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Tuesday, December 3rd
Pep Boys, a well-established auto parts retailer with a strong focus on service and tire centers, isn't a top competitor for auto parts shopping. It's a little hard to find what you need. You need to select your local Pep Boys location and enter your car's information to shop, which can be cumbersome. Unfortunately, they also have missing inventory for common items like brake pads, shocks, and motor oil for a standard car, which makes price comparisons difficult. While they offer a 30-day return policy, it just doesn't stand out of the pack in any positive way.
Auto Barn, an auto parts retailer established in 1957, offers a range of car accessories, auto parts, and car care products. However, its website is old-fashioned and lacks features for easily browsing and finding parts for specific vehicles. The pricing information for replacement parts and performance parts is not readily available on the website, and customers are directed to an eBay store, raising concerns about authenticity and reliability. While some items are competitively priced, the overall shopping experience, reputation, and limited local shopping options make Auto Barn a less favorable choice in this review.
If you own a car, you know at some point it needs maintenance and repairs. Many vehicle owners opt for the path of do-it-yourself repairs, drawn by the potential to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, over the course of their car's lifetime. And like a local mechanic, you, too, will require the appropriate parts and tools to make your favorite machine tick (or maybe to stop that irritating ticking noise!).
It used to be that you'd have to drive to the local auto parts store in the hope of finding the right parts for your job. If you're not an expert, auto stores can feel a bit overwhelming (and judgy, if you're a female car owner). But today, online auto parts stores have redefined the landscape.
Visiting an auto parts store online lets you find and check that you're getting the right parts for the right car. Using features like VIN number searches and helpful online search tools, you can take the frustration out of auto parts shopping and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're just looking for a new set of tires, a turbo kit for your already over-taxed hatchback, or the perfect wrench in metric sizes for those Euro cars, you can find it now at the click of a button.
You might be surprised to know that the auto parts you find online are often less expensive than the ones you find in a store - even if the website and store are the same company. That's because there's more competition online, and less overhead attached to the individual car part. And not only are the prices cheaper, you can have them delivered straight to your door.
Armed with your car parts, and your favorite car repair YouTuber, you can be on your way to DIY car repair in no time. However, it's important to recognize that not all auto parts stores are the same.
You want to make sure that you can find the best auto parts, whether you're looking at new "from the factory” or certified pre-owned items. You can find tons of deals online too, but making sure you can trust an auto parts store is important - both for your wallet and your safety.
Not sure where to start your online search for auto parts? Don't worry - we've completed a full review and ranking of all the best auto parts stores out there today. Here are some basic criteria that might help you narrow the field:
To make sure your car stays running smoothly, Top Consumer Reviews is here to give you all the insights on the best auto parts stores on the market. We hope this helps you get started with your DIY mechanic shop right in the safety of your own garage. Soon, your friends will be coming to you for the quick fixes, since you'll be an auto parts expert. Happy driving!
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