December 30, 2024
A good product warranty can save you time, money, and stress. Many consumers are drawn to products because the promise of a warranty leading them to believe that any issues with the product will be covered by the manufacturer or distributor. But what happens when things go wrong, and the warranty process is frustrating, complicated, or inadequate? Too often, customers find that the warranty process is so time-consuming or difficult that they give up entirely. Worse yet, some discover their warranty offers very little coverage or none at all, leaving them with nothing but a broken product. This is especially true when it comes to essential products like automotive parts. When an automotive part fails, it’s more than just a minor inconvenience—it can disrupt your whole day (week?) and cost both time and money. When a part we’ve installed for a customer fails, no one is happy. Our customer is upset because they’ve already spent money and time getting their vehicle fixed. We, as the shop that installed the part, are upset too, because we’ve already spent time and resources diagnosing, ordering, and installing said part. Now, we’re faced with the task of doing the same job all over again while oftentimes dealing with an understandably frustrated customer. If the product in question doesn’t have a reliable warranty or a company backing it, we’re left with a tough choice: either we eat the cost of replacing the part (both parts and labor) and do the work again FOR FREE or we charge the customer for the same repair again, potentially frustrating them further. Either option is a lose-lose situation. Why Warranty Matters for Automotive Parts At Payless 4 Wheel Drive & Auto Center, we believe using products with solid warranties is essential. A strong warranty often correlates with a high-quality product. Companies that stand behind their products with comprehensive warranties want to ensure their reputation remains intact and that their customers are satisfied. They know that a defective part can damage their bottom line, and they don’t want to waste resources on subpar products. Over the years, we’ve cultivated relationships with top-tier automotive manufacturers and distributors who not only create excellent products but are also committed to standing behind them with strong, straightforward warranties. We work diligently to source products directly from manufacturers or distributors that offer a hassle-free warranty process. The best warranties cover both parts and labor, meaning that if something goes wrong, the customer doesn’t have to pay anything out of pocket for repairs. In fact, many of the parts we use come with lifetime warranties that cover part defects as well as labor. However, in today’s market, finding these kinds of comprehensive warranties can be a challenge, especially as many manufacturers/distributors are scaling back on warranty coverage. But that doesn’t mean we settle for less—we do our best to ensure that every product we use is backed by a warranty we can trust. What to Look for in a Warranty When shopping for automotive parts, whether at a shop or online, it’s crucial to ask the right questions about the warranty that comes with the product. A strong warranty not only provides peace of mind but can also save you from unexpected expenses in the future. Here are some important questions to ask: How long does the warranty last? What exactly does the warranty cover? Does the warranty cover both parts and labor? If labor is covered, does the warranty cover all the labor required to remove and replace the defective part, or only a portion? Does the shop handle the warranty claim, or does the consumer need to do it? What is the warranty process should the part fail? Does the shop have a successful history with the product and/or warranty claims with the manufacturer? Is there a better product/warranty option that should be considered? How is the warranty handled if the parts are purchased from an online storefront? If something else is damaged when the part fails, will all parts and labor be covered? The Value of Investing in a Quality Warranty In some cases, quality parts with better warranties may be comparable in price to lesser-quality ones. However, it usually works out that spending a little more on a higher-quality part with a better warranty will save you money—and headaches—in the long run. For example, several years ago, we installed a new transmission for a customer. While the transmission was more expensive than others, it came with an unbeatable product reputation and warranty. Several weeks later, the transmission failed while our customer was in Canada. Thanks to the company’s excellent warranty, everything was covered —replacement transmission, labor costs, hotel, and rental car fees—without a hitch. This is a perfect example of how a great warranty works in practice. Final Thoughts: The Bottom Line Whether you're buying automotive parts online, at a store, or getting your vehicle serviced at a shop, remember: not all parts are created equal. A product’s true value isn’t just in its price or appearance, but in the warranty that backs it up. When choosing parts, always consider the quality of the warranty—it can be the difference between a smooth, hassle-free experience and a costly, frustrating one. At Payless 4 Wheel Drive & Auto Center, we are committed to using products with the best warranties available. We strive to ensure that every part we install is supported by a company who stands behind it. We want to make your experience as safe and stress-free as possible—because we know that a product is only as good as its warranty.