Car Spare Parts Delivery, Returns and Installation Checklist

Ordering car parts from an online store is convenient. At the same time, you can’t expect what will be on the other side. Wrong parts, damaged ones or worse – parts that will probably never reach you (scammers).

That’s where a car spare parts delivery, returns and installation checklist comes in handy. It comes in like a saviour and shields you from surprises. 

By knowing what to expect from delivery, the typical return policy, and installation prerequisites, the chances of you getting scammed are lowered. 

Here’s a checklist that you should adhere to before ordering parts:

TL;DR

• Spare parts delivery in India takes a week or two depending on your location, part ordered, and delivery partner.
• Typical car parts return policy in India include a 7-10-day return window on unused and uninstalled parts.
• Before installation, double check VIN/chassis number, compare with old parts, and cross-check OE number.
• Confirm part fitment through VIN matching. Contact the supplier directly to get detailed information.
• Counterfeit parts result in safety hazards. Look for high-quality packaging, holographic labelling, and background check the supplier. 
  

What to Expect From Spare Parts Delivery in India?

If you buy car spare parts online in India, expect delivery time to be anywhere between 5–6 days or a couple of weeks. The exact time frame varies depending on factors such as your location, part availability with the supplier and your supplier’s delivery partner. 

Let’s break each one of them down: 

Part Availability

If a supplier doesn’t have a part readily available, they’ll first have to procure it. This adds up to an additional 4–6 days in the delivery process. Bear in mind that OEM parts are harder to source than aftermarket parts.

Wondering what are aftermarket parts and whether they will be good for your car or not? Refer to this guide to aftermarket parts.

Location

Many suppliers offer same-day dispatch policies. So, if you buy car spare parts online in India from a supplier located in the same city, you can get the parts within a day. But if the distance is longer, delivery will obviously take longer. 

Delivery Partner

Suppliers often have tie-ups with third-party delivery partners like Blue Dart, DTDC, India Post etc. Each of them has their own delivery timeline such as 1–2 days for local delivery, 1–3 days for metro cities, and 4–5 days for remote locations. 

Type of Parts

Heavy metal parts like radiators or front brake calipers and sensitive electronic sensors such as engine control units require special packaging and secure transit. This can add an extra 1-2 days to the delivery time. 

What to Keep in Mind While Receiving a Spare Parts Delivery?

• Check that the seal is secure and hasn’t been tampered with.
• Tally the part number with the order and inspect for transit damage.
• Review whether all the documents such as warranty and invoices are present and are intact. 

Note: Keep the invoice and original packaging safe until fitment is confirmed. You’ll need it for returns and warranty claims.

What is the Typical Spare Parts Return Policy In India and How To Do It? 

The typical car parts return policy in India for online purchases requires a return filed within 7-10 days post-delivery. You require an invoice as a proof of purchase, original packaging, warranty cards, manual and all tags that came with it must be attached. Also, the parts should be unused and uninstalled. 

According to this report by The Times of India, a seller cannot simply refuse to return, refund or replace a defective, damaged or misrepresented part. What’s more is that a blanket ‘no refund’ policy is strictly not acceptable. 

Some parts may be excluded from standard change-of-mind returns, depending on the seller’s policy. These may include:

• Special-order parts
• Imported parts
• Opened electrical or electronic parts.
• Products that have been installed or used. 

However, exclusions should not be presented as an absolute bar to remedies for products that arrive defective, damaged, counterfeit, wrong or materially different from the product description.

How To Return Parts Bought Online In India?

To return the parts, take photographs of the damaged/wrong parts and send them to the supplier through their email address/phone number. Some suppliers require filing a complaint through the customer portal. 

After that, follow these steps:

• Wait for the seller’s approval or a Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) number (in some cases).
• Once approved, pack the item with RMA slip (if applicable) and ship it back to the supplier’s address. According to the car parts return policy in India, terms regarding reverse shipping amounts vary from seller-to-seller. 
• The seller will inspect the returned part. If satisfied, a refund process will start and the amount will be credited to the original mode of payment. The refund amount can take around 5–7 business days to be credited.
  

Installation Checklist: What to Verify Before and After Fitting?

A car spare parts installation checklist starts with thorough inspection of the part for any physical damage. Then, match the new part with the old one to check height, width, mounting points and connectors.

After that, double check the VIN/chassis number of your car and match it with the part. If you find any sign of damage or wrong fitment, file a return immediately before attempting installation.

Can I Install Car Parts By Myself?

The short answer would be yes, you can. But keep it limited to parts that are easy to install because car spare parts warranty in India may not cover damages done during installation. Easy-to-install parts include:

• Air/Cabin/Oil Filters
• Wiper blades
• Bulbs
• Mud flaps
• Interior trim
• Knobs 
  

Other than these parts, you need in-depth knowledge and expertise in car parts to attempt a DIY installation.

Even the smallest mistake in the installation process can lead to safety hazards later. So, always get professional help for parts such as:

• Brake pads
• Discs and calipers
• Suspension and steering components
• ABS and other electrical sensors
• AC compressors and other components that require refrigerant recovery, evacuation or recharging.

