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Your questions answered about buying replacement car parts

Almost every single car is going to need some new parts at some stage in its life cycle, so as a driver it’s something that you need to prepare yourself for. When you’re lucky, it’s something relatively small and simple like windscreen wipers. When you’re not, it’s something more critical and expensive, like a gearbox or even your whole engine. So when you find yourself looking for second-hand parts for your Chrysler (or any other car, for that matter), it’s likely that you’ll have one or two questions. As expert Chrysler breakers here at ACD of Lancashire, we’re the perfect people to give you some answers. Let’s start off with one of the most common questions…

Is it better to buy car parts new or secondhand?

It’s difficult to give an objectively correct answer to this one, as every situation is different, and what’s more you’ll generally find that everyone has their own opinion. Many drivers understandably prefer brand new car parts because of the peace of mind they provide, but that comes with a correspondingly high price tag.

On the other hand, second hand parts are generally more economical, so you can make big savings on what otherwise might have been prohibitively expensive repairs. They’re also often more environmentally friendly options, as they save on the energy and resources that would have been required to make a brand new part. Plus, if you’ve got a rarer or older car that’s no longer supported by the manufacturer, second hand parts can be an absolute lifeline in keeping it running.

How can I make sure I get the right car part?

This is probably one of the biggest concerns you’ll have when you start hunting for a new part, especially if you don’t have a tonne of mechanical knowledge. Luckily, there are a couple of ways you can look at to ensure that you’ve got the right one.

Check your VIN

VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. It’s a 17 digit number that essentially provides more detailed information about the car for those who know how to read it. That makes it an invaluable tool for helping you to find the right kind of part for your car.

In case you’re wondering, a car’s VIN can tell you:

  • Where the car was built
  • Who its manufacturer is
  • Whether it’s flexible fuel
  • Its brand, its size and type of engine
  • The official security code of its manufacturer
  • The car’s model year
  • The plant which assembled the vehicle
  • The car’s serial number

Part codes

Certain parts will have their own codes, which can make replacements even easier to track down. They might not be immediately visible at first glance though – you might have to scrub away some of the accumulated dirt, grease or grime!

Part comparison

If the other two options aren’t working out for you, you can always physically take the part with you to a breaker or other automotive professional, who may be able to help you identify the part at a glance.

If you’re still stuck, here at ACD of Lancashire we have a handy parts enquiry form on our website, so you can submit a specific request to our team for a specific part. We’ll be only too happy to help you track it down!

Can I replace my car part myself?

Only if you know exactly what you’re doing. That means ideally having the professional qualifications to back it up! If you make any kind of error, which is all too easy when you’re inexperienced, you could easily end up with a vehicle that’s completely immobile. Or worse, dangerous.

In the best case scenario, attempting repairs without the proper experience or expertise can land you with a huge repair bill, and one that might turn out to be much bigger than it would have been if you’d just gone to an expert in the first place.

We might not necessarily be able to help you with the repairs themselves, but if you need help with searching for any of these replacement parts, that’s exactly what we’re here for at ACD of Lancashire. As specialist Chrysler breakers, we provide a comprehensive range of parts to enable you to make the necessary repairs. If you’re having trouble finding something you need, don’t hesitate to let us know on 01254 301021, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help.

Posted in Chrysler Parts For Sale.