Not everyone can be a professional mechanic, but everyone should at least have some basic knowledge. That’s why we want to share all our parts tips and tricks with you so you can better understand your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram! At Bonham Chrysler, we’ll walk you through the cost of a transmission, finding the right tires for your vehicle, and more. If you have any specific questions about parts and accessories, feel free to reach out to our Bonham Parts Department!
Right off the bat, customers often ask our service technicians about OEM parts versus aftermarket parts. OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer,” meaning the part comes directly from your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are made to fit a wide range of vehicles and usually cost less. However, that cheaper cost comes with a steep tradeoff. Only OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and work just like your vehicle’s original parts did because they’re exact replacements. Aftermarket auto parts simply can’t say the same. They might look the same, but there’s a chance that subtle differences might cause problems down the road for you. And if that happens, aftermarket parts don’t come with warranty protection like OEM ones do.
Therefore, OEM parts might be a little more expensive, but they’ll benefit you in the long run. We only work with OEM parts at Bonham Chrysler because we want to keep our customers’ vehicles running like new!
Above all else, we want you to think of auto parts as a kind of investment. You get what you pay for when it comes to auto parts. Don’t always jump for the cheapest option; you don’t want your car full of parts that are prone to breaking and falling apart. Instead, you want to make sure that you use the best auto parts for your vehicle.
For example, say you need new tires. You need to know about the tread-wear rating, mileage warranty, size, and speed rating. Plus, you need to consider your typical driving conditions. Maybe buying premium tires isn’t within your budget, but you still want something above average in all categories to guarantee a level of quality for yourself.
Often overlooked, we also recommend checking drive belts on a semi-regular basis. These belts connect the engine power to other parts and accessories such as the alternator, air conditioning, compression, and any other part relying on mechanical power. The two belts need a replacement every 40,000 and 60,000 miles—at minimum. Drive belts can accrue a lot of wear and tear, so you should make time to check these belts for cracks or integrity issues.
Check out more of our posts for tips and tricks about specific auto parts!
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Especially in Texas, where the weather can wear out auto parts quickly, you need to stay on top of maintenance. Otherwise, minor issues will eventually snowball and cause you major problems. Luckily, Bonham Chrysler has a wide selection of auto parts online at reasonable prices. Our parts staff will gladly answer any questions you have, so contact us today!
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