Check out AtoZ’s OEM AC compressor collection.

Post-Installation Checklist

Even after the parts are installed, the car spare parts delivery, returns and installation checklist isn’t over yet. Do these mandatory checks once your part(s) have been installed:

1. Test brakes, lights, AC and sensors: Before returning to normal use, do a slow-drive test to check the brakes. Also, check all the lights – headlights low/high beam, fog lamps, tail-lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse and number plate lighting. Keep an eye out for any warning lights. 

2. Check for leaks or unusual noise: After the test-drive, let the car rest for a while. Then, check the engine or the ground below it for any leaks. If any hear any clunking or unusual sounds, contact the workshop immediately.
 
3. Keep the old part and invoice: Until the first week of driving is complete, keep the invoice and the old part in a safe place. Once the checklist above is completed or you are satisfied with the fix, only then dispose of them.

Before You Order: Confirm Fitment So You Don't Need a Return

Returning parts bought after days of stressful searching can be a big hassle. So, confirm the fitment carefully before you press that buy button. Here’s how to check car part compatibility before ordering:

1. Check the VIN/chassis number: VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a 17-character code that refers to the unique number given to your car. No two cars in the world have the same VIN. Matching VIN with the part number is important because two cars of even the same model and year can have different make and parts.

You can find the VIN on the driver’s side (bottom-right) corner of the dashboard visible through the windshield, the driver's side doorjamb or on registration certificate/insurance documents. 
 
2. Cross-check the OE number: Don’t just rely on photographs. Check the OE number stamped on your old part. Then, match it with the number listed below the part you are going to order. If you can't find it, ask your supplier for these details. 

3. Confirm connector type and voltage: For electrical or sensor parts (ABS sensors, ECU-linked modules), visual similarity does not guarantee compatibility. Hence, check whether the connector type and voltage are compatible with your car or not. 

Should I Choose Universal Parts Or Fitment Specific Parts?

Any car spare parts delivery, returns, and installation checklist can’t save you if you order a part that doesn’t fit your car. 

Universal parts work for low-risk items such as wiper blades, bulbs and mud flaps. 

But for high-risk categories (ABS/electrical sensors, ECU-linked modules, suspension and steering components, AC compressors), fitment-specific parts are the right choice.

That’s because universal parts aren’t made specifically for your car and hence, may require some adjustments through drilling/cutting.  

Why Quality Parts and Careful Fitment Matters?

Remember that weird feeling you got the first time you fixed something, and didn't do it right? You got the work done, but you didn’t get the same feeling that you used to get. That’s exactly how your car feels when fitted with a counterfeit part. 

OEM vs aftermarket parts isn’t the right question to ask. Both can be high-quality and good for your car. 

Read this comparison guide to know whether OEM or aftermarket is better for your vehicle. 

Rather, you should focus on saving your car from counterfeit products.

Fitting a counterfeit part may make your car work for a few days or even weeks. But after that, problems start to show up. 

Ending up with a counterfeit product is more common than you would think.    

According to Autocar Professional, counterfeit parts make up roughly 30–40% of India's total spares market, and cause around INR 2,500 crore in annual losses.

How to Check Genuine Spare Parts

It’s hard to distinguish between genuine vs counterfeit car parts in India. But there are certain signs such as high-quality packaging, technologies like holographic labelling/QR codes, and clearly published part numbers. 

Another way would be to visually analyze the part. As opposed to a counterfeit part, a genuine part would have certification marks and a manufacturer logo. Also, the quality and the finish would be better. 

The supplier you choose becomes extremely important here. Run a complete background check by reading their reviews, refund/shipping policy and site authenticity. Buy from a seller who discloses sourcing and part numbers clearly. 

To avoid getting scammed by an unreliable seller, refer to this guide to choosing the best spare parts website before your order.

Conclusion

To secure yourself from the possible scams while ordering parts online, you need to be careful every step of the way. Hence, read this car spare parts delivery, returns, and installation checklist before ordering any part.

Most suppliers will deliver parts within a week or two. Always check the refund policy before you place an order with a supplier. And lastly, double-check the part number again before attempting installation.

AtoZ Auto Parts India believes in transparent processing. We list all the information about the parts and communicate our policies upfront. So, if you want to buy top-quality parts from a reliable seller that delivers just within 3-5 days, visit our website now and place your orders!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the return window? 

You can file a return usually within 7–10 days from delivery date. Items must be unused and in original packaging, as per AtoZ Auto Part's current car parts return policy in India.

2. Who pays for return shipping? 

Reverse pickup is arranged, but the shipping cost is deducted from the refund. In some cases, you will have to pay for the return as well.

3. Is installation covered under warranty? 

Car spare parts warranty in India does not cover physical damage during installation or use. And any replacement parts needed are chargeable.

4. How do I know if a part will fit my car?

To check car part compatibility before ordering, match the VIN/chassis number, engine/fuel variant and the OE part number.