I. FINDING PARTS
Q: What kinds of parts do you sell?
A: We sell almost every type of auto part, from engines to tail lights. We sell suspension parts (like struts & shocks), electrical parts (like alternators, starters, switches & relays), ignition parts (like spark plugs, distributors & coils), chassis parts (like ball joints, tie rod ends, springs), fuel & emission parts (like carburetors, fuel pumps, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, EGR valves), little parts (like filters, wiper blades, & rear view mirror glass) and big parts (like radiators). We sell the types of parts you might find in your local NAPA or AutoZone--but we have more selection, more vehicle applications and lower prices. We also sell lots of things you won't find in a typical auto parts store.
Q: Where do your parts come from?
A: We sell original GM and Ford parts from AC/Delco and Motorcraft, aftermarket parts from "Tier 1" OEM suppliers like Monroe, Gates & Federal-Mogul, parts imported from Asia and Europe at incredible prices (like Brembo brake rotors, Flennor sensors, the full line of Quinton Hazell parts, Mann & Hummel filters, Behr Radiators, and ATE brakes), remanufactured parts from leading companies like A1 Cardone, and specialty parts from small companies you may not have heard of. Everything we sell comes with a full manufacturer warranty.
Q: I'm interested in ordering online, is your website secure?
A: Yes! We use 128-bit SSL encryption for the catalog and shopping cart, so your name and address as well as the credit card number you send us is protected. (Most browsers show a small padlock in the corner of the screen to confirm you are viewing a secure site.
Q: Can you send me a paper catalog?
A: No, we do not have a paper catalog. Please forward any request you have for parts on our request page.
Q: Why is there such a wide range of prices between brands?
A: Some customers insist on "nothing but the best." Others say, "I just want something that will work." We try to satisfy both by offering parts at different price/quality levels.
Premium brands like Wagner and Raybestos are often identical to the parts that came on the vehicle originally. Sometimes they are even "better than new" because they're designed to solve problems the car manufacturer overlooked. They are made from top-quality materials that will last a long time. And of course, Premium brands spend a lot on marketing.
Economy parts like GSP, Pro-max, and Tru-Tech are usually made outside North America. They may look different than the OEM part they replace (though they will fit the vehicle). They may lack features like grease fittings or chamfered edges. They may use lower-quality materials and wear out sooner. These parts are designed to meet, but probably not exceed, OEM requirements. They're functional parts at a great price.
If you're an aggressive driver, travel a lot of miles, use your truck to haul heavy loads, and plan to keep it a long time, it's probably worth the extra money for a Premium part. If you're just running errands around town and your car has so many miles that the engine is likely to die before the brake pads or ball joints wear out, Economy parts are probably fine.
Q: What does the "core" column mean?
A: A core is the old part you are replacing. When you buy a remanufactured part, manufacturers need the core so they can rebuild it and add it to their inventory. The core charge is like a deposit on a soda bottle--you pay it when you place the order, but it's refunded if you send back your old part.
Q: How many of each item come in a set of brake pads, struts, brake shoes etc.?
A: Unless the catalog has a note like "pair packaged", or "set of X", parts are usually priced individually. Brake Pads and Shoes are sold as sets. Quantity of one is enough for one axle.
Q: What is the warranty on my part?
A: Please visit our Warranty policy page for more information.
Q: What payment methods do you offer?
A: We accept Visa as well as Paypal.
Q: Why do you need my email address & phone number?
A: It’s because we want to make the sure that if any problem arises during your order processing, we can keep you informed.
IV. ORDER / SHIPPING
Q: How much is shipping?
A: We calculate shipping charges using Canada post rates. When you add a part to your shopping cart, change a quantity or change your address, the cart automatically recalculates shipping based on the weight and size of your order and your postal (zip) code. As you're building your order, you'll always know the full delivered cost -- before you've entered your credit card number or any other personal information.
To minimize shipping costs:
We try to make our shipping charges match what carriers charge us. We do not consider shipping a "profit center" -- on the contrary, we pass on to customers the discounts we receive from carriers. For some orders, the shipping cost does include more than just the postage you see on the box you receive.
Examples include:
- Additional fees charged by our suppliers for shipping special-order items directly to consumers
- Costs of inbound shipping from suppliers who will not ship internationally to us before forwarding them on to you (applies only to international or APO/FPO orders of certain low-volume parts)
- Impact of choosing higher-cost suppliers for some parts so everything on an order can ship together (when the cost difference between suppliers is lower than the cost of shipping a separate box)
If any of these situations exists with your order, it's reflected in the shipping cost you see before you submit the order. We never add extra charges after the order is submitted--what you agree to pay when you enter the order is what you will be charged.
Q: I just placed my order. Will it ship today?
A: Please allow 24 hours for your order to process. Orders placed by noon central time usually ship the same day but we cannot guarantee that an order will ship the same day it is placed. Orders do not ship on weekends. Customer is responsible for ensuring that, UPS, and/or any other carrier used can deliver to specified shipping address.
Q: How can I print an order confirmation?
A: You'll get a confirmation email when your order is placed that you can print. You'll also see a confirmation web page which you can print from your browser immediately after placing your order.
Q: Not all the parts came in the box!
A: Orders may ship from multiple warehouses, so parts may come in separate boxes.
Q: I recently returned an item, when will I receive a refund?
A: Refunds typically take up to 5 business days to be issued. Providing us with a return tracking number will ensure a faster refund time. Refunds will be issued in the same form as how you paid, (i.e. Credit card payments will receive credit to the same credit card used to place the order). You will receive email confirmation once the refund has been issued.
Within 30 days of receipt of your order, you may return auto parts that:
- Are in their original packaging
- Have not been used, installed, or disassembled
- Are not damaged due to improper installation
- Do not having missing parts, hardware or instructions
We will issue a full refund for any returned auto parts when your return meets the above requirements. The cost of shipping will not be credited.
Additional Costs
Platinum Auto Parts will not refund any labor costs incurred by you or the installer of the products purchased at this website. Furthermore, we are not responsible for towing expenses, or rental car expenses caused by the use of wrong or defective parts during installation.
Cancellation of Sale
Please note, all orders are electronically processed and forwarded to the Auto Parts warehouse immediately upon confirmation of the order. No orders can be cancelled after the payment has been confirmed, as the order will be immediately processed for shipment. Once a product has shipped, if you decide you want to cancel your order you will be charged the shipping. After you refuse the item(s) and we receive the product back your credit card will be credited the full amount minus the shipping. Some products may be subject to an additional 20% restocking fee.
Credit Card Refund
Once the return has been approved and processed, the refund will be credited to the credit card you used to buy the merchandise. You will receive a "credit approved" e-mail the day you are credited. Please be aware that your bank may take 4-7 business days to post the credit to your account or credit card.
Inventory advertised online is specific to online ordering and does not reflect in-store availability or price