Regular readers may well remember this story, Overdrive's Matt Cole's survey of the parts-procurement landscape, including a bevy of owner reports of just how they were finding crankcase-ventilator sensors, DEF sensors, and all manner of other parts on backlog during the post-COVID shortages -- even tires in some cases.
The parts aftermarket has come a ways from that time, yet one trend ID'd in other parts of prior reporting -- owners' turn to online sourcing, even more so for research of course -- feels like it's only continued to accelerate, particularly for any parts need situations that are not exactly need-it-now.
[Related: Nontraditional truck parts-sourcing strategies on the rise]
Today, we're asking anyone here whose active ordering parts just why, if at all, and which online aftermarket vendors are in use for sources. There are many options, so as you work through the questions in this quite-brief survey, know that we've focused on all/multiple-makes vendors in the answer choices.
If you don't see your go-to listed, write in a recommendation for peers if you've had good experiences.
One thing that's almost entirely new in parts sourcing since Cole's prior reports -- AI-assisted search for maintenance/parts research -- also comes up in the questions. How have you used it to generate ideas about the right replacement part? (If at all, of course.)
Here's a big thanks for running through it. Come back over time to see the results.
