Thanks to the internet and the increasing sophistication of automotive parts marketing, it’s now become possible to buy OEM auto parts online and bring them in to your shop or mechanic for installation.
Full Answer
Can You Bring your own parts to a mechanic?
The markup helps shops to pay their rent, employees, pay for pricey equipment, and to make some money – after all, they’ve got to remain in business, right? So, since it could save you a few bucks, you may be wondering, “can you bring your own parts to a mechanic?” In the long run, it’s actually not a great idea.
Can I buy OEM auto parts online and have them installed?
Thanks to the internet and the increasing sophistication of automotive parts marketing, it’s now become possible to buy OEM auto parts online and bring them in to your shop or mechanic for installation.
How do I find a mechanic to install a part?
Once you have your genuine part (with the manufacturer’s warranty) you then need to find a shop or mechanic who will install it. In general, your best bet is to find a smaller shop or shade-tree mechanic to install your part.
Does it save money to buy auto parts on your own?
However, sometimes drivers wonder if they might save money by purchasing parts on their own and bringing them to the mechanic. Before you shop around and make the commitment, let’s examine the potential repercussions of buying automotive parts on your own dime. Can I bring my own parts to a mechanic? Yes.
Will mechanics let me bring my own parts?
However, sometimes drivers wonder if they might save money by purchasing parts on their own and bringing them to the mechanic. Before you shop around and make the commitment, let's examine the potential repercussions of buying automotive parts on your own dime. Can I bring my own parts to a mechanic? Yes.
Why do auto repair shops charge more for parts?
For customers who prefer to have a professional do the work, repair facilities offer the added services and expertise to install and change parts. These auto shops depend on both labor charges and product price markups to cover their higher overhead costs and generate an operating profit.
Is it cheaper to buy parts from a dealership?
Common auto parts can be found for much cheaper at stores or online. Whether you bought your car new or used, it's important to maintain it properly and to use high-quality replacement parts.
Are local mechanics cheaper than dealerships?
LOCATION. Facilities usually are smaller and have less overhead than dealerships. This can mean significantly lower prices for customers. It takes more work to find the right auto shop, because there can be a couple of dozen corner garages in the same town.
Do all mechanics mark up parts?
Some mechanics may charge a higher markup for parts, with a lower labor rate, while some may charge a lower markup for parts, with higher labor rates, but nearly all mechanics will mark up parts to one degree or another.
Should labor cost more than parts?
When the parts-to-labor ratio is lower than 1, it means a company makes more revenue in the form of labor sales than parts sales. If the parts-to-labor ratio is low, it indicates that the company may not be charging enough for parts or is performing labor-intensive services that do not result in selling many parts.
Are NAPA parts as good as OEM?
I've used NAPA parts on a bunch of cars over the years, and generally found them to be at least as good as most OEM parts and a whole heck of a lot cheaper. I've also order things from Rockauto.com and been very satisfied with their stuff as well.
Do I have to get OEM parts?
Who provides OEM or aftermarket parts? The options you'll have for parts depends on the nature of the repairs and what type of shop you take your car to: Dealership repair shops will offer only OEM parts — they have no reason to offer a cheaper product from a competitor.
Are OEM parts more expensive?
Price: The price of OEM parts is nearly always higher than the price of comparable aftermarket parts. The Balance and Edmunds report that for bodywork, the cost of OEM parts is usually about 60 percent higher than aftermarket parts.
Is it worth getting service done at the dealership?
Getting your vehicle serviced at the dealership is also one of the best ways to ensure that it receives genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Whether it's spark plugs, oil filters or brake pads, the best parts are often the ones your car came with when it rolled off the assembly line.
How do I find a good local mechanic?
How to find a great car mechanicFind a shop for your brand of car. Many garages specialize in certain makes. ... Ask your family and friends. ... Search the Internet. ... Check for certification. ... Check the Better Business Bureau. ... Give the shop a tryout. ... Ask about warranties. ... Make sure the shop is convenient.
Does my car have to be serviced by a main dealer?
It's important to mention that you don't have to use a main dealership to service your car. But doing so ensures the correct parts are used and the right jobs are carried out at the right time.
Why do mechanics charge so much money?
Diagnostic Labor – This requires significantly more training than a repair laborer, as well as different tools, both of which require training and exact a significant expense. Repair Labor – This requires a significant amount of training and experience, which master technicians take many years to accrue.
Do mechanics give quotes?
Most reputable auto repair shops are put in a bind when asked to give a quote over the phone. Many customers tend to be afraid to come into a shop without having an idea of what a repair will cost. On the other hand once a shop estimates the price for a repair the shop is sort of locked into the price.
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Is it better to buy OEM parts online?
When it comes down to it, there are definitely pros and cons to having a shop secure the parts and install them versus bring your own. Ultimately, though, it makes sense for the cost-conscious consumer to buy OEM replacements online and find someone to install them. The only real caveat (and this is REALLY important) is that you buy real OEM auto parts online, which already come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. Sure, you might have to pay for labor again in the unlikely event that the part fails, but if the savings are enough, it can be worth it. Plus, OEM auto parts are more reliable anyway. Sure, it annoys dealerships and service centers, but they can either make some money on labor or, you can go elsewhere, and they’ll make nothing at all.
Is there a surcharge for bringing in your own parts?
