Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Ok, so I wanted to start this thread to make a place where we can come to when looking for top quality auto parts. Please post your favorite brand of parts in various categories and ones that you have had good success with. Also list part manufacturer/remanufacturer names you have had bad experiences with so that we will have access to that as well. Maybe if we get enough participation we can eventually talk a moderator into making this a sticky post for easy reference.

Posted

I am new to owning my own shop. The parts so far I have been impressed with and use exclusively are:

 

Brake Pads: Wagner Thermoquiet

Suspension & Front End: MOOG

 

Those are the only two I would wholeheartedly recommend.

 

I have also used been happy with the "Perfection Clutch" brand clutch parts that Advance Auto sells and for spark plug wires that are the most direct fit replacement for OEM I like the Napa Belden Edge premium wires, but the last couple sets of those I received did not contain the necessary clips and holders to keep things looking neat and factory routed (which is what attracted me to this line of plug wires in the first place.

Posted (edited)

Does anyone have a good source for power steering pumps? I had a job a while back where three Cardone remanufactured pumps in a row were defective. The first one lasted about a week, the second and third were faulty right out of the box. As crazy as that sounds I'm sure some of you have dealt with similar situations. My theory is a glitch in the remanufacture process that makes it past quality control. Either a machine messes up and they don't catch it in time or some guy on the line had a few too many the night before and isn't paying enough attention the next day. Before anyone even knows what's going on 50 defective pumps are remanufactured, boxed, and shipped all in one shipment and all the parts stores in your town who stock that brand probably get parts from that same truck. It's feasible....tragic, but feasible. In my case I switched to a FENCO pump and it worked fine. I didn't change a single thing about the way I was installing them either (in case anyone was wondering). FENCO does not have a good track record either, though, so I was wondering if there even are any other manufacturers/remanufacturers companies people have had better luck with.

Edited by IntegrityAutoCare
Posted (edited)

This is an excellent thread.

 

Funny story, we had our NAPA sales rep in the store the other day talking about their "OEM-quality" parts. I wanted to test him a bit, so I asked, "What's the difference between your OEM brake rotors and Advance's?"

 

He loved this question and started talking about rotor plate thickness, number of vanes, metal densities, etc etc. I said, "Ok, Ok, that's interesting. Let's test this out. Send me a pair of yours right now." He did. Then, I called Advance for the same part, $27 less, and we had a show-down. We got out the calipers, measured everything, counted the vanes, "dinged" them (his method of testing density of the metal).

 

...turned out, they were the exact same rotors in different boxes.

 

Not a end-all-be-all scenario, but it sure made for a good laugh.

Edited by Wes Daniel
Posted

yup...NAPA is getting bad now about selling the same cheap parts as everyone else. It makes it bad because not only are they selling cheap parts but we have know way to KNOW what parts we are getting (they all just say NAPA brand). At least with advance I know if I order a set of cheap brake pads I will get cheap brake pads, if I order WAGNER Thermoquiet brake pads I know I will get quality pads.

Posted

For most parts my NAPA offers econo and premium. Be sure to compare apples to apples.

 

Yes, sorry, I didn't mean to insinuate that NAPA's premium parts weren't still good and probably much better than whatever AZ or Advanced calls "premium", but my only problem is not knowing who the actual manufacturer of the parts is due to the NAPA stamp on everything. Things like brake pads are a pretty easy comparison between parts stores (they each seem to carry their own "house brands") but when it comes to things like power steering pumps or reman axles I like to know who the manufacturer/remanufacturer is as I doubt NAPA actually has their own line of EVERY part. Electrical parts are the same way, I bought an HVAC mode door actuator motor from NAPA a while back and it ended up being junk. Something about the specs when they made it were off, because the armature was clocked wrong and didn't line up with the hole when the motor was at rest position so it caused strain on the motor and kept stripping the little plastic gears inside the motor. I replaced it 4 times over the course of about 8 months (each time under warranty) until finally I told them I just wanted a refund so I could buy an actuator motor from the dealer. They told me they could not refund, only replace under warranty. Then they said I would have to have the original box (from 8 months ago????). I told them I understood why they couldn't just hand out refunds to every tom dick and harry that installed an electrical part and then brought it back 2 months later as "defective", but that I was losing time and money every time I installed another one of their parts and if I had known that it was cheap piece of junk when I bought it I never would have bought it from them in the first place! The part just said NAPA on it, which is a name I THOUGHT I could trust and that would stand behind their "quality" parts. I told them that if they didn't stand behind their parts then it would make it very difficult for me to do business with them in the future. This whole thing was over a $50 part! You would think a commercial customer would be worth more to them than that.

