This is simply the BEST place to buy your auto parts!…read more
Not only do they have the hard-to-find parts that you will struggle to find at other stores. But, their prices are 5% to 10% less than other auto parts chain stores too!
And, the parts are name-brand quality items, not cheap discount trash! That's super-important, especially in this day and age, where cheap Chinese knock-off parts have replaced so many of the high-quality items.
Trust me, you don't save anything by using the cheapest parts! You end up doing the job over again and paying TWICE rather than spending a little more the first time! Cheap imported parts may not even fit, or work as they should. So, get the best parts that you can find!
YADIRA (young female) helped me today and she definitely went out of her way to find exactly what I needed. She spent 7 and 8 minutes in the back looking, rather than just saying we don't have it, which is what so many other people would have said.
Yadira earns a AAA+ rating for her proficiency and work ethic! Excellent customer-service skills, which is definitely rare in this day and age!
But, be sure to use this NAPA store, not the one in Stanton. Because the manager at that location is the exact OPPOSITE of helpful.
They carry specialty items here too, that chain stores simply do not stock because of low sales volume. I purchased anti-seize compound, which prevents threaded fasteners from becoming corroded and hard to disassemble. Most stores do not have that item.
All in all, if you repair your own vehicle, then this is your best source for whatever you need. If they don't have it, they will order it.
As a vehicle owner, the more you can do for yourself, the better off you will be. Auto repair shops use a time-based compensation system, so the technicians struggle to complete the job in the time they are paid for.
What that means is they often rush, and eliminate anything that can be skipped. It's not uncommon to find missing fasteners that were never replaced. The technicians have no time to do careful work and you, the vehicle owner, will suffer as a result of that.
Also, making your own repairs will save you MONEY, as well. Most likely hundreds of dollars, since shop labor time runs around $200 per hour or more.
Plus, your vehicle will be more reliable as well, because you are the one staying on top of the service needs.
If you're a beginner, there are two excellent sources for information to guide you through most repairs. First, you can buy the repair manual for your specific vehicle. It will show you everything with the possible exception of rebuilding the transmission, because that is a complicated job.
YouTube also has videos that show you the exact steps needed to do common repairs. I urge you to watch a video first, and see someone else doing it, before you begin.
Even if you just do oil changes yourself, you end up saving money and time! So, don't hesitate to tackle the common repairs that your vehicle requires.
Buy latex gloves, so your hands stay clean! And, definitely safety glasses too, to protect your eyes. Learn all the safety requirements as well, like no loose hair or clothing when you are working on a running engine.
If you're brand-new to using hand tools, there are books and videos that show you how to get started. So, don't assume you lack the skills to do most basic auto repairs.
The money you save on labor will pay for all the tools and repair equipment that you will need. You are really investing in what's needed to keep your car in good operating condition.
Most people do NOT do any of this. They simply drive their car until something is clearly wrong and then they pay outrageous prices to get it repaired. That's the most expensive way to go!
BTW, this store carries high-quality VACUUM HOSE too! Not the cheap Chinese stuff that you find in other stores! One of the best things you can do is to inspect all of your rubber hoses and belts, especially if your car is 5 years old or more!
Engine-compartment heat takes a toll on rubber belts and hoses and it's not uncommon to have vacuum leaks in rubber hoses that have cracked. If you have a check-engine warning light on, it's possible that the fault is from a vacuum leak in a worn-out rubber line.
Fluids have a lifespan as well. The coolant. The brake fluid. The transmission oil. All of these things should be changed after years of use.
The only downside of this store is that you must pay in advance for items that are not in stock. And, that's because people call and request special-order items and then fail to come and make the purchase, leaving the store holding an item that they do not normally stock.
But, other than that, I'd say you can't go wrong with this store and these counter workers!
Much better than average, is the score I'd give them. You should have little to NO PROBLEMS here, at this location. I certainly am satisfied with my purchase today!
