Repair shops that responded to Counterman magazine’s annual P.A.R.T.S. (Professional Automotive Repair Technician Survey) say that on average they perform about three jobs per month requiring shocks and struts, and therefore, only about 8 percent keep these parts in stock. So, it makes sense that shops see availability as the top reason for choosing a particular source for shocks and struts.

Jobbers hold a commanding lead as the shop’s primary source (48 percent), according to P.A.R.T.S., followed by WD Direct (29 percent) as the second most popular choice. In addition, 79 percent of repair shops say they will only use a brand they trust.

These and other statistics can be found in P.A.R.T.S., produced annually by Counterman magazine. Ten years ago, Counterman began surveying repair shops annually to determine when, how and why they source specific automotive parts and products. The resulting data, published every fall, offers perspective on how sourcing and brand-loyalty trends have changed.