In prior times, NAPA built-up the reputation of being a trusted, national chain of auto supplies that could be relied upon to have "the good stuff" available and in stock. NOT always the least expensive, even at the wholesale level, but still parts they could stand behind confidently. Better customer service was also an orientation as our local NAPA received daily shipments out of the OKC warehouse. They ALSO carried many national brands, with the "dash" in the part number of the vendor's part number changed to reflect a "NAPA part number", by observation, if not the complete vendor number as the vendor had it. Walker Exhaust was one example of no changes, but Cardone was an example of the differently-placed dash.
In the later 1980s, a guy who owned a NAPA store east of Dallas became a member of our Mopar club. In "talking shop" one day, he mentioned that his NAPA supervisor noticed he was buying ACDelco parts from a Dallas jobber rather than a closer, smaller jobber. Our guy told the NAPA operative that he used the Dallas entity due to "have it the next day" as the one closer to him took "days" to go a shorter distance. Yet, the NAPA operative told him to buy from the closer place, no matter what. So he had to follow those directives and lost a bit of business because of it.
In reality, the vast majority of "small, local chain" and even individually-owned auto supplies are serviced from regional suppliers whose product mix is a mixture of "decent or better" brands and competitive pricing, as their main supplier. The brands the supplier sells is what the auto supplies sell, as a result. There MIGHT be some contractual issues of having to use this supplier for the bulk of their purchases. Even the local, embedded, long-time local auto supplies, I suspect. So, the customer goes in and buys parts with the expectation that they are "good parts" and asks no questions in that respect. IF there might be something better, it will cost more, so what's on-hand is usually sold -- customer's decision.
As to "failure rates", the local mechanics know what parts last and which ones don't, from their experiences. In some cases, the OEM parts from the dealer work better and longer than the aftermarket replacements. In other cases, long-time-trusted aftermarket brands can be the best. These local mechanics do NOT want comebacks, so they learn where to buy parts from. Who takes better care of them at prices they can make money at AND who handles parts warranties better.
The customer should ALSO be aware that what that person behind the parts counter (at the auto supply) "sees", as to failure rates, might be speaking accurately. JUST REMEMBER that they are only seeing what comes through the door in the possibly LIMITED time they have been at that particular location. By observation, the only "long-timer" at a chain auto supply store is the person doing wholesale sales "in the back", as the front counter people can change as the wind blows sometimes.
As to brake items, there are still a few of the "old line brands" (not "companies" per se) that are still around and trade on their prior successes. Raybestos and similar, for example. Going into their respective websites to see what they have and you'll find several different levels of quality and performance. Read their descriptions and get an idea of which level you desire to purchase. THEN go into Rock Auto and look for these same things to get an idea of pricing. THEN see if a local auto supply can supply the same parts locally. JUST BE SURE what your vehicle NEEDS, as to brake shoe widths on your car as they can vary with engine options, models, and body styles.
As to "brands", there are also some newer brands which have some good products. Usually in a more "high-performance" orientation. These will be listed at Rock Auto, too.
KEY thing is to know what's on your car, front and back, by looking yourself or getting a trusted mechanic to look and measure for you. Then, with that information, go into the various catalogs and see what's available, at how much cost, and "when available". In some cases, it can bee a daunting task, but worth it in the end.
Enjoy!
CBODY67
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