What car parts are in shortage?
The global automotive industry has been grappling with a shortage of critical car parts, causing disruptions in production and supply chains. This shortage has been driven by a confluence of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and the ongoing semiconductor chip crisis. As a result, car manufacturers and consumers alike are facing challenges in obtaining the necessary components to keep vehicles running smoothly.
Key Car Parts in Short Supply
The shortage of car parts has affected a wide range of components, from semiconductors to tires and even basic parts like windshield wipers. Some of the most critical car parts currently in short supply include:
- Semiconductor chips: These essential components are used in a variety of vehicle systems, from infotainment to engine control units. The global chip shortage has had a significant impact on the automotive industry.
- Tires: The pandemic-induced surge in demand for consumer goods, coupled with supply chain disruptions, has led to a shortage of tires for both new and replacement vehicles.
- Catalytic converters: These emissions control devices have become a target for theft due to the precious metals they contain, leading to a shortage of replacement parts.
- Windshield wipers: The pandemic-related disruptions in the supply chain have affected the availability of this basic, yet essential, car part.
- Brake pads and rotors: As vehicles continue to age, the demand for replacement brake components has increased, outpacing the supply.
These shortages have forced car manufacturers to slow or halt production, leading to reduced inventory and longer wait times for consumers seeking new vehicles or replacement parts.
Factors Contributing to the Car Parts Shortage
The current car parts shortage is the result of a complex interplay of factors, including:
- COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, leading to production shutdowns, transportation delays, and a surge in demand for certain goods, including automobiles and their components.
- Semiconductor chip crisis: The global shortage of semiconductor chips, a critical component in modern vehicles, has been a major contributor to the overall car parts shortage.
- Geopolitical tensions: Ongoing trade disputes and political tensions have also impacted the availability of certain car parts, as countries and regions impose trade barriers or restrict the flow of goods.
- Increased demand: The pandemic-driven surge in demand for new vehicles, as well as the need for replacement parts, has outpaced the ability of manufacturers to keep up with production.
- Supply chain disruptions: Logistical challenges, such as port congestion, shipping delays, and raw material shortages, have further exacerbated the car parts shortage.
These factors have combined to create a perfect storm, leaving car manufacturers and consumers alike struggling to obtain the necessary parts to keep vehicles on the road.
Strategies to Mitigate the Car Parts Shortage
Automakers and policymakers are exploring various strategies to address the car parts shortage, including:
- Diversifying supply chains: Manufacturers are working to identify alternative suppliers and sources for critical car parts, reducing their reliance on a single region or supplier.
- Investing in domestic production: Some countries and regions are incentivizing the development of local manufacturing capabilities for car parts, reducing their dependence on imports.
- Improving inventory management: Car manufacturers are implementing more sophisticated inventory tracking and forecasting systems to better anticipate and respond to changes in demand.
- Collaborating with suppliers: Automakers are working more closely with their suppliers to share information, coordinate production, and address bottlenecks in the supply chain.
- Exploring alternative materials: Some manufacturers are investigating the use of alternative materials or technologies to replace scarce car parts, such as using recycled or synthetic components.
While these strategies may help mitigate the car parts shortage in the long term, the automotive industry is likely to continue facing challenges in the near future as it navigates this complex and evolving situation.
How long does a car manufacturer have to supply spare parts?
There is no provision in the Safety Act or in any of our safety standards or other regulations that requires a manufacturer to make replacement parts available for any particular period of time, or, for that matter, at all.
What can I do if car parts are on backorder?
So until the supply chain works itself out, Brian Moody with Kelley Blue Book has some advice. He said if your parts are backordered, consider partial repairs. Fix the safety issues first, and then circle back later for the cosmetic parts.
What is available on backorder?
An item on backorder is an out of stock product that is expected to be delivered by a certain date once it is back in stock. Businesses will often still sell products on backorder with the guarantee to ship them to the buyer once their inventory has been replenished.
Who is the largest auto parts supplier?
Bosch
Bosch continues to be the world's largest automotive supplier, and Denso remains the world's second largest. Next in line are ZF, Hyundai Mobis, and Magna. On the other hand, CATL moved up to sixth place in FY2022 due to increased battery demand.
How long is backorder for car parts?
The wait time for back-ordered car parts can vary significantly. Generally, the typical duration for backorders in the auto parts industry can range from 8 to 12 weeks. However, this can be longer depending on the demand for the specific part, the supplier's location, and the current state of the global supply chain.
Why is it taking so long to get car parts?
As people have returned to work and resumed their normal activities, the demand for vehicles has increased, leading to a surge in sales. This increased demand has put pressure on the supply of auto parts, making it more difficult to obtain the necessary components for repairs and maintenance.
Why are so many car parts out of stock?
Pandemic-related supply chain shortages have become so normal that we've gotten used to them. The good news is the shortages are getting better, but not when it comes to car parts. Throwing an added wrench into the situation, factory shutdowns and labor shortages.
What car parts are in short supply?
“Seat belts, airbag control modules are almost impossible to get,” Auto Body Dimensions manager Abdi Barre said. And while waiting for the parts, Barre can't legally let a customer take their car home while they wait if it's a safety issue. “So, we cannot release that car,” he said.
How to find hard to find car parts?
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you locate those elusive parts and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
- Online Marketplaces.
- Dedicated Car Forums.
- Specialty Websites.
- Salvage Yards and Junkyards Online.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Websites.
- Social Media and Classifieds.
Why is it so difficult to get car parts?
McCarthy said Carr's experience isn't typical, but shipping backups, worker shortages, and raw material shortages continue to challenge the auto parts supply chain. “Before we said it was Whack-a-Mole,” said McCarthy, referring to the pandemic. “All these things popping up, you never know.
