We’ve always championed the idea of buying used car parts that still have plenty of value to offer, and the reasons for doing so are limitless.
However, there are some car parts that you should never, ever buy used or second-hand. These car parts play such crucial roles that you should always invest in brand new replacements if and when the time comes to do so.
Some types of car parts should never be bought second-hand. Rubber parts are the first category, like tyres, seals, and mounts. Used rubber parts can be compromised with hidden damage that could put your car at risk. Next are car safety parts like airbags, brake parts, safety belts, and electronic sensors. It’s hard to tell the mileage on shock absorbers and struts, so stick to new ones.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the parts that you should never buy used or second-hand, and the reasons behind that.
Car Parts that You Should Never Buy Used or Second-Hand
1. Tyres
The first car part that you should never buy second-hand is a tyre. Let’s be clear on one thing: it’s perfectly fine to buy used wheels or rims. There’s nothing wrong with that. But the rubber tyre that you wrap around that tyre must always be brand new.
Your car’s tyres are the parts of your car that touch the ground and create enough friction to keep it on the ground. So, for one thing, you don’t want to skimp on these parts by buying them second hand.
But more important than that, used tyres come with the risk of having worn treads and other forms of hidden damage. You don’t want to discover that damage the hard way when you lose control of your car in the middle of the road.
So long before you need to replace your car’s tyres, you should already set aside a budget to cover the cost of a brand-new set of tyres.
2. Shock Absorbers
Here’s the thing about shock absorbers: they should be replaced after 80,000 kilometres. The problem with buying them as used car parts is that you have absolutely no way of verifying the mileage on shock absorbers. So you’d have no choice but to take the seller’s word for it, which is quite a gamble.
So, to be on the safe side, never buy shock absorbers second-hand. Best to go with brand-new parts for this one, too.
3. Struts
Struts and shock absorbers play similar roles and therefore experience similar wear and tear. Much like shocks, you have no way to verify how many miles the struts have been used for.
So, if you're looking for second-hand car parts, keep struts off your shopping list.
4. Seals
There’s a rule of thumb when it comes to shopping for used car parts: Never buy used rubber parts. That certainly includes tyres (which we covered at the beginning of this article), and it most definitely includes seals of any kind.
Let’s think about seals for a moment. What do they do? They usually sit between two parts to form a tight seal (hence the name). But, at the same time, they put up with plenty of pressure coming from hot fluids trying to escape.
In simpler terms, rubber seals experience plenty of wear and tear throughout their life. So, you do not want to buy a used part that has already been through a lot and might fail you when you install it in your vehicle.
Plus, rubber parts also experience something called ‘dry rot’. Just as the name implies, rubber automotive parts will deteriorate over time, especially if they’ve put up with heat and pressure for a long time.
So, even if you think you’re buying a shiny used seal that looks like new, there’s a good chance that it’s already compromised. After buying it, you might find that the rubber material is brittle, cracked, or worse.
5. Engine Mounts
Engine mounts are components that keep your engine from moving around in the engine bay as you drive. On top of that, they also minimise vibrations generated by the engine, preventing them from spreading throughout the vehicle’s frame.
For starters, engine mounts aren’t necessarily expensive to buy brand new. In Australia, new engine mounts can range anywhere from $120 up to $900 or more. So, most people should be able to afford brand new engine mounts, even if from a more affordable brand.
That would also mean that the possible savings you’d get from buying used engine mounts might not be worth it. You may as well spend a little bit extra on brand new parts that are also much more reliable.
Besides that, let’s not forget that engine mounts are made, at least in part, of rubber, and as we’ve discussed, rubber parts are a big no-no when it comes to buying used car parts.
To sum it up nicely, used rubber auto parts could be compromised. That’s why it’s always a better idea to buy them brand new.
6. Safety Belts
Looking for car parts that are used and cheap is not wrong unless it's something that acts as a thin line separating life from death. For any car part as critical as seatbelts, you must always buy them brand new.
The thing about used safety belts is that you don’t know where it’s been or what it’s been through. So, you have no idea if it will perform well if you ever get into an accident.
No matter how much you save by purchasing safety belts second-hand, it’s never worth the potential injuries or loss of life. After all, you don’t want your passengers to get hurt or killed because you chose to install used seat belts in your car just to save a few dollars.
7. Air Bags
Airbags are another car part you never want to buy used. Generally, the reasoning here is the same as what we explored about the safety belts mentioned above. Airbags and safety belts have one thing in common: They are designed to work during an accident to keep you and your passengers safe.
The scary thing about used airbags is that you can’t test them, and you might learn the hard way that they won’t deploy even when they should. (We do have a few tips for you on how to make sure that your airbags are working).
So, again, for such critical car parts like airbags and seatbelts, always buy them brand new.
8. Brake Parts
Whether you’re looking for car parts like brake pads, brake discs, or anything to do with the braking system, never buy them second hand.
Firstly, they fit into the same category as the two previous items on this list: they’re critical parts related to safety. But they also go many steps further.
More importantly, your brake parts don’t just affect the safety of your vehicle but also that of everyone else on the road.
Think of it this way: If you can’t stop your vehicle safely during an emergency, you could cause harm to other vehicles and even pedestrians. Trying to save some money by purchasing used brake parts could indirectly result in injuries, loss of life, and property damage.
9. Electronic Sensors
Newer cars these days come with all sorts of Advanced Driver-Assist Systems (ADAS) and tech innovations. These systems do not only help you drive and park with greater ease, but they also increase safety for everyone on the road.
For instance, Automatic Emergency Braking systems will react to dangers on the road much quicker than any human being can.
The thing about these automated systems is that they’re only as good as the electronic sensors they rely on. With sensors in good working condition, the systems will get the data they need and precisely when they need it to respond in whatever way they’re designed to.
Buying used electronic sensors is a bad idea because you never know if they’re faulty or not. Once again I’m telling you, these are some of those car parts that you cannot afford to die on you while you’re driving down a highway.
So, stick with brand new replacements from trusted sellers.
To find used car parts for sale that are safe to buy second-hand, check out the Marketplace at Carpart.com.au for the latest deals or send us a request so we can search them for you!
By Ray Hasbollah