When you’re out on the road, you want peace of mind that your car is just going to work. But this can be a particular challenge when you start installing secondhand auto parts in your car.
Your car parts need to be reliable. The vendor needs to be reliable. Otherwise, you can’t guarantee that they’re going to last, nor can you guarantee the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other cars on the road.
When looking to buy secondhand parts, it’s critical to choose a reliable partner.
At Advanced Auto Wreckers, we have over 30 years of experience supplying and installing secondhand auto parts, and have built a reputation for using reliable parts that go the distance.
So if you’re considering going down the secondhand route, here are the red flags to look out for when buying your parts.
What to look out for when buying used car parts
There are a few big red flags and warning signs to look out for when buying secondhand auto parts, which could indicate potential issues with the parts.
- Different design or colour from the original part. Make sure you’re familiar with the part you’re looking to buy. If it’s a different design to what you’re after—even if it’s claimed to be from a newer model, overseas variation, etc—then that’s a big red flag that it might not fit, and could even be a fake.
- Visible wear and tear. Check for visible signs of excessive wear and tear, such as cracks, rust, or dents. These can indicate that the part may be near the end of it’s life, or have undergone significant stress with the previous owner. If it looks damaged, it’s not going to last long in your car.
- Worryingly low price. If a price sounds too good to be true, it usually is. This could indicate the part has something wrong with it, or it’s been acquired illegally.
- The parts come from a high mileage or end-of-life vehicle. This indicates they’ve been subject to a lot of wear, and they’re probably nearing the end of their life, too.
- The type of part you’re after. One big red flag is the type of part you’re looking for. Avoid specific auto parts like spark plugs, starters, brake pads, and brake rotors. These wear fast, so if you’re buying them secondhand they’re likely already significantly used, and will need to be replaced fairly soon after your purchase. It’s safest buying brand new in this case.
- Limited warranty or history. The lack of warranty or information about the part’s history can be a big red flag. Without any warranty information you can’t be certain of its history, quality, or reliability. This can indicate uncertainty regarding its quality or reliability
- Poor seller reputation. You should be buying from a reputable seller in the first place. But we understand: a good deal is a good deal. So first, check to make sure that you’re buying from a legitimate, trustworthy vendor; a reputation for poor-quality products is a huge red flag, right from the start.
The dangers of using poor quality parts in your vehicle
Buying poor quality secondhand parts poses some big dangers, not just for you and your vehicle, but also other drivers on the road.
- If your parts are old, worn, or simply low quality, they wear out faster, causing more regular breakdowns and the need for more frequent repairs, costing you more in maintenance costs.
- They may not be manufactured to meet the required industry standards, reducing their reliability. In terms of safety, they may not function correctly, either, affecting critical systems such as brakes, suspension, and steering. This can compromise your car’s handling, or lead to longer braking distances, and decreased overall vehicle stability.
- They may be weak or brittle, which can lead to unexpected failures while driving, too. And if a part fails during your drive, it puts everyone in jeopardy. Faulty components can result in reduced braking efficiency, steering problems, or engine malfunctions, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
- Poor quality parts can also cause increased wear on the other components within your vehicle as well, further damaging it. This works to lower the overall roadworthiness of your car, aging it faster.
This is why doing your due diligence is critical when looking at purchasing secondhand auto parts. It might take a little time, but the time you spend is worth its weight in gold in the future.
You’ll save money, future repair time—and it may even save your life.
How to make a safe secondhand part purchase
Identify reputable auto wreckers in your area
Don’t just find the cheapest seller on Gumtree. Start by doing your research. Look up auto wreckers online, read their reviews, and visit their website. Ask around for recommendations, and visit them in person to gauge your gut feeling about them.
Examine the condition of the part before buying
Unless you’re partnering with a trusted secondhand auto part supplier, never buy a secondhand car part sight unseen. Get a good look at it first; take the time to look it over, make sure it’s in good condition and that it fits your vehicle. You’re well within your rights to take your time doing this—a good dealer will understand.
Check for a warranty or dealer guarantee
Check to see if the part is still in warranty, or if using a similar part will void any warranties in your existing vehicle. You can also check for any guarantees offered by your dealer. For example, at Advanced Auto Wreckers any secondhand auto parts we install are covered for three months.
Choose Advanced Auto Wreckers for reputable used car parts
At Advanced Auto Wreckers, we’ve built a reputation on the quality and value of the used auto parts we install. Our mechanical workshop is licensed and equipped with exceptional-quality tools to perform car fittings and repair services. We only use the best-quality parts, and every item we install undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets our strict safety standards.
We’re proud to be an authorised Capricorn supplier, and member of the MTA, which provides us with access to a wider range of trusted, high-quality products.
So don’t leave it to chance. When you’re looking for secondhand auto parts, choose a reputable seller like us and get peace of mind that you’re getting safer, long-lasting parts for your vehicle.
For assistance in finding the perfect used car part, contact our friendly service team or explore our car parts online search. We’ve got you covered.