When your vehicle malfunctions, replacing the truck part can be a stressful process, especially if you are under time restrictions. You may not know where to start, who to trust, or what to do. Fortunately, you do not have to figure it out alone. Our vehicle experts at Massey Towing have created an expert guide to selecting quality truck parts
In this blog, we’ll provide steps and tips for purchasing quality replacement parts for your truck. You won’t need to stress about selecting truck parts that will have you right back where you started. We will help you make the right choice for quality truck parts from a truck parts store.
Whether you’re reading this blog for guidance after a malfunction has happened, or for advice in case of a future malfunction, keep in mind that preventative maintenance will help avoid surprise malfunctions. When it comes to heavy hauling, having your truck break down is extremely inconvenient and can delay the transportation of goods, leading to project delays. Regularly maintaining and inspecting your truck parts helps extend their lifespan and avoid future costly repairs.
Keep up to date with how old your truck parts are and be aware of when they may need to be replaced. Waiting until the part malfunctions to replace it is risky and creates a safety concern.
Steps to Replace Truck Parts
Selecting quality truck parts is important since the vehicle parts determine its performance, safety, and longevity. Below are steps to help you get started with making an informed decision when searching for new, high-quality truck parts.
Identify the Need of Your Truck Parts
The truck parts you choose should largely depend on your vehicle’s needs. Keep in mind your truck’s purpose when searching for replacement parts. Whether the truck is used for towing or hauling, your use of the truck determines the parts that should be prioritized.
Verify What Truck Parts Need to be Replaced
There could be various causes that lead to vehicle malfunction, and identifying the exact reason is the first crucial step. Take your truck to a credible automotive repair shop, but be sure they examine heavy-duty trucks before arriving.
It is also wise to get a second opinion from a different shop to make sure the two diagnoses match and the problem is confirmed. It would be a frustrating situation to replace a truck part and have the problem persist.
Do Research and Ask for Truck Parts Recommendations.
Avoid immediately buying the first needed truck part that you see available at the truck parts store. Read online reviews of your options, and ask your mechanic for part recommendations. A reliable mechanic will know exactly what type of truck part you need, and what brands provide the highest quality truck parts.
You can also ask family, friends, and fellow truck owners for advice on their experiences at a certain truck parts store or on a certain truck part. This can help you make an informed decision.
Confirm Vehicle Parts Compatibility.
You should be certain that the new parts are fully compatible with your truck before purchasing. Use your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) or the part code to verify compatibility. You can also refer to your owner’s manual for verification. Make sure the part matches your truck’s make, model, and year. Otherwise, you are likely wasting your money on a truck part that will not work with your vehicle.
Why You Shouldn’t Get Used Truck Parts
When searching for truck parts you are likely to find many listings and options that offer quality used truck parts. While in some specific cases, this might be true, in general you want to choose new truck parts. Buying used truck parts may seem cost-efficient, but used parts will have shorter lifespans and will need to be replaced sooner. They also present risks as you don’t know what condition they are in.
Purchasing brand-new parts ensures you get high-quality truck parts that are dependable. They will also likely have some sort of warranty or guarantee, so if you do end up with a faulty part, you can replace it with minimal hassle. Driving a vehicle with faulty parts is risky, so spending the extra money to get a new part is worth it.
Truck Part Warranties
When buying new truck parts, prioritize the options that come with a warranty. Leading brands often provide truck part warranties that cover the part and the labor that comes with it. This is useful if there is an issue with your recently purchased part. It also allows for peace of mind and shows the seller’s confidence that they are providing a top-quality truck part.
Compare Prices
Vehicle parts are not cheap, so it is a good idea to shop around to make sue that you are getting the best pricing. Take some extra time to compare prices of the same part to try and save some money.
However, while the cost is an important factor, don’t only base your decision on the cheapest option. You don’t want to sacrifice the value, quality, warranty, or durability for a cheaper price. Sometimes you get what you pay for!
OEM vs. Aftermarket Truck Parts
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket parts are two popular options for replacing truck parts. When selecting a new truck part, it is a good idea to consider both options and make the best choice for your truck. Let’s look at the difference between the two types of vehicle parts.
OEM Truck Parts
OEM truck parts are vehicle parts that are made by the same company that makes the vehicle itself. While OEM parts are more expensive, they tend to be more reliable and longer-lasting than other truck parts. They are also more likely to have better warranties. You can usually get OEM parts installed at any reputable truck repair shop.
Aftermarket Truck Parts
The other common type of truck parts are Aftermarket vehicle parts. Aftermarket truck parts are made by a different company and are designed to be compatible with numerous makes and models. These parts are cheaper but are not guaranteed to work well. They also are less likely to have a warranty.
Can Aftermarket Vehicle Parts Void My Vehicle Warranty?
Your vehicle’s warranty is your guarantee that your vehicle will work for the set amount of miles or time period. Vehicle owners do not want to do anything that would void the warranty. Fortunately, simply using an aftermarket truck part will not void your truck’s warranty. You can still maintain your vehicle warranty even if you choose to replace parts with aftermarket ones. However, if the aftermarket part causes damage or a vehicle malfunction, this could lead to your dealership denying your warranty claim.
Should I Choose an OEM or Aftermarket Truck Part?
Since aftermarket truck parts could affect your vehicle warranty it can be a good idea to use OEM truck parts instead. Ultimately, the decision between OEM and aftermarket parts is dependent on your specific needs, budget, and preference. When a critical component such as a safety system part or an engine part needs to be replaced, OEM parts are often recommended due to their quality and guaranteed compatibility.
When a non-essential part needs to be replaced, or when cost saving is important, aftermarket parts may be the better option. No matter the decision, it is crucial to do research and consider the reputation of the manufacturer and the quality of the part you’re considering purchasing.
Choosing a Quality Dallas Truck Repair Shop: Massey Towing & Truck Service
Investing in quality truck parts can save you money and will ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle. That’s why you should choose one of the best Dallas truck repair shops, Massey Towing and Truck Service.
At Massey Towing & Truck Service, we will perform a thorough diagnosis of your truck to accurately identify the problem. Once this step is complete, we can help you make the best part choice for you and your truck from our wide variety of available replacement truck parts.
You can then confidently drive off, knowing that your vehicle is safe and dependable. We can also provide preventative maintenance for your truck and if a malfunction does happen, our towing service can offer any needed assistance.
Contact our truck parts experts today to start replacing your old or faulty truck parts in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
