When your vehicle requires repair, understanding the types of parts available is crucial. You’ll often hear about two main categories: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket parts. While OEM parts are made by your car’s manufacturer, aftermarket parts offer an alternative that’s worth exploring. This article dives deep into What Are Aftermarket Car Parts, their advantages, disadvantages, and how to determine their quality.
Understanding Aftermarket Car Parts
Aftermarket car parts, sometimes referred to as generic parts, are replacement components manufactured by companies other than your vehicle’s original manufacturer. It’s important to note that these are brand-new parts, not used ones. These parts are designed to be compatible with your vehicle, serving as replacements for OEM parts. While they might not always be an exact replica in every minor detail compared to OEM parts, they are designed to function similarly.
Generally, aftermarket parts maintain comparable safety standards to OEM parts but often come with a more budget-friendly price tag. They frequently include exterior components like bumpers, fenders, and hoods, as well as internal mechanical and electrical parts.
The Upsides of Choosing Aftermarket Parts
Generic car parts come with several benefits, particularly in terms of cost and choice.
Cost Savings
One of the most significant advantages of aftermarket parts is their cost-effectiveness. They are almost invariably less expensive than OEM parts, sometimes by as much as 60%. Considering that parts can constitute a substantial portion of vehicle repair expenses, opting for aftermarket components can lead to considerable savings on the overall repair bill. Insurance providers often favor the economic benefits of aftermarket parts, particularly when these parts meet safety standards comparable to OEM equivalents.
Wider Selection
When it comes to OEM parts, your options are limited to the original manufacturer of your vehicle. However, the aftermarket sector presents a diverse array of manufacturers for virtually every part. This expanded selection translates to heightened competition, potentially lower prices, and increased convenience. You are also more likely to find an aftermarket part readily available at a local auto parts store, whereas securing an OEM part might necessitate a special order, causing delays in your vehicle repair timeline.
Quality and Innovation
While perceptions about aftermarket part quality can vary, it’s important to recognize that many aftermarket parts meet or even surpass the quality of their OEM counterparts. The aftermarket industry is driven by innovation and competition, leading to the development of parts that can sometimes offer enhanced features or durability compared to original designs.
Organizations like the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) play a crucial role in ensuring quality within the aftermarket. CAPA rigorously tests and certifies replacement parts, providing assurance that parts bearing their seal meet or exceed established quality benchmarks, guaranteeing proper fit and safety.
Downsides to Consider with Aftermarket Parts
Despite the advantages, there are some potential drawbacks associated with aftermarket car parts.
Variability in Quality
The vast selection of aftermarket parts also means that quality can be inconsistent. You might encounter parts of inferior quality or those not ideally suited for your specific vehicle. Without certifications like CAPA, assessing the quality of an aftermarket part can be more challenging. However, it’s worth noting that if a purchased part doesn’t fit correctly, your car insurance might cover the cost of a replacement without additional expense to you.
For cosmetic components, such as bumper covers, distinguishing between OEM and aftermarket parts visually might be easier, but functionally, they should perform similarly.
Warranty Concerns
OEM parts typically include a warranty, often for a year or more, offering protection against defects. In contrast, aftermarket parts may come with limited or no warranty coverage, depending on the manufacturer and retailer.
It’s crucial to be aware that it is illegal for vehicle manufacturers or dealerships to void your car’s warranty solely for using aftermarket parts. If you believe a warranty claim has been unfairly denied due to the use of aftermarket parts, you have the right to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Assessing Aftermarket Part Quality
While evaluating aftermarket part quality might seem uncertain at times, it’s worth remembering that even OEM parts can have issues. If you are replacing a failed OEM part, there’s a possibility the original part itself was flawed.
When deciding whether to use aftermarket parts for your car repair, seeking expert advice specific to your vehicle and the parts needed is advisable. Consider these steps:
- Consult a Trusted Mechanic: Seek advice from a reputable mechanic who can offer insights based on their experience with different aftermarket brands and part types.
- Online Consumer Reviews: Explore online reviews and forums to gauge consumer experiences with specific aftermarket parts and manufacturers.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Research the reputation and track record of the aftermarket part manufacturer to assess their commitment to quality and reliability.
Remember, prioritizing a slightly cheaper part at the expense of quality can lead to recurring replacements and higher long-term costs. Balancing cost savings with quality and reliability is key when choosing aftermarket car parts.
