Parts for Chinese electric cars in Costa Rica: what you can get

Chinese electric cars are a growing sight on Costa Rican roads: BYD, Geely, JAC, Chery, Dongfeng, Wuling and other brands that were barely here a few years ago. They're cheap to run, but when it's time for a special tire, a 12V battery or a shock absorber, many owners find the dealer doesn't have the part or the wait is long. Here's which parts wear out, which ones we can bring in, and how to order them right.

Which parts wear out on a Chinese electric car?

Fewer than on a gasoline car, because there's no engine oil, spark plugs, clutch or exhaust. What wears is almost everything that touches the road and the cabin.

The parts most often replaced on an EV, whatever the brand:

• Tires. EVs are heavier and deliver torque instantly, so tires tend to wear faster.
• Shocks, bushings and ball joints. The extra weight and our potholes work them hard.
• Brake pads and rotors. They last longer thanks to regenerative braking, but rotors can rust when they're barely used.
• The 12V battery. It powers the computers and wakes up the system; when it fails, the car won't turn on even with a full main battery.
• Cabin filter, wiper blades and brake fluid. Routine maintenance, like on any car.
• Charging cables and adapters. They get damaged by use, knocks, or being left out in the sun and rain.

Which parts can we import, and which can't we?

Straight answer: most of these brands aren't sold in the US, so not all their parts exist there. What's easy to find are the parts that don't depend on the brand.

Type of part	Can we get it?	What to confirm
Tires	Yes, usually	Size, load index and speed rating from your current tire
12V battery	Yes, almost always	Dimensions, battery type and terminal position
Brake pads, rotors, shocks	Often	The exact model, trim and photos of the old part
Wiper blades, cabin filter, bulbs	Almost always	Size or the number on the old part
Charging adapters and cables	Yes	The connector type on your car and on the charger
Main battery, electric motor, modules, body panels	Case by case	Part number and clear photos

This table is a general guide. Every model is different, which is why we check each part before quoting it. If a model-specific part can't be sourced reliably, we tell you before charging you anything.

What do I need to send for a quote?

The most important detail is the 17-character VIN, which Chinese EVs carry on the windshield, on the door frame and in the car's papers. If you can't find it, here's where to find your car's VIN.

To quote you properly, send us:

1. The full VIN, or a photo of where it appears.
2. The make, model and exact trim, as shown on the title. One model can come in versions with a different battery, power or wheels.
3. A photo of the old part, especially any number or label printed on it.
4. For tires, a photo of the sidewall showing the size. For the 12V battery, a photo of it in place.

With that we find the part number and cross-check it against what's available in the US.

Why are parts hard to find for some Chinese models?

Because they're new to the country and nearly all of them are built for markets outside the US. Dealers keep limited stock, and some parts are ordered straight from China with long waits.

What we do is look for alternatives that fit:

• Universal parts that only depend on size, such as tires, 12V batteries, wiper blades and bulbs.
• Aftermarket parts that their maker lists as compatible with your model.
• Original parts when they're available through US suppliers.

If you're torn between an original part and an alternative, read our guide on new, used, OEM or aftermarket parts.

Is there anything I shouldn't replace myself?

Yes: anything high-voltage. The main battery, the orange cables, the electric motor and the onboard charger should only be handled by a technician trained on EVs.

• Tires, wiper blades and the cabin filter can be done by any shop.
• Brakes, suspension and the 12V battery are a job for a trusted mechanic, following the maker's procedure.
• Any part of the high-voltage system: specialist technicians only.

Before fitting any part, have your mechanic confirm it's the right one for your trim.

In short

A Chinese EV uses up fewer parts than a gasoline car, and many of the ones it does use can be imported: tires, the 12V battery, brakes, suspension, wiper blades, filters and charging adapters. Model-specific parts we check one by one. Send the VIN, the exact model and a photo of the part, and request your free quote: you get one price in colones with freight, duties and IVA included.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get parts for BYD, Geely and other Chinese brands?

For many parts, yes, especially tires, the 12V battery, brakes, suspension and accessories. Model-specific parts we check case by case, and we tell you before charging if we can't get them.

How long does a part for a Chinese EV take to arrive?

Usually 1 to 3 weeks, like other parts. If the part is hard to find, we'll say so in the quote.

Do you sell main batteries for electric cars?

We don't quote them as a rule: they're large, delicate and specific to each model. If you need one, ask us with the VIN and we'll tell you whether there's a safe option.

How do I pay for the part?

You pay a 50% deposit by card or SINPE Móvil when you accept the quote, and the rest when the part is delivered.