TECH: Used parts you should never buy

Choosing whether to buy a new or used motor vehicle replacement part has never been easy. But it has gotten tougher recently due to what I hear are tough times economically.

While new car parts were never the automatic choice previously, due to an avalanche of fakes on the market, used parts now appear to be the best option – due economically challenged pocket conditions (ECMCs).

That is why we are giving you these tips on buying used items.

1. Use a reliable supplier. If you do not have one ask a friend who has one. If that fails go to the market with your car and pay only after the part has been fitted and works. There is nothing as frustrating as buying a replacement part and it fails to fit and the seller refuses to refund money.
2. The general rule is that you should never buy used rubber parts. This includes rubber hoses, belts, wiper blades, brake lines, and even tyres. This warning is usually given because rubber suffers from what is called “dry rot”. It means that rubber – say a tyre- will rot whether it is used or not. It might look new, but if it is old, it will fail as soon as you use it. That can be fatal if it is a tyre. But hey- we have to be real (these are tough times – I hear). So give used rubber items a really tough scrutiny before you pay.
3. Don’t buy used electrical part. Period. This includes battery, spark plugs, starters, bulbs, alternators. Many used electrical parts on market are simply worn-out stuff that is dusted and cleaned to look newish. Don’t be fooled. In any case, many of these are not expensive from new parts dealerships.
4. Shocks and struts will fail, especially on used cars. If you go for used shocks and struts, you are merely replacing worn-out part for dangerous part. So go for new.
5. Suspension parts: This includes the frame, suspension system, wheels, coil springs, and torsion bars. These are usually quite rigid and will not be damaged unless vehicle was involved in accident. So buy them used any time.

Finally, here is a list of parts that you should never buy reused: air bags, air filter, airbag sensors, ball joints, battery, bearings, brake discs/rotors, brake light switch, brake pads, brake shoes, catalytic converter, clutch disc, cooling fan switch, cylinder sleeves, distributor cap, distributor cap, engine bearings, fuel lines, fuses, gaskets, head studs, headlights, ignition coil, ignition condenser, ignition points, MAF, muffler, muffler hangers, oil filter, oil pressure switches sensors, piston rings, radiator hoses, rotor, shifter bushings, shock absorbers, spark plug wires, spark plugs, strut bearings, strut inserts, thermostat, timing belt, timing chain, tyres, valves, voltage regulator, water pump, water pump, wheel bearings, wheel cylinders.

****

Source: This article contains compilation from the internet.

****

editor@independent.co.ug