 

Just for the record, after I refused to leave the store without a refund (yup, I had to become one of THOSE customers) they finally shelled it out and I bought one from the dealer which had ZERO tension when I installed it and has been working flawlessly ever since.

 

My point is there is probably only ONE aftermarket company that manufactures those specific replacement motors (Dorman I think) and all the part stores sell the same thing. While everyone else sells DORMAN parts, NAPA sells the same part and slaps the NAPA name on it as if it is theirs, but it's the same (in this case) defective part.

 

To give you a comparison, I do most of my business through Advance Auto. Four months ago I bought a BWD ignition module/coils assembly from them for a Cadillac at $267.00. I replaced the spark plugs on that car at the same time and last week I get the car back with a misfire. Turns out to be one of the ignition coils on that module I bought has already failed! Poor quality. I called and told them the situation and asked if I could get a refund because I wanted to get an OEM Delco coil assembly for this car so that I didn't have to deal with this again in another 4 months. They gave me a full refund with no fuss (even though just like NAPA the Warranty states only "Lifetime Free Replacement") and I continue to give them my business for just that reason.

Posted (edited)

 

I think that the discount auto parts stores (Zone, Advance, O'reilly, etc.) have lead to the overall quality of all parts stores to be lower.

 

This is probably true, but is the REAL problem the stores that sell the low quality parts or the customers who are ignorant enough to buy them? Stores will always sell what the customers want. It is just unfortunate how negatively this impacts our trade.

 

This is the whole point of this thread though, "A good name is more to be desired than great riches". Its a companies NAME is all we have to go by at this point. We need to put our heads together and find companies that are putting out quality parts so we don't all end up cursing under our breath as we install that 3rd defective alternator.

Edited by IntegrityAutoCare
  • 7 months later...
Posted

Hi,

Although I have numerous bitter experience regarding auto parts and manufacturers but I got 100% satisfaction with Matrix Collision Repair Facility. It is one of the best body repairing shop that I have ever seen in my life.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Ready to kick off the year with a marketing plan that keeps your bays full? Join Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand as they dive into easy, actionable strategies to help auto repair shops plan their marketing month-by-month. From practical ways to align your campaigns with community events to leveraging fun, nationally recognized days, you’ll learn how to make your marketing engaging and impactful.
      Discover fresh ideas for social media, event hosting, and campaigns that’ll keep your shop top-of-mind all year. Whether it’s winter car care, “new year, new car” resolutions, or creative customer appreciation ideas, this episode is packed with ways to turn small efforts into big wins.
      Don’t let January sneak up on you—start planning now!
      Tune in to get the tools you need to make 2024 your best marketing year yet.
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops


      Are you ready to convert clients to members? App fueled specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build client loyalty. Get started today with your own customer loyalty app. Visit Appfueled.com


      Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)


