PARTS ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS THE DEALER
Swap meets, garage sales, flea markets and junkyards are common places to find used auto parts. The problem is you don't really know what you're getting when you use these sources, and you have a high risk of coming out on the losing end of the transaction.
Stick with a licensed auto parts supplier when you're in search of a used auto part. Licensed suppliers have experience with recycling auto parts and are better equipped to help you find the part you need, including parts that are often difficult to find.
Suppliers tend to have higher quality used auto parts. This is in part because they typically have advantageous partnerships in the auto industry.
TRANSMISSION
Your car's transmission uses a torque converter to shift gears and power your wheels. Replacing this can cost you several thousand dollars, depending on the make and model of your car.
Purchasing a used transmission or one rebuilt from salvaged parts is a practical way to save cost, and they're often as reliable as new models. Before shopping for a used or rebuilt transmission, find out the exact model and specifications needed for your car.
Avoid purchasing a damaged transmission. When you find the transmission you're looking for, cycle through all of the gears and make sure it shifts smoothly. You shouldn't hear any noises or grinding. Check to ensure that it isn't leaking transmission fluid, as that could also spell trouble.
Lastly, get a used transmission that comes with a warranty, and consider adding an extended warranty as well. This is often an option if the unit has fewer than 100,000 miles. This way you're protected against flaws and defects.
ALTERNATOR
The average cost of a new alternator is between $500 and $1,000, but you can save by purchasing a used or refurbished one. Your car's alternator powers the electrical components of your vehicle, including the lights.
When you find an alternator, ask the staff to test it. You'll want to make sure the alternator has the appropriate power. A standard voltage meter will show whether the alternator has good power or not.
RADIATOR
The radiator is a critical part of your engine's cooling system. You can purchase a used radiator at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Depending on your car's make and model, a new radiator may cost several hundred dollars. When purchasing a used radiator, you likely won't be able to test it on a working vehicle first, making it crucial to purchase from an established supplier with a good reputation.
Visually inspect the radiator for signs of damage and ask whether you can return it if it ends up being defective.
Purchasing used auto parts is a practical way to get your car back up and running. As long as you know what to look for, you'll be able to choose reliable parts that will keep your car on the road for years to come.
For a reliable, licensed auto dealer in Northeastern Ohio, come into Denison Auto Parts Inc. today.
What Does Salvaged Really Mean?
Why Are Salvaged Vehicles Considered So Bad?
Do You Have to Rebuild the Car?
What Should You Look for When Buying a Salvaged Vehicle?
Your transmission fluid is one of the most important components of your transmission. Leaking or burned transmission fluid is a serious problem. Automatic transmission fluid, also known as ATF , is vital to keeping your transmission lubricated and working properly.
Consequences of Low Transmission Fluid
How to Spot Leaking Transmission Fluid
You can see if transmission fluid is leaking under your vehicle by putting a flat cardboard box under your car at night and pulling it out in the morning. Check and see if you spot any spots of fluid on the cardboard.
You can also open up your hood and check out what level the transmission fluid is at. You should be able to see a minimum and maximum fill line. Your transmission fluid should always be above the minimum fill line and as close to the maximum fill line as possible.
Note the level of the transmission fluid. Then, check in a few days to see if the transmission fluid level has lowered at all. Your transmission fluid should not dramatically drop after a few days, so if the level does drop, your transmission is leaking fluid.
What Burning Transmission Fluid Means
When the fluid smells like it is burning, it means that your transmission fluid is not working properly, and sludge or debris has built up inside your transmission. This can damage your transmission if not addressed immediately.
If you smell burning, you need to have your transmission fluid flushed and not just refilled. Flushing your transmission fluid involves getting rid of all the old transmission fluid inside of your system and replacing all of the old fluid with new, fresh fluid that does not have debris inside of it.
What to Do About Leaking Transmission Fluid
That should temporarily stop the leaking, although you are going to need to find the specific seals or hoses where the fluid is leaking and have those parts replaced. It is better to replace the damaged seals and hoses right away so that your transmission doesn't deteriorate further. Simply replacing the seals can save you from having to rebuild your transmission.
Talk to the experts at Denison Auto Parts Inc about the issues you are experiencing with your transmission. They should be able to help you fix your transmission and find the right parts to service it.
There's no written script that can guarantee you'll avoid all possible concerns in the used car buying process, but there are some steps you can take to minimize your stress. A smart buyer is far more likely to be a satisfied buyer, and that satisfaction can allow you to enjoy your vehicle for years to come.
Below, you'll find a guide to some steps you should follow when you set out to buy a used car. Following these suggestions can guarantee that you avoid serious frustrations and are able to drive off the lot in a vehicle that meets all of the requirements you had in mind.
ESTABLISH A FIRM BUDGET
One way to consider your budgetary restrictions is to avoid considering the overall price of the vehicle and instead focus on the monthly payment. Since many people end up trading in their vehicle before the end of their original loan term, the monthly information may be more valuable for people who don't have pressing concerns about the overall amount of credit they're utilizing.
Build a List of Options
A common mistake that many used car buyers make is allowing themselves to go onto the lot without a list of vehicles in mind and simply deciding to choose from the available inventory. This can leave you struggling to keep up with the flow of information in the buying process and could, unfortunately, result in you purchasing a vehicle that doesn't meet all of your specific needs.
Rather than working forward from the vehicles which are available, you should work backward from a wish list. Unless you have an emergency need for any available vehicle, it's a more sensible strategy to wait for the car that you want to appear on the market. A car is a long-term investment, and making sacrifices in the buying process can leave you frustrated by those decisions as time goes on and you're stuck in a vehicle you're not happy with.
CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTION
In most cases, your dealership will be more than willing to allow you to have an outside party inspect the vehicle before purchasing it. If they hesitate, it may be a sign that you could be dealing with a serious underlying issue.
Once you've purchased your vehicle, Denison Auto Parts Inc. is ready to be your source for all of your parts and repair needs. Maintaining a used vehicle with reliable parts can help maximize its lifespan and guarantee that you never feel regret in your purchase decision.
The Brakes Make a Lot of Noise
The Brakes Stick
The Brakes Pulsate
- i. Does your brake show signs of resistance while pressing on it?
- ii. Is your break hard to press down while driving?