Two questions to ask yourself before purchasing new parts for your vehicle

Replacing damaged or aged car parts can enhance the performance of your vehicle and even extend its lifespan. Here are two questions to ask yourself before purchasing new parts for your car.

Should I buy new or used parts?

If you have an unlimited budget with which to purchase your replacement car parts, then is it usually best to purchase brand new components directly from the manufacturer of your car, or from a dealer who sells this manufacturer's vehicles; for instance, if you own a Mitsubishi car, then you should buy Mitsubishi car parts from this manufacturer or dealership. However, if money is tight, then it may be wiser to invest in used parts.

Should you decide to opt for the latter, it's crucial to do as much research as you can before you make a purchase, as there is a risk that you could end up buying counterfeit components, or items which are damaged to such an extent that they cannot perform their function.

In many instances, it is safer to buy used components online from websites that allow customers to leave reviews for their purchases. This will enable you to check if the person you intend to buy a part from has proven themselves to be honest and trustworthy in their previous transactions. Buying from a reputable seller will significantly reduce the chances of the parts you purchase turning out to be counterfeit.

To ensure that you don't waste your money on a part which does not fit your car, it's also a good idea to seek out sellers that have a returns policy. This is especially important if you are not particularly 'car savvy' and are, therefore, likely to accidentally buying the wrong component.

Who will be installing the new components?

It's important to think carefully about who will install your new car parts. If you are working with a limited budget, you might be considering doing this work yourself. However, whilst it is possible to install some basic components without the help of an expert, this approach could result in greater expenses later down the line.

This is because, if you install a car part incorrectly and as a result, it fails to function as it is supposed to, important sections of your vehicle could sustain serious damage.

For example, if you were to accidentally fit your new brake pads backward, the rotors could end up being scratched and damaged beyond repair. In this scenario, not only would you have to refit the brake pads, but you would also have to invest in new rotors.