When's the last time you bought a car part for your car? If you're an everyday driver who doesn't really have much knowledge of what goes on under the hood, then your answer is probably "never". However, there may come a time when you need to purchase a part for your vehicle and we want you to be prepared for it. Our Orlando Toyota parts experts sat down with us to explain which car parts questions are most common AND give us answers.
The basic things you need to know about car parts
Question #1: What are OEM parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, also known as the company that made your car. If you drive an Orlando Toyota, then your OEM parts would come from Toyota and Toyota only. These car parts are made specifically for certain models in the make.
Question #2: Where can I get them?
Good news - you can get Toyota OEM parts right here at Toyota of Orlando! Our parts store is stocked and if we don't have something in particular, you can order it. But your best bet for other OEM makes is to shop their dealerships or the OEM website for car parts.
Question #3: What are aftermarket car parts?
Aftermarket car parts, on the other hand, are NOT made by the original manufacturer. These car parts are made by other companies not affiliated and are sold pretty much everywhere. One caveat - sometimes these parts aren't as reliable or quality as OEM parts, and installing them on your ride COULD void any warranties or agreements you have on it, so check on that before you order anything.
Question #4: Where can I get them?
The good news about aftermarket car parts is that they're extremely easy to find. You can find them at any auto parts store and online. Just be sure you're purchasing from a reputable source so you're getting quality parts.
Question #5: Can I buy used car parts?
We'll be honest with you - we don't recommend it. Sure, they're cheaper, but they've also been through wear and tear that lowers their life span, which means you'd have to pay to replace them sooner than if you were to buy a new part. Additionally, that wear and tear may have caused issues with the part that you can't yet see, and this can cause even bigger problems when the part is installed in your Orlando Toyota.
Question #6: What do I do with old parts I no longer need?
You can't just throw car parts in the trash or recycling, unfortunately. If you have some that you need to dispose of, your best bet is to sell them to someone, sell them for scrap metal, or find a recycling facility that can take care of them for you.
Shop Toyota parts with us today
Have more car parts questions? We've got the answers you need to customize your ride today. Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001!
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