Question about Autozone

[dec322]

Is everyone satisfied with the parts from Autozone? I used to live and die by Autozone b/c of price but now I am sceptical. It seems as if the parts are not as high on the quality side of the spectrum. I end up replacing alot!! Any opinions?

 

[Hartman]

It all depends on what kind of part you buy. I've found that most parts from AutoZone are pretty good, while some are really crappy. They usually have different brands to choose from, so get the one that is a little more expensive, because chances are it'll be more quality.

 

[james t]

a little secret ive been using since our autozone opened here (i was in high school)- dont get electrical stuff their. i have never heard anything good about their starters/altenators/etc. my only experience with this was a starter for the 350 in my 72 chevy truck. after i put the 3rd one on, i gave up and got my money back. most everything else is ok/good/top notch. i use NAPA for anything electrical.

 

[dec322]

I've heard the same thing about the electrical stuff. I bought an alternator for my 89 Cutlass Calais and it quit a week after the warrenty ended. I am more concerned about brakes. I just replaced the front brakes (pads, calipers, rotors) 5 months ago and the pads have already run down. They are the most expensive pads at Autozone (30.99). Fortunately they are lifetime but I don't want to replace pads every 5-6 months.

I know that some may think it might be my driving but even if it was....isn't 5 months pretty quick??

 

[Mbrooks420]

Did you grease your caliper slide pins? Maybe they are binding and riding the brakes. Never buy rotors there either. 90% of the time they are warped when you get them. Happened twice to me

 

[danniexp]

up until about a year ago I never had a problem with them, always good parts, etc... my first bit of bad luck was a sticking brand new thermostat.... since then its gone downhill
last week the batt in my trans am died. took it in to be tested before I bought one just in case. They charged it up and put it on the machine. If your batt goes less than 11V then it's bad. well right after a full charge it hits 11.003. The guy goes: "nope, your batteries good man, take off your alternator and we'll test that" So I go home irritated, knowing the alternator was good (charges fine, good voltage while running, just wont start back up). go to advance auto next day when car died..... battery failed their test, put in new one and imagine that.... its been fine since then.
as for alternates to use... see if you have a local Parks Auto Parts... They have a buttload of parts in stock (had a hypertech and stat in stock for my T/A), and their prices usually about 5-10% LESS than autozone

 

[james t]

the brake parts are fine. they sell Performance Friction pads, and these are what i run. have had them on several different vehicles, and they wear great. used their rotors before, and all came out well.

 

[TarHeel085]

basically i get my stuff from CarQuest because they have their HUGE distribution center about 15 mins. from my house, and i also use NAPA. thats where i get everything for my Jeep from. i have gotten a carb rebuild kit, master cylinder rebuild kit, and all my engine components and they have all worked VERY well!