YOU can purchase almost anything online these days, from nappies to wide screen TV’s and the automotive market is certainly following this trend.

Whilst years ago the replacement part for a specific make and model was hard to find, with the infiltration of the internet into society, many car owners are trawling the world wide web for car parts, rather than paying the hefty fees manufacturers charge if you purchase them direct.

Here, we take a look at how the car parts market has progressed, and why people prefer to buy car parts online rather than from the high street.

Price comparison

Way back when your local mechanic was your only option, you’d read their quote, whistle through your teeth when you saw the bottom line and then reluctantly stump up the cash.

Today’s consumers are much more savvy than this. With price comparison websites springing up all over the place for car insurance and breakdown cover, why shouldn’t you perform your own price comparison for the parts you need to keep your car on the road and save yourself some much needed cash?

In fact, some mechanics allow you to go and purchase your own car parts for them to fit, as they appreciate your need to save some cash.

You can find out how to do anything online

Want to bake a ladybird cake? Google it. Want to learn how to speak mandarin? There’s an app for that. Want to replace the brake discs on a Ford Ka…. You get the point.

These were once jobs that many car owners were fearful of messing up – but being able to watch someone perform the task you want to learn on video serves as a great tool for those who want to learn how to maintain their cars properly.

You’re far more likely to succeed at DIY if you have a guide on how to do the job and whilst years ago you had to go out and buy the Haynes manual, these days answers to many car maintenance questions are right at your fingertips.

In fact, the Haynes manuals are even available online, and they have some great instruction videos on their website too!

There are even car owners’ forums with advice on how to change your oil, replace your wiper blades and change your headlight bulbs.

These were once jobs that many car owners were fearful of messing up – but being able to watch someone perform the task you want to learn on video serves as a great tool for those who want to learn how to maintain their cars properly.

It’s easy to get cheaper parts that you KNOW will fit

Whereas many car owners were a little worried about buying alternative parts from those supplied by the manufacturers of their vehicles, these days, the safety standards are such that reputable car part manufacturers offer alternative parts without the hefty price tags.

It’s possible to save a small fortune by employing this method without the risk of buying a part that doesn’t fit your vehicle too!

Websites such as Unipart, for example, offer a facility wherein you type your registration number in and it immediately registers your car’s make and model, suggesting parts that will fit your car perfectly. This comes in pretty handy when you’ve not got your car manual to hand, but want to order parts quickly.

That, and the fact that prices are lower as the company doesn’t have to shell out for expensive showrooms to house these products, and it’s easy to see why they’re able to keep their prices low, despite the high quality of the parts on offer.

Next time you’re looking for a part for your car, why not look online to save some much-needed cash on car repairs, and put paid to extortionate car part prices for good?

Sources

 

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