ValueCraft, Auto Zone, Five Star ServiCenter Work done by Five Star using Valuecraft products vendor Auto Zone, Rotors and pads went only 8,000 miles and were totally worn out . Auto Zone would not stand behine the 12,000 mile guarantee. They said it was too late (13 months). Don't hasve any work done on your brakes until you know where the parts come from. DON't let them use any VALUECRAFT products or products from Auto Zone . Manchester New Hampshire

AutoZone just like other corporations, do a lot misrepresentations when it comes to auto parts and Warranties, Limited Lifetime Warranty and Basically a Guaranteed P.O.S. auto part.

I am usually a faithful O'rielly Auto Parts customer, but when two local O'rielly's did not have a Limited Lifetime Warranty Alternator for my 1997 Ford Escort LX, I went to AutoZone to purchase a simuliar alternator, SO I THOUGHT.
When discussing the options in alternators with the parts clerk, I was informed about the ValueCraft and the DuraLast lines they carried.   Since there was basically less the $20.00 difference in pricing I chose the DuraLast since it had a Limited Lifetime Warranty.  I made my purchase and left the store and installed the alternator and everything was fine, so I thought.

I am a stormchaser and on the afternoon of June 19, 2010, while chasing storms here in the midwest, I lost everything electrical in my vehicle while traveling 70 mph down an interstate.   Upon finding that the main 100amp fuse link had blown for starters, I then found that the alternator windings were completely fried.

Since there was no AutoZones close to my stranded location I went to O'rielly and purchased an alternator.   Upon attempting to return the AutoZone alternator thinking it has a Limited Lifetime Warranty, I am presented with there's no warranty, because the receipt stated it was a ValueCraft and not DuraLast, however the actual alternator clearly states its DuraLast.

As of June 19, 2010, I'm, embarking on the third time of defending a major auto parts purchase from AutoZone.   It seems AutoZone represents one thing and sales another, so it's the good ol' bait and switch sale.

In my opinion if ValueCraft is as everyone claims a value line of auto parts, (I have used many value lined auto parts over the years), there's a few things that need to examined 1. if it's a value line part, why is AutoZone selling these parts so high, 2. if it only has a one year warranty, then its not much of a part to begin with, 3. it appears Autozone intends on baiting and switching its customers.

Well there's a fight in the works, misrepresentation in most states is considered and treated as FRAUD, the fact that AutoZone makes and implies Warranties, regardless if it is a year or limited lifetime, brings me back to the saying in the movie "Tommy Boy" all I was sold was a Guaranteed Piece of Sh*

   It is unfortunate that you had a upsetting experience with your mechanic using Valuecraft parts. A few questions due come to mind though.

   Did the mechanic advise you of options of brake pad quality? There are up to four other pads that are sold at Autozone, besides Valuecraft, and have a lifetime warranty. From basic metallics to ceramics, there is a brake pad for your driving habits and performance.

   Did your mechanic disclose that these Valucraft pads only have a 12 month warranty at the time of your brake estimate? Most shops that buy brake components will not use limited term warranty parts unless there aren't any options, or the customer is only looking for an economy repair. Lifetime warranty parts are always the typical warranty parts used by shops to ensure good customer service.

   Basicly, Valuecraft parts are available for those customers who have a limited budget that are looking for an economy part. Sometimes these people are just trying to get their vehicle operating and safe for the time being until either the vehicle is replaced, or their financial situation may improve when its time to replace these expendable parts.

   Autozone also has the Duralast part line, and the mechanics preferred choice, the Duralast Gold parts line, or the C-Max, that has improved durable parts and components which carry a lifetime warranty. There is no mileage limit warranties with parts, only time. And if you still own your car 30 years from now, your lifetime warranty is still available to you.

   If in the event you would have had your brakes originally repaired with either Duralast line, or the C-Max line, you should have not had to pay for any parts a second time. Your mechanic would have warranteed the parts with no hassle.

   I hope upon your next visit with your mechanic for brakes, or any other concern, they will review with you what your options are of parts quality and their warranty, so you may be able to make your own informed decision on your repairs. And if they don't offer the information, then ask. Or ask your local Autozone store.

AutoZone does not sell brake pads with a mileage warranty. Valuecraft brake pads have a 1 year warranty, which means yes 13 months would be AFTER your warranty expired, if you even had a warranty, seeing as how you were not the purchaser of the parts. Take this up with the shop you used, or start buying parts yourself. The average difference between the 1 year warranty brake pads and the lifetime ones are about 10 bucks. Do you REALLY feel like you saved money?