1A Auto does not manufacture parts under one single factory of its own. It is a privately held, family run online retailer founded in 1999 that sources aftermarket and OEM branded parts through outside suppliers and its own private label lines.
The company is best known for its extensive library of free how to repair videos, which it produces alongside selling the parts featured in those tutorials.
1A Auto sells parts under brands including General Motors, Ford and Toyota OEM lines, as well as its own private labels such as Trail Ridge and TRQ.
Knowing how 1A Auto sources its parts and builds its video content helps shoppers understand what sets the company apart from typical online parts retailers.
This guide covers 1A Auto’s ownership, history, product sourcing, video content strategy and how it compares to other DIY focused parts retailers.
So lets get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns 1A Auto

1A Auto is a privately held company, founded in 1999 and described by its own leadership as a family business started by two brothers.
Because 1A Auto is privately owned, detailed ownership percentages and corporate structure are not as widely published as they would be for a publicly traded competitor.
The company’s chief executive continues to be actively involved in customer facing content, including the video library that has become central to the 1A Auto brand.
This hands on, family rooted ownership structure has remained consistent since 1A Auto’s founding more than two decades ago.
1A Auto Company History
1A Auto was founded in 1999, building its business initially around selling aftermarket and OEM replacement parts to DIY customers.
Over time, the company expanded into producing its own instructional repair videos, a move that helped differentiate it from competitors selling similar parts.
This combination of parts sales and educational content became a core part of 1A Auto’s identity, particularly among customers who prefer to complete repairs themselves.
The company has continued operating under the same family leadership structure throughout this growth, unlike many competitors that have been acquired by larger corporations.
What Products Does 1A Auto Sell
1A Auto sells a wide range of replacement parts, including brakes, suspension components, engine parts, electrical components and body parts.
The company offers both OEM branded parts, including General Motors, Ford and Toyota lines, and its own private label brands such as Trail Ridge and TRQ.
This mix of OEM and private label options lets shoppers choose between factory branded parts and lower cost alternatives for the same repair.
Similar private label strategies are used by other DIY focused retailers, including the one covered in our Who Makes TRQ Auto Parts guide.
Where Are 1A Auto Parts Made

1A Auto sources its private label parts, including its TRQ and Trail Ridge lines, from contracted manufacturers rather than producing them in its own factories.
Country of origin varies by brand and part category, since 1A Auto works with multiple manufacturing partners across its private label and OEM branded offerings.
This outsourced manufacturing approach is standard across the DIY parts retail industry and mirrors the sourcing used by competitors covered in our Where Are SKP Auto Parts Made guide.
1A Auto’s role centers on selecting, testing and selling these parts alongside its instructional video content rather than manufacturing anything itself.
1A Auto’s How To Video Library Explained
1A Auto has produced thousands of free how to repair videos, walking DIY customers step by step through common repairs on a wide range of vehicle makes and models.
This video library is closely tied to the company’s parts catalog, since many videos feature the specific 1A Auto parts a customer would need for that particular repair.
The video content has become one of 1A Auto’s most recognized features, helping build trust with customers who want guidance alongside the parts they purchase.
This educational approach differentiates 1A Auto from competitors that focus purely on parts sales without the accompanying instructional content.
Is 1A Auto Really Good or Worth It
1A Auto has built a loyal following among DIY car owners, largely due to the combination of competitively priced parts and free instructional video content.
Because the company offers both OEM branded and private label parts, customers can choose their preferred balance of price and brand recognition for a given repair.
Quality across 1A Auto’s private label parts can vary somewhat by category, which is common among companies that outsource manufacturing to multiple partners.
For DIY customers who value step by step guidance alongside their parts purchase, 1A Auto is generally considered one of the strongest options in the online parts market.
1A Auto Compared to Other DIY Parts Retailers
1A Auto competes with other online parts retailers such as RockAuto and Parts Geek, though its extensive video library sets it apart from purely catalog based competitors.
Unlike marketplace style retailers, 1A Auto sells a meaningful share of its own private label parts alongside OEM branded options.
This blend of owned private label parts and outside OEM brands has become a common strategy across the DIY parts retail space over the past decade.
1A Auto’s focus on education alongside sales has helped it build a distinct brand identity within the crowded online parts retail space.
1A Auto Reviews and Reputation
Customer feedback for 1A Auto often highlights the value of its free video content alongside competitively priced parts, a combination that sets it apart from pure parts sellers.
Business profile and review information is available through directories such as the Bloomberg company profile for 1A Auto Inc.
Because 1A Auto sells both private label and OEM branded parts, review sentiment can vary depending on which specific product line a customer purchased.
Overall, 1A Auto’s reputation is closely tied to its educational content, which many customers cite as a deciding factor when choosing where to buy DIY repair parts.
How 1A Auto Supports First Time DIY Repairers
Beyond selling parts, 1A Auto positions itself as a resource for customers attempting a repair for the first time, pairing product listings directly with matching video tutorials.
This approach lowers the barrier for less experienced car owners who might otherwise hesitate to attempt a repair without professional guidance, according to details on the 1A Auto video library page.
Customer support representatives at 1A Auto are also available to answer part specific and repair specific questions beyond what the videos cover.
This layered support system, combining video content, product listings and live assistance, is central to how 1A Auto differentiates itself from competitors.
1A Auto Warranty and Customer Support
1A Auto backs many of its parts with warranties, with terms varying depending on whether the item is a private label part or an OEM branded product.
Customer support and order questions can be handled through the official 1A Auto website, which also hosts its full video library.
Because the company emphasizes DIY education, its support resources often include troubleshooting guidance alongside standard order and return assistance.
This combination of practical support and educational content is a defining feature of how 1A Auto serves its customer base.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1A Auto Parts
Who Makes 1A Auto Parts
1A Auto does not manufacture parts itself. It is a privately held, family run retailer that sources OEM branded and private label parts from outside manufacturers.
When Was 1A Auto Founded
1A Auto was founded in 1999 as a family business focused on selling DIY replacement parts alongside instructional content.
What Brands Does 1A Auto Sell
1A Auto sells OEM branded parts from manufacturers like General Motors, Ford and Toyota, along with its own private label brands, including Trail Ridge and TRQ.
Is 1A Auto A Good Brand For DIY Repairs
Yes, 1A Auto is widely regarded as a strong option for DIY repairs, largely due to its combination of competitively priced parts and free how to video content.

I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.