Result of using cheap auto parts (brake pads)
Yes, another post about cheap auto parts. There is a reason I write about it. Too many people think that getting cheap parts will get them the same results as if they had bought the pricier ones. Most of the time it’s not true.
Auto repair shops that offer a guaranty will not use very cheap auto parts. Why? Because they know that the part will fail and the customer will come back and they will have to do the repairs all over again.
For example, let’s say that the mechanic spent hours on a repair job. Some repairs are quite time consuming and will take 3-10 hours. We offer a 24,000 mile/2 Year warranty on parts and 6 months on labor. If the part fails and/or causes other issues in the car, then the customer comes back, possibly angry and wants the car fixed so everything works perfectly with no issues. Well, the shop would have to take the car apart again, send the faulty parts back and order new ones. They probably won’t order the same cheap part, because they don’t want another come back. So, if they order the cheap part again to not lose money, then there is a change they will have to do the work the 3rd ad 4th time. If they get a more expensive part, then they will need to absorb the cost, since they offered a warranty.
Using Cheap Auto Parts
For example, we had a customer who said that he had a radio fuse blowing due to a short circuit in the radio. He came from another shop where they replaced the fuse with a cheap after market fuse and then his car started smoking behind the instrument panel. Turned out to be an expensive repair because the customer (or the mechanic) wanted to save a couple dollars on the part needed to do the repair. We ended up replacing all the wiring harness behind the instrument panel, a new radio and OE radio fuse.
Another example is this. We make sure to order quality brake pads, because we don’t want the pads to squeak. Yes, they would still work, ok, but how annoying is that? The customer would certainly come back and we would have to spend hours again taking off the tires and redoing the entire job with new brake pads.
Auto Repair Costs
So, if you are thinking about going to a cheap repair shop, please remember that there is a reason they are able to offer cheaper pricing. Part costs are usually 30-70% of any repair job. Parts costs for German cars can be greatly lowered if after market parts are used. The gap between Genuine, OEM and after market parts are much higher than in Asian and domestic cars. If you get cheaper after market parts, obviously the cost of repair goes down greatly. Just make sure you weigh the pros and cons of your decision before going for a cheaper repair job.
Image on this page was taken from agcoauto.com
