In a lot of cases, you will find that new car parts have warranties attached to them. Is that also the case for used auto parts? Should you expect to get any warranty if you go to an auto wrecking yard? And if so, what kind of warranty should you opt for?
Finding used auto parts with warranty to suit your needs is not a walk in the park, but don't worry. This post will enlighten you about what to expect from a salvage yard based on our experience.
Before you buy used car parts, here are some things you should know.
Finding Used Auto Parts Sellers Offering Warranties
Finding a wrecking yard that provides a warranty for used auto parts is now becoming less of a rarity than it was many years ago. Since the internet has made car parts available pretty much worldwide, auto part sales can be conducted across any geographical location, increasing competition.
Due to this trend, auto wreckers selling used car parts have begun to offer warranties to keep up with the competition. All the same, whether you purchase a used auto part online or from your local salvage yard, you must understand not only warranties but also return policies.
Are There Wreckers Offering Warranty for Used Auto Parts Near Me?
You will need to do your homework on this, but for starters, here are three Aussie wreckers who offer used auto part warranty.
- Advance Auto Wreckers in Maddington WA - you'll find their contact details here. They offer a 3-month warranty attached to used auto parts bought from them. If you're looking for Ford and Holden auto parts, they should be your first stop if you live nearby.
- Machinery Drive Wreckers in Tweed Heads South NSW - find them from our directory to see if they are near you. Their basic warranty (called Silver Warranty) covers replacement of defective used car parts three months from the date of sale. You may opt for their Gold Warranty (6 months/12,000km) or Platinum Warranty (12 months/24,000km) at an extra cost.
- Ascot Auto Parts & Wreckers in Edwardstown SA - now, if you're located in South Australia, this place should be easy to contact with these details. All used car parts bought from them are covered by a warranty. For details, you may check out their warranty info page.
What Is the Usual Period of a Warranty for Used Auto Parts?
When it comes to used auto parts, the length of warranties are between 30 and 90 days. You could also find sellers (like the Machinery Drive Wreckers) who offer up to 6 months and even up to 12 months if you happen to buy extended warranties. Always enquire since warranties vary by the dealer or by the type of the purchased car part.
Conditions & Stipulations of Warranties
Sellers of used car parts usually place restrictions and conditions on warranty honouring. For instance, they may nullify the warranty if the parts are modified, if the installer is not a certified mechanic, if you install the parts outside a specific location, or if the parts become defective due to misuse.
Make sure that you understand the conditions which the warranty comes with to avoid nullifying it.
What to Expect from a Used Auto Part Warranty
One other vital factor that determines the kind of warranty that you should expect when buying a used car part is the type of part you're buying.
Used Mechanical Parts Warranty
Mechanical parts refer to a car's moving parts, such as the engine, the front axle assembly, rear axle assembly, the transmission, differential, and so on. These parts have a higher chance of experiencing failure.
Their constant motion hastens their wear and tear which is why a warranty is crucial. It would be wise to accept nothing below a 90-day warranty for mechanical parts.
According to industry standards, a 90-day warranty is appropriate as it will allow you enough time to use the part and see if it works as it should. Sometimes, you will find wreck yards offering warranties extending up to a year. This is ideal and should be considered for major items like an engine.
Some other factors to consider may be the length of time you intend to use the car, the number of kilometres on the vehicle and its replacement part, and so forth.
Many recyclers offer a labour warranty for a premium. It is an insurance plan which aids in the coverage of labour cost if a defect happens. This form of coverage is not common, but you will find some recyclers who offer it.
Used Electrical Parts Warranty
Electrical or electronic car parts consist of things like the radio, engine computers, body control modules, computers transfer case modules, and other electrical components.
Some car wreckers refuse to provide warranties on electric parts because of the tedious procedures involved. When it comes to used auto parts, the chance that such parts have issues is very high.
So, to reduce your problems later, it's a good idea to secure a warranty. Most recyclers offer 30-day warranties on used parts with electrical auto parts, and this is fine as it gives you the time to have the product installed and tested.
Used Body Parts & Suspension Parts
These parts are the tough panels of your car that only suffer damages if there is a collision. Check out Ascot Auto Parts because they do offer warranties even for body panels.
What Is the Industry-Standard Warranty for Used Auto Parts?
Even though many wrecking yards offer standard warranty for used car parts, they may differ in duration (anywhere from 30-90 days). Some warranties may even have an extended period but not cover the labour cost related to replacing the auto part.
Warranties with the same term or length of time don't necessarily mean that they have the same inclusions and exclusions. For instance, there are salvage yards who stipulate that specific steps be followed in the installation of a particular part, otherwise, the warranty becomes void.
The aim is not to trick the consumer into going against the terms of the warranty but instead to ensure that the specific auto part runs smoothly. Thus, you should do your homework and ask questions about the used auto part that you're purchasing.
Extended Warranties for Used Car Parts and Labour
Many salvage yards provide extended warranties for used auto parts such as engines and transmissions but require an extra fee in most cases. Just like standard warranty for used auto parts, extended warranties vary in duration, scope, and price from one wrecker to another.
Valuable Tips for Buying Used Auto Parts
When it comes to purchasing used car parts, you must:
1. Know the used car part's history - Before buying a used auto part, make it a point to ask about its history and age.
2. Ask about the return policy - Make sure that the used auto part can be returned or exchanged. It's crucial to know all the terms and conditions before making purchases.
3. Read the fine print carefully - Go over the terms and conditions of the warranty.
4. Parts only means 'parts only' - Labour, towing, oils, hire cars or any losses whatsoever are not covered.
5. Off-the-hoist warranty - Labour is covered the day that the part is fitted to your vehicle and/or the date on the invoice. If the part becomes faulty two weeks down the track, then labour costs or losses are not covered at all, unless you have an extended warranty that includes labour.
6. Parts and Labour Warranty - In this case, the parts and labour are covered by the supplier but do not expect to conduct your own repairs and send the supplier the bill. Instead, contact your supplier and find out the exact process in a labour claim.
We hope that this article cleared some uncertainties you have about used car part warranty. If this is your first time to read our blog, we invite you to make Carpart.com.au a habit!
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