You can’t live the life of a truck driver without having to buy truck parts. Shopping for the parts you need or want is just a part of the profession. But it’s not always easy to know which parts to buy, or where to buy them from. Ultimately, it’s up to you—the consumer—to make these decisions. Still, we’ve laid out a few considerations you ought to keep in mind next time you purchase parts.
Sooner or later, you’ll be in the market for some new truck parts. But how do you know which ones to choose?
Used or New?
Another question truck drivers will have to consider is whether they should opt for used or new parts. Obviously, new parts are generally seen as the gold standard. But the truth is that used and refurbished parts can be just as good. Don’t blindly assume that there aren’t good used parts out there for you!
OEM or Aftermarket?
In the world of truck parts, there is no more pertinent question than this: should you go for OEM or aftermarket? In case you aren’t familiar with these terms, OEM is an acronym for ‘original equipment manufacturer.’ When you purchase an OEM part for your truck, it will have been manufactured in the same location as the parts that came with your vehicle. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are made by any other manufacturer.
You’ll often hear it said that you should always go with OEM parts. But this is an oversimplification. OEM parts are not always higher quality than the aftermarket alternatives. Still, you shouldn’t blindly pick aftermarket parts just because of their lower price tag. Do your research online and come to your own conclusions!
Learn Some Brand Names
As the years go on in this career, you’ll gradually start to learn the names of some brands you can trust. When there’s a manufacturer who you know produces a quality product, it can take a whole lot of the guesswork out of purchasing parts.
But you don’t need years of experience before you get a sense of the highest quality brand names. Consider taking advice from veterans in the industry, and ask for the brands that they trust. Do some poking around on the web for the most trustworthy manufacturers.
You should put a whole lot of thought into the new truck parts you purchase. But that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated!
Baltimore Freightliner-Western for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Tags: heavy-duty trucks, parts, truck parts