What car parts are in shortage?
In recent years, the automotive industry has faced significant challenges due to global supply chain disruptions. These disruptions have led to shortages of critical car parts, impacting both car manufacturers and repair shops. At Kevin's Autos, we’ve seen firsthand how these shortages affect vehicle maintenance and repair. In this article, we’ll explore the car parts currently in short supply and what this means for car owners.
Why Are Car Parts in Short Supply?
The shortage of car parts can be attributed to several factors, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and increased demand for certain components. Here are some of the primary reasons:
- Global Semiconductor Shortage: Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems, which require semiconductors. The global chip shortage has severely impacted the production of new cars and the availability of replacement parts.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in shipping, port congestion, and labor shortages have slowed the delivery of essential components.
- Increased Demand for Repairs: With fewer new cars available, more people are opting to repair and maintain their existing vehicles, increasing the demand for parts.
Which Car Parts Are Most Affected?
While the shortages vary depending on the region and manufacturer, certain car parts have been consistently harder to find. These include:
- Microchips: As mentioned earlier, semiconductors are in short supply, affecting everything from engine control units to infotainment systems.
- Batteries: Both traditional car batteries and those used in electric vehicles (EVs) have been impacted by supply chain issues.
- Tires: Raw material shortages and increased demand have led to delays in tire production.
- Brake Pads: Some manufacturers have reported difficulties sourcing the materials needed for brake pads.
- Transmission Components: Complex parts like transmissions and their components are taking longer to produce and ship.
What Does This Mean for Car Owners?
For car owners, these shortages can lead to longer wait times for repairs and potentially higher costs for parts. Here are some tips to navigate these challenges:
- Plan Ahead: If you know your vehicle will need maintenance or repairs, schedule them early to avoid delays.
- Consider Aftermarket Parts: In some cases, aftermarket parts can be a viable alternative to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance can help prevent major issues that require hard-to-find parts.
How Kevin's Autos Can Help
At Kevin's Autos, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with part shortages. Our team works tirelessly to source the parts you need and provide high-quality repairs. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a complex repair, we’re here to help you keep your car running smoothly.
If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can navigate these challenges and ensure your vehicle stays in top condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
