The Car Parts Supply Chain: Pre and Post-COVID – What It Means for Your Auto Repairs

The automotive repair industry has changed significantly over the past few years, and one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is the availability and quality of car parts. Before 2020, getting high-quality parts quickly was a given for most repair shops. Today, things look a little different.

At Harrell & Beverly Transmissions & Auto Repair, we want to be upfront with our customers about what’s happening in the car parts supply chain—how things have changed since COVID-19, what challenges we face now, and how we’re working hard to ensure you still receive the best quality repairs possible.

Pre-COVID: When Parts Were Mostly Reliable & Readily Available

What Was the Norm?

✅ Consistent Availability

Manufacturers and suppliers had well-stocked warehouses, meaning most parts were available same-day or within 24-48 hours.

✅ Higher Quality Control

Strict manufacturing and inspection processes ensured parts lasted longer and met industry standards.

✅ Fewer Defects & Failures

It was more uncommon for technicians to install a new part only to have it fail right away.

✅ Predictable Pricing

Costs were stable, and customers could expect fair, competitive pricing on most parts.

For years, repair shops and customers alike benefited from a steady and efficient supply chain. But then, COVID changed everything.

Post-COVID: Auto Parts Supply Chain Disruptions & Quality Concerns

Today, the supply chain is still struggling to recover from the disruptions that started in 2020. Here's how the landscape has shifted:

🚨 Limited Availability

Manufacturing slowdowns, raw material shortages, and labor disruptions have led to delays in getting parts. Some items that were once easy to get now take weeks or even months to arrive.

⚠️ Decline in Quality

Many parts that were once made in highly regulated factories are now sourced from different suppliers, often with lower quality standards. This has resulted in:

• More defective parts straight out of the box

• Shorter lifespan of replacement parts

• Inconsistent performance from batch to batch

💲 Rising Costs

Due to supply and demand imbalances, along with increased production costs, car parts are now more expensive than ever.

🛑 More Aftermarket & Low-Quality Parts on the Market

Some suppliers have tried to fill the gaps with lower-quality aftermarket parts, which can cause premature failures and additional repairs.

How Harrell & Beverly Ensures Quality Despite Industry Challenges

While we can’t control the global supply chain, we CAN control the quality of service we provide. At Harrell & Beverly, we’ve taken proactive steps to protect our customers from poor-quality parts and unnecessary repairs.

✔️ We Inspect Every Part Before Installation

We never assume a part is good just because it’s new. Our technicians thoroughly inspect and test parts before installing them to ensure they meet our standards.

✔️ We Source from Trusted Suppliers

Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with reputable suppliers and manufacturers. While some suppliers have cut corners, we go the extra mile to find the best options available.

✔️ We Stand Behind Our Work

Our goal is to ensure reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction—no exceptions.

✔️ We Keep Our Customers Informed

Transparency is key. If there’s a known issue with a certain part, we’ll let you know upfront and work with you to find the best solution.

What This Means for You

As a car owner, you might notice longer wait times for parts or price increases on certain repairs. We want you to know that this isn’t due to unnecessary markups—it’s a direct reflection of the current supply chain challenges affecting the entire industry.

At Harrell & Beverly, we continue to provide:

• Honest communication about parts availability and potential delays

• Thorough inspections to ensure you receive only the best quality parts

• Expert installation to minimize the risk of failures and unnecessary repeat repairs

• Unmatched customer service—because your trust and safety come first

A Commitment to Quality, No Matter the Challenge

The supply chain may have changed, and the quality of some parts may have declined, but our standards haven’t wavered. We remain committed to delivering the highest quality service and repairs—no matter the challenges the industry throws our way.

If you have questions about your repairs, the parts we use, or current industry trends, don’t hesitate to ask us. At Harrell & Beverly Transmissions & Auto Repair, we’ll always be upfront, honest, and dedicated to keeping your vehicle safe and reliable.