As counterintuitive as it may sound, some shops and mechanics claim that there’s a surcharge for bringing in your own parts for your repair. According to one poster on a popular automotive repair forum, the customer was assessed an additional fifteen an hour fee for bringing in his own parts. The shop’s rationale was that if he got “the wrong parts, or the parts… are defective, that it will create more of a hassle for them – thus validating the extra charge.” But, is it typical and/or justified for a shop to charge extra labor to install parts bought online?
Is OEM auto parts reliable?
Plus, OEM auto parts are more reliable anyway. Sure, it annoys dealerships and service centers, but they can either make some money on labor or, you can go elsewhere, and they’ll make nothing at all. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
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Why do mechanics charge more for labor?
Third, some mechanics will charge a little more for labor because they are losing money on the parts. Finally, and most importantly, you will not receive a warranty from the mechanic if you bring your own parts. Because of this, some mechanics will ask you to sign a waiver so that if the part breaks or stops working, you cannot blame the auto shop.
Why do mechanics ask you to sign a waiver?
Because of this, some mechanics will ask you to sign a waiver so that if the part breaks or stops working, you cannot blame the auto shop. You must assume responsibility for your choice in parts. SELECTED FOR YOU: How to Jump-Start a Car.
What happens when you take your car to a mechanic?
Typically, when you take your car to a mechanic, the professionals at the auto shop make any needed repairs or replacements using parts currently at the shop or parts they have ordered. However, sometimes drivers wonder if they might save money by purchasing parts on their own and bringing them to the mechanic.
Can you bring in your own parts?
Most mechanics you contact will not be thrilled about the idea of allowing you to bring in your own parts. Although they may accept it once you make it clear that you do not expect a warranty, they will understandably be concerned about the quality of the product and the likelihood of a breakdown. If a subpar part is installed at the customer’s insistence and that part fails, causing physical damage or personal injury, the mechanic could face a lawsuit. For these reasons and more, your mechanic will not be pleased if you walk in with a box of pre-purchased parts.
Do mechanics accept outside parts?
Some mechanics won’t accept outside parts , some will charge more for the labor, and if the part breaks or does not work, you will be responsible. In the end, you will save money by letting the professionals take the reins. Plus, the warranty will provide you with peace of mind.
Can you replace a car part on your own dime?
In either case, the product could be detrimental to the health of your vehicle. Your car could break down, other parts could be damaged, and you might have to replace the part sooner than you had planned. If you had used the parts supplied by your auto technician, the replacement would likely be covered by a warranty. But since you purchased the parts on your own dime, the replacement will also be your responsibility.
Can a car break down?
Your car could break down, other parts could be damaged, and you might have to replace the part sooner than you had planned. If you had used the parts supplied by your auto technician, the replacement would likely be covered by a warranty.
What happens if a shop installs a part you bought?
If a shop had installed a part that you had bought, and that part failed and caused an accident, the shop could be held legally liable. Matt Weber, owner of Clark’s Car Care, explained that a court will almost always rule against an auto-repair business. They would say it shouldn’t have installed a customer-supplied part whose performance it couldn’t guarantee. Why does that matter? Many shop owners have poured their life savings into their businesses. The liability for installing a part you had purchased, in order to save a few bucks, isn’t worth that risk to a business owner’s personal and professional livelihoods. For that reason alone, many shops will decline installing customer-bought parts. It’s unfair to blame them for not wanting to take the risk of installing the parts you’ve purchased.
What if you bought the wrong parts?
What if you had bought the wrong parts, or if they’re incompatible with additional parts that the shop is providing? You’ll need to head back to the auto parts store, or wait while a replacement is shipped. No need for you to waste time ordering auto parts, and potentially packaging and shipping incorrect ones for return.
How much markup does a car have?
Another way to save on car repairs is by bringing your own auto parts to a mechanic. There’s often a 25-50% markup on parts, and that number will often be lower for high-dollar parts, and higher for low-dollar parts.
What do auto repair companies invest in?
Automotive repair businesses invest a great deal of money into diagnostic equipment. They also prioritize continuing education for their technicians. Unless you’re mechanically inclined, you likely won’t be able to pinpoint the issue. When there’s a sounds coming from some unknown location, or when your check engine light is on, your vehicle is best left in skilled hands. They’ll be much more accurate in determining what’s wrong, and which part (s) will need replacing.
How to save money on car repairs?
Looking for ways to save money on car repairs? Regularly maintaining your vehicle – think oil changes and tire rotations – is the best way for an automotive technician to keep an eye on your vehicle health. That way, items that require attention won’t be left to deteriorate to the point of major parts breaking, which could get far more expensive than your budget allows. Just like preventative dental care, regular car care can identify and stave off big, expensive issues.
Do suppliers recommend better parts?
Suppliers will also often recommend superior parts for the job. Sure, it may seem as though parts suppliers have a vested interest in recommending more expensive parts. In reality, they wouldn’t dare jeopardize an important relationship with a client (the shop) by recommending a poorly-performing part.
Can you buy steak yourself?
Sure, you could buy a steak yourself for much less than you’d pay for it at a restaurant, which would never allow you to bring your own. They wouldn’t be able to confirm its freshness, and might be worried you’d complain about the taste, when they never would have served you that type of steak in the first place.
