Finding parts for your truck usually comes down to three choices. You can:
- Source the part through a dealership or certified facility
- Source the part through an independent shop
- Buy the part yourself
The main draw of shopping with an independent source is that it's usually cheaper than the dealership, but that's not always true. Especially not when you throw in the service required to replace a part.
Choosing the Dealership for Your Parts
A dealership or certified facility can guarantee you OEM parts. This guarantees you receive parts approved by your truck's manufacturer. The part itself may also come with the service for installing it. Using the dealership might actually come out cheaper for you if your truck is still under warranty. That may also apply if the part you're replacing is still under warranty as well.
An added benefit is that if you specifically want OEM parts, the dealership likely has better access to them. That means you won't have to wait too long before the part arrives. It's even possible the part you need was a part of a recall. Many times, you may not even know of this unless you go to the dealership or a certified service shop.
Choosing an Independent Shop for Your Parts
When you go to a general garage, there's a good chance they might not have access to OEM parts. This isn't always a major concern. It all depends on what parts you specifically want. Not all aftermarket parts are subpar. Many aftermarket parts have builds that match or rival those specified by the manufacturer. These parts tend to have price points far cheaper than their OEM counterparts.
The downside is that independent shops are typically general. That means you don't always get a say in where they source their parts from. There's no guarantee the technicians will have any real experience working on your model. But it's not all doom and gloom. You just have to do a little more legwork in finding a good shop.
Shopping for Parts Yourself
If you want full control over your part while saving the most money, then you should shop for it yourself. If you're knowledgeable about the part you need, then all you need to do is shop with a reputable truck equipment dealer like Godfrey Brake Service & Supply.
If you're not under warranty, this will save you a lot of money over going to a dealership. It's also a better option than letting an independent service choose the part for you. However, with the power to choose yourself, you also need to make sure you're choosing correctly. Start by choosing a reputable truck parts dealer to start with, and then go from there.
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