      How To Get In Touch With the Guest


      Show Notes with Timestamps


      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/


      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind


      In this episode of The Weekly Blitz, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching delves into the increasingly prevalent issue of "ghosting" within the auto repair industry's hiring process. Ghosting, a term that describes the sudden cessation of communication by either job applicants or businesses without any prior explanation, has become a significant challenge for both parties involved.
      Coach Chris begins by examining the underlying reasons for this trend. On the applicant's side, factors such as receiving multiple job offers, feeling overwhelmed by the job search process, or simply deciding that a particular position is not the right fit can lead to ghosting. From the business perspective, a lack of structured follow-up processes, being inundated with applications, or changes in hiring needs can result in businesses inadvertently ghosting candidates.
      The impact of ghosting is profound, affecting both job seekers and business owners. For job seekers, being ghosted by potential employers can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, and a lack of closure, which can be demoralizing and impact their confidence in the job market. For business owners, ghosting by candidates can disrupt hiring timelines, lead to wasted resources, and create gaps in staffing that affect operations.
      To address these challenges, Coach Chris offers several strategies aimed at mitigating the occurrence of ghosting. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication throughout the hiring process. This includes setting expectations from the outset, providing timely updates to candidates, and being transparent about the hiring timeline and decision-making process.
      Furthermore, Coach Chris highlights the role of empathy in improving hiring practices. By understanding the pressures and challenges faced by job seekers, businesses can tailor their communication and engagement strategies to be more supportive and considerate. This approach not only reduces the likelihood of ghosting but also enhances the overall candidate experience.


      The episode concludes with practical tips for auto repair shop owners to refine their recruitment processes. These include implementing structured follow-up procedures, utilizing technology to manage applications efficiently, and fostering a company culture that values open and honest communication. By adopting these strategies, auto repair shops can improve their hiring outcomes, reduce the frustration caused by ghosting, and build stronger, more reliable teams.


      The Rise of Ghosting (00:01:05)
      Discussion on the troubling trend of ghosting in the hiring process and its impacts.
      Why Ghosting is Increasing (00:02:16)
      Exploration of the reasons behind the rise of ghosting, including job market dynamics.
      Employee Perspective on Ghosting (00:03:16)
      Insights into why job seekers ghost employers, including feeling undervalued and overwhelmed.
      Business Owner Perspective on Ghosting (00:05:41)
      Challenges business owners face when candidates ghost them, including time and financial losses.
      The Importance of Communication (00:08:03)
      Emphasis on the need for better communication and transparency in the hiring process.
      Impact on Business Reputation (00:09:00)
      How consistent ghosting can negatively affect a business's reputation and public image.
      Strategies to Reduce Ghosting (00:09:30)
      Suggestions for both parties to improve communication and reduce ghosting occurrences.
      Creating a Welcoming Interview Process (00:10:05)
      Advice on how to create a respectful and engaging interview environment for candidates.
      Follow Through After Interviews (00:11:05)
      Importance of following through with candidates to maintain professionalism and opportunities.
      Conclusion and Acknowledgments (00:12:03)
      Wrap-up of the episode, encouragement for listeners, and thanks to the sponsor.


      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae


      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Our world is rushing head first into an A.I. future and we want to encourage our listeners to remain vigilant in these exciting times, as there is some legitimate cause for concern with the changes brought by A.I. Technology.
      Joining us as our guest is Dan Vance from Shop Dog Marketing.
      Craig has known Dan for a few years now and it was at ASTA in 2023 that he first heard Dan Speak Up on the topic of AI to a group of shop-owners on the promise and peril of AI…and he saw Dan deliver a presentation on the topic again at the MARS marketing conference with the Institute for Business Excellence in (beautiful) Ogde, UT earlier this year.
      In this episode Dan acknowledges many of Craig's concerns regarding AI, while they both align on the actual benefits. 
      Craig states regularly that the last skill machines should ever be able to take from us is our ability to communicate interpersonally and … but in some areas - A.I. is far more capable of outperforming certain tasks.  While that is happening - there remains a disconnect between AI’s ability to generate data and present the data in a way that can produce more effective interactions with real people. 
      Our listeners who may share in Craig’s concerns will no doubt appreciate Dan’s calm and reassuring thoughts on the topic.  
      Watch the YouTube Video
      Topics include:  
      Early AI and Machine learning The concept of Human Capital. Authenticity as a new focus Communication tendency becoming less synchronous Efficiency vs. Authenticity and what we lose AI Strengths and practical uses Social Proof - and a word on Reviews and AI Google quality rater guidelines - EAT - Experience Authority and Trust
      Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      Thank You To Our Partners:
      The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
      AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
      AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
      Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
      In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
      Contact Information
      Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Navigating Business Success After Achievements #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...