# What do you get in an auto parts store? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 28, 2026, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643 "2026-08-28T22:53:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2026, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/41 "2026-08-29T18:33:13Z")
I bought tire chains for a winter trip up into the mountains a few years ago. That’s the only thing I’ve bought at an auto parts store in the last few decades. ---
**Author:** ![furryman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/furryman/32/99_2.png) [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/42 "2026-08-29T18:46:09Z")
Auto parts and auto related accessories. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2026, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/43 "2026-08-29T18:49:51Z")
Cabin air filter. Windshield wiper blades. Brian ---
**Author:** ![We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2026, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/44 "2026-08-29T19:03:42Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > If you go to a brick and mortar store and order the parts, they will match OEM specifications. I mean, maybe. Most auto parts stores have parts in a range of quality, from cheap Chinese manufacture to OEM quality or better ---
**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2026, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/45 "2026-08-29T19:08:56Z")
It’s tough, auto parts shops that provide for repairers would (hopefully) have better quality since they have to provide a warranty, and dislike “callbacks” severely. But it’s still a crapshoot. The regular shops have to eat it with defective parts, basically. The old rule especially, was “no returns on electrical parts”, and with good reasons. But beancounters don’t understand such things, and so potentially defective parts get put back in the system. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2026, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/46 "2026-08-29T19:25:32Z")
Yeah, the computerized part is more diagnostic than anything else, and mostly seems to center around the engine control and emissions systems. So if you don’t have issues on any of those systems, the DIY work isn’t much different than it’s ever been. Changing out a bad water pump, alternator, thermostat, or starter isn’t significantly different than it was on a 40 year old car. And even when it is part of the computer system, stuff like changing an O2 sensor is pretty simple. Same goes for a lot of basic maintenance items- spark plug changes, brake pad changes, oil changes are all pretty much the same as they were. Of course this doesn’t mean they’re necessarily _easy_, just that the computer control stuff doesn’t affect everything on the car. - ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2026, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/47 "2026-08-29T19:53:10Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > If you go to a brick and mortar store and order the parts, they will match OEM specifications. I had a mechanic, long since retired, who told me that OEM filters have a built-in ball check valve to prevent oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is shut off. He cut open an aftermarket oil filter (Fram, I think) and compared it to an OEM (either Honda or Toyota) filter to check, and sure enough, the OEM filter had a ball, the aftermarket did not. Ever since then, I’ve purchased OEM filters. I figure that as long as I hold onto my cars - a long, LONG time - spending a few extra bucks on a filter is cheap engine insurance. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/48 "2026-08-29T22:03:32Z")
> [@ricepad](#): > > I had a mechanic, long since retired, who told me that OEM filters have a built-in ball check valve to prevent oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is shut off. He cut open an aftermarket oil filter (Fram, I think) and compared it to an OEM (either Honda or Toyota) filter to check, and sure enough, the OEM filter had a ball, the aftermarket did not. Ever since then, I’ve purchased OEM filters. I figure that as long as I hold onto my cars - a long, LONG time - spending a few extra bucks on a filter is cheap engine insurance. For me I once bought some cheap car parts on ebay, and within a few years they broke and had to be replaced again. Ever since then I check to see that they are at OEM specification even when it costs more. Getting the part replaced twice is far more expensive than buying cheaper parts. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/49 "2026-08-30T01:13:13Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > That’s part of my point. Very few of these items mentioned above can’t be found online. They don’t need personal handling. They aren’t emergency equipment that can’t wait a day or two. Every try & search for something specific on, say, ebay & see all of the other, kinda-sorta, tangentially related but not at all what I’m looking for items that return in your search list? Why do I think that would be any better for a car part? I need a cabin air filter for a xx year Mazda model \_\_\_, not a different year of the same car from before or after a major redesign, not a for the same year Ford or Chevy. I think the search engine is better at one of the car part places that I’ll get the right part. Sometimes plans change & now I have time to replace \_\_\_ or someone realizes they need something else, either a related part or they broke B while fixing A. I know in my car the way to replace the headlights is to go up thru the wheel well liner. I know those plastic ‘screws’ are frequently one time use as they don’t survive coming out; therefore I won’t even start until I confirm I have more. I may go to the store to buy a bulb one night (especially in winter) but not get around to changing it until the weekend when I have daylight to do it & whoops, I don’t have enough of them to do the job.. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/50 "2026-08-30T02:04:55Z")
Until recently I mainly bought windshield wipers at the auto parts store, but we have two newish cars and basic wipers no longer work on them. Car makers are making proprietary wipers that are a pain in the ass to find and install so I generally have the shop do them. Our EV has almost no maintanence, so wiper fluid is essentially the only thing we need for it. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/51 "2026-08-30T03:09:04Z")
> [@bump](#): > > So if you don’t have issues on any of those systems, the DIY work isn’t much different than it’s ever been. Changing out a bad water pump, alternator, thermostat, or starter isn’t significantly different than it was on a 40 year old car. I dunno, most front wheel cars have the engines 90 degrees to the axis of the car. that makes changing out everything more difficult. I have a car that I spent 5 minutes changing the alternator. I have 2 others that took 8 hrs or more to to the same thing. One of those cars was replaced with a turbo-4 cyl front wheel drive car. I can’t even SEE the engine. The upside is that someone has likely made a video of anything that needs to be replaced for every car made. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/52 "2026-08-30T13:00:56Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I can’t even SEE the engine. I haven’t even FOUND the engine on our Chevy Equinox EV! ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/53 "2026-08-30T13:37:03Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > Around here, where growth is infinitesimal, the only new storefronts are for medical offices and huge auto parts stores. Don’t forget the cannabis dispensaries. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/54 "2026-08-30T14:19:46Z")
Transverse mounted engines have a lot more to do with front/all wheel drive than any sort of engine/emissions control computers. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/55 "2026-08-30T16:20:45Z")
One more thing: Blinker fluid. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/56 "2026-08-30T18:21:24Z")
Very true. They’re everywhere. And halal restaurants. And empty storefronts. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/57 "2026-08-30T19:06:40Z")
> [@leahcim](#): > > 1. Windshield wiper replacements Yep, a new set every two years. My local auto parts store will even install them for you. > [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > That’s part of my point. Very few of these items mentioned above can’t be found online. They don’t need personal handling. Windshield wipers qualify, I think. Yes, sometimes you can get them online and in some cars installing them is easy. But it is so much easier to let the pros do it. > [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > As noted above, for every dollar’s worth of product going out the front door with a car owner, there is probably five or ten times as much going out the back to be delivered to professional mechanics. Yep, that is where my local mechanic gets most of his stuff. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/58 "2026-08-30T20:03:04Z")
I don’t go there too often, usually when I need something _that afternoon_, and not a few days later via Amazon or Walmart. Or via Walmart pickup since I live less than a mile from a big Walmart, so pickup is pretty convenient. The auto parts store is across the street in fact. So most things, like cabin air filters, wiper fluid, windshield wipers, etc… are things that I usually either buy online or at Walmart. Most of the rest I have done; I make enough money and am old enough that paying someone else to do automotive work is money well spent. ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/59 "2026-08-30T20:54:23Z")
Last time I was in one was to buy a battery–for my backup sump pump. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643/60 "2026-08-31T01:42:45Z")
Ah but can you find the electric motor that replaces the engine? And more importantly, the power distribution control module that GM is replacing from select 2025 Equinox EV’s? Whoever needs that part can’t go to an auto parts store. It’s a Dealer replacement. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-get-in-an-auto-parts-store/1032643.md?page=4)