5 Myths about Heavy Duty Truck Parts

No doubt, the world of aftermarket parts is something that could be extremely murky. A fraction of the problem is that the exact same part made by the same manufacturer could be available in different boxes. In addition, there seems to be no precise standardization on the various terms that describe the part that needs purchasing.

This makes it quite difficult for all fleet managers or used trucks for sale dealers to know the type of part, factory replacement, will-fit, aftermarket replacement, private label, white box, all makes, remanufactures or rebuilt. All these are necessary for a truck at different points of its life cycle.

Misconceptions and myths about the parts in the market surely rise over time. Let’s look at some of the most common ones.

1. All Parts are Equal

Before you invest in truck parts, just because it appears the same, as the actual or original part does not mean it has the same quality. Functionality and fit are two factors that cannot replace all the years of engineering, testing, and system level understanding that goes into the original, genuine parts.

The difference between all the different parts comes down to specifications of their built, whether the manufacturer of the part understands the actual application of the part that operates. According to experienced dealers, such as those at Bobby Park Truck and Equipment, components of systems come with unique designs and they work together as the best system. It is important that the parts should have the same designs as altering the components of the system presents a threat to the ability of the system to operate safely.

In addition, consistency and the after sales supports are important, distinguishing factors. The after sales support part includes, warranty, technical support, available training, technical support, documentation, and whether the manufacturer of the part has experts with knowledge about the part.

2. The Price is Important

Keep in mind that the value of the parts not only comes from just the price but the availability. Dealers look at the value of parts before they bring it to their fleet, and not just the cost. When it comes to the value, the cost is simply a component. Here, the value is getting the truck on to the road in a timely manner, allowing drivers to maintain productivity.

Choosing a wrong truck part can result in some form of premature failure, on-road failure as well as another trip to the repair shop. Cheaper products are not often the best choice, and higher prices cannot guarantee the quality. What buyers need to look out for is whether the parts they choose meet the OEM standards and whether the manufacturers are willing to reduce the price.

3. The Age of the Truck is a Determining Factor

Similar to the product price, the age of the heavy-duty truck is not the sole determinant of the type of part to use in repair. Usually, fleet managers try to maximize the uptime at the lowest possible prices with the least amount of risk. They could consider the trade cycle, the age of the vehicle, quality of the manufacturer, the performance of the part, uptime, and the safety when they choose their part.

In some cases, the age of the truck could matter, especially because of the history of the truck. If you consider purchasing a used truck, it could be that the previous owner did not pay attention to the quality of the parts. Keep in mind that compromising the quality of the parts in the long term could also affect the lifespan of the truck.

4. The Brand Matters

The name of the brand on the box is something secondary. It all depends on the distributor or the dealer to do the necessary diligence as to where exactly the part should come from. It is good to recognize the brand name, but sometimes, even brands put the wrong stuff in boxes. At such times, consulting dealers or distributors is the best choice you have to ensure the best quality. Keep in mind that a pretty box should not fool you, open it, and check the quality of the part inside the box!

5. Avoid Sourcing from Trusted Fleet Dealers

Today, the internet makes it quite easy for most fleet owners to find quality parts, but that is not the best channel for parts procurement. Most fleet owners tend to think they can simply order parts online from other countries that offer low costs. However, when choosing this option, where is the validation and testing? What actually happens if anything goes wrong? Is it worth it to save a dollar and risk the life of drivers?

Rather than considering the option of sourcing from other countries, it is best that you source fleet parts from people you trust. You can choose dealers, who know exactly what part comes in the box.

To avoid becoming a prey to all these myths, it is important to understand exactly what specification and brand you are searching for, versus the options available on the shelf. You need to have a clear understanding of the parts that go into your vehicle. Take your time to understand the product, ask any questions you have in mind and the products you buy. If you are not familiar or comfortable with the brand or product, make sure that you get more information from your dealer.