::Barloworld ::Vehicle parts
Vehicle parts have dramatically pushed up the cost of vehicle maintenance because of several reasons:
- Vehicle parts have become a lot more complicated. Today, and engine mounting is not just a few metal parts vulcanised together with a mould of rubber. In a never-ending quest for Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) refinement, cleverer ideas had to be found to filter the engine unpleasantries and keep them out of the cabin. Modern engine mountings are fluid-filled devices constructed of exotic materials. Their vibrational frequencies are often selected to absorb the vibrations of a specific type of engine. Therefore, you cannot fit just any old mounting when they give up the ghost, or the car will shed some of its refinement. In fact, some engine mountings are reportedly electronically controlled to cancel engine vibrations very much as destructive interference does. Complicated vehicle parts are expensive vehicle parts.
- Vehicle parts have become more numerous. Thirty years ago, a car was little more than a chicken pen held together by a few spot welds and not a little luck. A heater, a ventilation fan and hazard indicators were optional equipment. There was very little that could go wrong and when something did, a farmer with a pair of pliers and a piece of wire could fix it in half an hour. Today’s vehicles have many more parts, because they have a lot more equipment. Luxury equipment, safety equipment and parts that improves refinement. These are specialised and intricately designed – and expensive.
- One used to be able to fix a part that broke. Today’s mechanics are not trained to be fixers anymore; they are trained to be fitters. They yank out the broken part and replace it with a new one. Many parts come in kits, so you cannot necessarily replace the little bitty one that broke; you have to replace the whole assembly. Some people make a handsome living off fixing parts and their services have become very popular.
Vehicle maintenance and vehicle parts will not become cheaper ever again. Take out a maintenance plan and sell the car before it has run out!
Once you realise affordable car repairs is no longer an option due to the cost of vehicle parts it's time to let go. However, first do your homework and find car parts that are affordable and in good condition. For car parts from a dealer near you fill out the form below with all your requirements and we'll come back to you!
