If you’re in the market for car parts, it can be tough to know which way to turn. With so many products out there, how can you be sure that you’re only buying the best? 
The good news is that there are steps that you can take to make the shopping process a little easier. This is especially true if you’re willing to put in the time and research to make smart, well-informed purchase decisions. Before you whip out your credit card for a new carburetor, here are just three things to consider about your new car parts.

1. Price
This should be one of the first questions that you ask yourself. How much can you afford to spend on car parts? There’s no shame in being on a budget, but you’ll need to consider your bottom line during the entire shopping process. Avoid unnecessary add-ons; look for bargains and coupons; don’t waste time daydreaming about parts that will stretch your bank account too far.

2. Type
What do you need for your car? What are the parts called? Where can you find them? You might need to go to a specific retailer to find something like a Firestone air mount, but if you’re just looking for some brake pads, you can pick those up anywhere. Think about availability as you shop.

3. Brand
Brand shouldn’t be the only thing that you consider when shopping for car parts, but it can be a good starting point if you don’t know what else to do. Some brands are more reputable or affordable than others, and you can’t be sure which is which until you’ve done your homework. Look at their reviews. Read their testimonials. Create comparison charts to ensure that you’re definitely getting the best deal.

These are just a few things to keep in mind as you shop for car parts. As you can see, it’s a lot more complicated than just picking something up from the local auto body shop. You’ll need to be both thorough and thoughtful with your selection if you want to get the best deal for your vehicle.