Authority Automotive is a parts distributor, not a manufacturer — they source and resell OEM and aftermarket components
Authority Automotive is a wholesale and retail distributor of automotive parts based in the United States. They stock both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts — the same components your car's maker installed at the factory — and aftermarket parts made by independent suppliers. The company operates as a middleman between parts manufacturers and repair shops, dealerships, and individual vehicle owners.
When you buy from Authority Automotive, you are buying inventory they have purchased from the actual makers. They do not engineer or manufacture parts themselves. This matters because it means the quality and warranty of what you receive depend on who made the part, not on Authority Automotive's own standards. An OEM part from them carries the same specifications as one from a dealership; an aftermarket part carries whatever the original manufacturer's warranty covers.
Key Takeaways
- Authority Automotive is a distributor that stocks both OEM parts (factory original) and aftermarket parts (made by independent suppliers), but does not manufacture either.
- OEM parts from Authority Automotive are identical to dealership parts and carry the same fit and warranty, but may cost less because they bypass the dealership markup.
- Aftermarket parts from Authority Automotive vary in quality depending on the supplier; a reputable brand name on the part itself matters more than the distributor's name.
- Buying from a distributor instead of a dealership or big-box retailer can save money, but you need to know what part number you need before you shop.
- Authority Automotive serves both professional shops and walk-in customers, so availability and pricing may differ depending on whether you have a business account.
How Authority Automotive sources and stocks parts
Authority Automotive purchases inventory from OEM suppliers (the companies contracted by your vehicle's manufacturer) and from independent aftermarket brands. They maintain warehouses and retail locations where shops and customers can order or pick up parts. Because they buy in bulk, they can often undercut dealership pricing on the same OEM part — the dealership adds a markup on top of the distributor's cost.
The distributor model works because repair shops need fast access to a wide range of parts without buying directly from dozens of manufacturers. A shop can call one distributor and get brake pads, filters, belts, and suspension components from multiple makers in a single order. For individual owners, Authority Automotive offers the same parts at prices closer to wholesale than retail, though you may need to know your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size to find the right part number.
OEM parts through Authority Automotive versus the dealership
An OEM part is an OEM part regardless of where you buy it. If Authority Automotive stocks a genuine Honda transmission seal, it is the exact same component as one from a Honda dealership — same manufacturer, same part number, same fit and function. The difference is price. Dealerships add a significant markup because they also provide installation labor, warranty service, and the convenience of one-stop shopping. A distributor sells the part alone, which is why the cost is lower.
The trade-off is that you are responsible for installation. If you take an OEM part from Authority Automotive to an independent shop or install it yourself, you still get the OEM quality and fit. If something goes wrong with the part itself (not the installation), the manufacturer's warranty applies — not Authority Automotive's. Always confirm the part number matches your vehicle before purchase; a distributor will not cross-check your vehicle against the part the way a dealership's system does.
Aftermarket parts and brand reputation
Aftermarket parts sold by Authority Automotive come from independent manufacturers like Bosch, Dorman, Motorcraft (Ford's parts brand), ACDelco (General Motors' parts brand), and dozens of others. The quality varies significantly by brand and by part type. A Bosch alternator is generally reliable; a no-name alternator from an unknown supplier may fail within months. The brand name on the part itself — not Authority Automotive's name — is what determines quality and warranty coverage.
Before buying an aftermarket part, research the manufacturer's reputation for that specific component. Read reviews from shops and owners who have used it. Check the warranty period; reputable brands offer one to three years on most parts. Authority Automotive's role is inventory and logistics, not quality control. They are a reliable source for getting the part quickly, but the part's performance depends on who made it.
Pricing and account types
Authority Automotive offers different pricing for business accounts (repair shops, fleet operators) and retail customers. A shop with a business account may receive volume discounts and net-30 or net-60 payment terms. A walk-in customer pays retail pricing and typically pays at the time of purchase. Prices vary by location and current inventory, so calling ahead or checking their website for a specific part number is necessary before you make a trip.
Comparing Authority Automotive to other sources — dealerships, big-box retailers like AutoZone or O'Reilly, online retailers — requires knowing the exact part number. Once you have that, you can call multiple sources and compare. Authority Automotive often beats dealership pricing on OEM parts and can be competitive with big-box retailers on popular aftermarket items, but they may not stock every part every location carries.
When to buy from a distributor versus other sources
Buy from Authority Automotive if you know exactly what part you need (have the part number), want OEM quality at a lower price than the dealership, or are a shop looking for bulk pricing and account terms. The distributor model works best when you have done your homework and are ready to purchase, not when you need help diagnosing what is wrong.
If you are unsure what part you need, a dealership or independent shop is a better first stop — they can diagnose the problem and confirm the part number before you buy. If you want installation included, a shop or dealership is necessary. If you want to compare prices across many brands and see customer reviews in one place, online retailers like RockAuto or Amazon may be more convenient, though they do not offer same-day pickup.
Warranty and return policies
Authority Automotive's return and warranty policies vary by location and by the manufacturer of the part. OEM parts typically carry the manufacturer's warranty (often one to three years, depending on the component). Aftermarket parts carry whatever the maker's warranty states. Authority Automotive may have a return window (commonly 30 days) for unopened or defective parts, but you need to check with your local location or their website for specifics.
Keep your receipt and the original packaging. If a part fails, you will need proof of purchase to file a warranty claim with the manufacturer. Authority Automotive can help you process a return or warranty claim, but the actual coverage comes from the part maker, not the distributor. Always ask about the warranty before you buy, especially on high-cost items like alternators, starters, or transmissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an OEM part from Authority Automotive the same as one from the dealership?
Yes, if it is the same part number. Both come from the same manufacturer. The only difference is the dealership adds a markup and may include installation service. The part itself, its fit, and its warranty are identical.
Do I need a business account to shop at Authority Automotive?
No. Most Authority Automotive locations serve walk-in retail customers as well as shops. Pricing and payment terms differ for business accounts, but you can purchase as an individual. Call ahead to confirm your local store's hours and whether they have the part in stock.
What happens if an aftermarket part fails after I buy it?
The manufacturer's warranty covers it, not Authority Automotive. You will need your receipt and proof of purchase to file a claim. Contact the part maker's customer service or return the part to Authority Automotive with documentation, and they can help process the warranty claim.
How do I know what part number to ask for?
Check your vehicle's owner's manual, look it up on the manufacturer's website using your VIN, or call a dealership parts department with your year, make, model, and engine size. Once you have the part number, you can call Authority Automotive or any other distributor to check price and availability.
Can I return a part if I change my mind?
Most distributors allow returns within 30 days if the part is unopened and in original condition. Opened or installed parts are usually non-returnable. Check the specific policy at your local Authority Automotive location before you purchase.