Used auto parts can be a very cost-effective and smart solution for car repair, but they’re also an area where you want to make sure the parts you have purchased continue to work well over time. Discount Towing & Recovery in Mountain Home, Arkansas, provides used car sales, towing, used auto parts, roadside assistance, and more. They have provided some useful guidelines for using used auto parts:

Before You Buy, Inspect The Part

Never buy used auto parts unseen. While some components may still be unreliable even if they look normal, a quick visual inspection can identify issues such as cracked or broken parts. You may not notice that there is anything wrong until six months down the line when your car is right back where it was before you invested in the part. If you suspect that the part you have purchased is damaged, don’t just hope for the best. Push for a return, and then go elsewhere.

Some Parts You Should Never Buy Used

It’s great to save money buying used auto parts, but there are some components of your car that you should not skimp on. Typically, the types of parts that you shouldn’t purchase used are either safety components such as airbags and airbag sensors or items that need to be replaced often, such as air filters or brake pads. If you’re buying an oil filter used, it won’t be long before you need to buy a new one anyway.

Know The Part’s Shelf Life

If a car part is known to start breaking down after 10 years of regular wear and tear and you have purchased a used part, understand that you’re probably not going to get 10 more years out of it. If possible, find out how old the part you’re buying is.

Don’t Skimp On Maintenance

Just like with new parts, used auto parts require care and ongoing maintenance. If you keep your car clean and well maintained, the parts you use will last a considerably longer time than if you ignore them.

Perhaps the most important guideline of all is to purchase used auto parts from someone you trust. In Arkansas, that means going to Discount Towing & Recovery. For used car sales, auto parts, and more, Discount Towing & Recovery is reliable and trustworthy. To find out more, visit their website, or call (870) 425-1775.