Q: My friends and I do a lot of our own work on weekends and always argue on where to buy the parts. I always recommend buying the parts at the dealer, and he always wants to go to the big-box auto stores. I have heard that the parts at the big auto stores are not as good as the dealer parts and they are a lot less money. What are your thoughts?
A: Great question, and the answer is twofold. If you are buying name-brand parts such as A/C, Fram, Delco, Autolite, Dayco or any other popular brand, you’re OK. I would not suggest buying cheap parts such as brakes and exhaust. The cleaning products are name brand good. The lifetime warranty is another plus for the store name brands. If you do buy the store brand make sure it is the top-quality product.