 Aftermarket Parts vs. OEM Parts: What's The Difference
Posted by carsandtrucks on Wednesday, November 21 @ 10:36:22 PST
What is the difference in Aftermarket Parts and OEM parts? In many cases the only difference is in the packaging. Car and truck manufacturers contract with vendors to design and build parts to be used during the assembly of the vehicle. These same parts are then made available to the dealerships to use as replacements when a part fails. After a period of time the manufacturer gives up the exclusivity to the part. The part then becomes available to the aftermarket and is sold under the packaging of the part manufacturer.
This usually means the price is a little less then what you would pay at the dealer. As with everything, the less hands it passes through the lower the cost. That is not to say all aftermarket parts are created equal. There are knock offs that are lower quality. If the price at the aftermarket store is
considerably less then the dealer you should question the quality. Most aftermarket stores offer a good, better, best parts quality and price level. It is advantageous to the consumer to check out the warranty offered with the part they are purchasing. Generally speaking, the higher priced parts will carry a better warranty then the lower level priced parts. One place you want to be aware of aftermarket parts is sheet metal used for repairing vehicles involved in a collision. If your car or truck has been involved in an accident there is a good possibility the insurance company will request the repair shop to use aftermarket parts. You do not have to accept this. You have the right to insist on OEM parts.
Don't be afraid to use aftermarket parts, just make sure you know that the quality is there.
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