What Is TRQ and Where Do They Come From?
TRQ, which stands for Trust, Reliability, and Quality, is a brand of aftermarket automotive replacement parts that has gained significant attention among do-it-yourself mechanics and budget-conscious vehicle owners. The brand is exclusively sold through 1A Auto, a well-known online auto parts retailer that has been in business since the early 2000s. TRQ is essentially 1A Auto's house brand, similar to how Costco has Kirkland Signature or Amazon has AmazonBasics.
Understanding this relationship between TRQ and 1A Auto is important for evaluating the brand. 1A Auto has built a strong reputation in the aftermarket auto parts space, particularly through their extensive library of how-to repair videos on YouTube, which have helped millions of people perform their own vehicle repairs. The creation of the TRQ brand represents their effort to offer quality parts directly to consumers at competitive prices, cutting out multiple layers of middlemen that typically exist in the auto parts supply chain.
TRQ parts are manufactured by various factories around the world, primarily in China and other Asian countries, which is standard practice for the aftermarket auto parts industry. What differentiates TRQ from generic no-name parts is the quality control process overseen by 1A Auto's team of automotive experts, who test and evaluate parts before they are sold under the TRQ name.
Product Range and Coverage
TRQ offers a comprehensive range of automotive replacement parts covering many of the most commonly needed repair items. Their catalog includes suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links), brake components (brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake hardware), steering components, wheel hubs and bearings, exterior parts (mirrors, door handles, headlights, tail lights), window regulators and motors, radiators and cooling system components, and various engine and drivetrain parts.
The brand focuses on parts that are most commonly replaced during routine maintenance and repair, rather than trying to cover every possible component for every vehicle. This focused approach allows them to concentrate their quality control efforts on the parts that matter most to their customer base.
Vehicle coverage spans a wide range of popular makes and models, with particularly strong coverage for domestic brands (Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep) and popular import brands (Toyota, Honda, Nissan). Coverage for European vehicles exists but is more limited compared to domestic and Japanese models.
Quality Assessment: How Good Are TRQ Parts?
The quality of TRQ parts is perhaps the most important question for potential buyers, and the answer is nuanced. Based on extensive customer reviews, mechanic feedback, and independent assessments, TRQ parts generally fall in the mid-range of aftermarket quality, above cheap no-name parts but below premium aftermarket brands like Moog, AC Delco, or Raybestos.
Brake components are one of TRQ's stronger categories. Their ceramic brake pads are frequently praised for providing good stopping performance, minimal dust, and reasonable longevity. Many users report that TRQ brake pads perform comparably to OEM pads at a fraction of the price. Their brake rotors are also generally well-regarded, though some users have reported premature warping in high-stress applications like heavy towing or aggressive driving.
Suspension components receive mixed reviews. Control arms, ball joints, and tie rod ends are among their most popular products, and many users report satisfactory performance over tens of thousands of miles. However, some customers have reported premature failure, particularly with strut assemblies and lower ball joints on heavier vehicles. The consensus among experienced mechanics is that TRQ suspension parts are adequate for daily driving but may not be the best choice for vehicles used in demanding conditions.
Exterior and electrical parts like mirrors, door handles, window regulators, and headlights generally receive positive reviews. These parts are often difficult to distinguish from OEM components in terms of fit and function, and the significant cost savings make them attractive alternatives to dealer parts.
Pricing and Value
TRQ's pricing is one of its most compelling features. Parts are typically priced 30 to 60 percent below OEM list prices and are often competitive with or cheaper than comparable aftermarket brands. For example, a set of front strut assemblies that might cost 400 to 600 dollars from the dealer can often be purchased from TRQ for 150 to 250 dollars, representing substantial savings.
1A Auto frequently offers bundle deals and kits that include multiple related parts, such as complete front end rebuild kits with control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar links. These bundles offer additional savings compared to purchasing components individually and ensure that all related wear items are replaced at the same time, which is a best practice in automotive repair.
The value proposition becomes even stronger when you consider that many TRQ parts come with a lifetime replacement warranty (more on this below), which effectively eliminates the financial risk of trying the brand. If a part fails prematurely, you can get a free replacement, making the initial low price point essentially risk-free.
Warranty and Customer Support
TRQ parts purchased through 1A Auto come with a limited lifetime replacement warranty, which is one of the most generous warranty policies in the aftermarket auto parts industry. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the part, meaning that if a part fails due to a manufacturing defect, 1A Auto will send you a replacement at no cost.
The warranty process is generally straightforward. Customers contact 1A Auto's customer service team, provide proof of purchase and details about the failure, and receive a replacement part shipped to them. Multiple customer reports indicate that 1A Auto's warranty claims process is relatively painless and that the company stands behind their products.
1A Auto's customer service is another strength of buying TRQ parts. The company has a team of automotive experts available by phone, email, and chat to answer questions about parts compatibility, installation, and troubleshooting. Combined with their extensive YouTube video library, which includes detailed installation guides for many of the parts they sell, TRQ offers a level of customer support that few aftermarket parts brands can match.
Customer Reviews and Real-World Performance
Customer reviews for TRQ parts across various platforms paint a generally positive picture, with most products receiving 4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars. The most common praise points include good fit and finish, easy installation, significant cost savings over OEM parts, and responsive customer service when issues arise.
The most common complaints include occasional quality inconsistency (where one part from a kit might be perfect while another has minor issues), packaging quality that sometimes results in cosmetic damage during shipping, and the previously mentioned premature failure of some suspension components under heavy-duty use.
Professional mechanics who have installed TRQ parts have mixed opinions. Some appreciate the value and use TRQ parts regularly for budget-conscious customers, while others prefer to stick with established premium brands to minimize callback risk. The general professional consensus is that TRQ parts are acceptable for most applications but that critical components on luxury or heavy-duty vehicles should use premium brands.
How TRQ Compares to Other Aftermarket Brands
In the aftermarket auto parts hierarchy, TRQ occupies a respectable middle position. Premium brands like Moog (suspension), Raybestos (brakes), and AC Delco (GM-specific) generally offer superior quality and longevity but at significantly higher prices. Budget brands like Dorman and generic house brands from chain auto parts stores may offer similar or lower prices but often with less consistent quality and weaker warranty coverage.
TRQ's strongest competitive advantage is the combination of reasonable quality, competitive pricing, excellent warranty, and outstanding customer support through 1A Auto. This combination makes TRQ a compelling choice for the DIY mechanic who wants parts that are better than the cheapest available options without paying premium brand prices.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy TRQ Parts?
TRQ is a good brand for the right applications and the right buyer. If you are a budget-conscious vehicle owner who performs your own repairs, drives a common domestic or Japanese vehicle, and uses your vehicle primarily for daily driving and commuting, TRQ parts represent excellent value. The combination of reasonable quality, competitive pricing, lifetime warranty, and outstanding customer support makes TRQ a smart choice for routine maintenance and repair.
However, if you drive a luxury or performance vehicle, use your vehicle for towing or other heavy-duty applications, or simply want the best possible parts regardless of price, investing in premium aftermarket or OEM parts may be the wiser long-term decision. As with most things in automotive maintenance, you get what you pay for, and TRQ delivers solid quality at a fair price point.
