considering labor effort, you can often save hundreds if not thousands on car repairs. Avoid automatically assuming you need brand-new parts. With the right cost-conscious parts sourcing approach, you can keep your car running smoothly without breaking the bank. If you're looking for car parts that won't break the bank, reach out to Morrison's Auto Parts.