If you’re in the market for new or replacement car parts, it’s important to know the difference between aftermarket and OEM parts. While aftermarket parts are made with lower-quality materials, they are still a better choice for your car, and they also come with warranties. Considering these three factors, you’re sure to make the right choice for your car. Read on to find out the pros and cons of each. Hopefully, this information will help you decide between aftermarket and OEM parts.
Aftermarket parts are made from lower-quality materials
Aftermarket auto parts are usually cheaper than OEM ones. While they may be available in a broader variety, the majority of aftermarket parts are of inferior quality. Usually, these parts are produced in order to cut costs, and as a result, are not up to manufacturer standards. However, if you have a good mechanic to recommend them, you can save money by buying cheaper aftermarket parts.
One thing that can make aftermarket auto parts inferior to OEM parts is their price. Many of these parts are made with cheaper materials. You won’t know which ones are sound until you install them on your vehicle. And because most of them are sold without warranties, you will have to do some welding yourself. Luckily, there are many aftermarket auto parts manufacturers and hundreds of different products. These auto parts can actually improve the performance of your vehicle.
They are more expensive than OEM parts
OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer”. This means that OEM parts come from the same company that made your vehicle. Only a dealership authorized to sell the part will carry OEM parts. While OEM auto parts are generally more expensive, aftermarket parts are less expensive, but they won’t void your warranty. Depending on the type of vehicle and your needs, OEM parts will cost more or less. In some cases, you can save up to 60% on OEM parts by buying them from a used auto parts store.
Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts will depend on your budget and how much you want to save. OEM parts are generally more expensive than aftermarket parts, but you can often find them for lower prices. When comparing aftermarket prices to OEM prices, be sure to ask about the quality of the aftermarket part. The aftermarket parts you find are usually made to last longer than OEM parts, so you might end up saving money in the long run.
They come with a warranty
Most auto parts from the manufacturer are covered by a warranty. Generally, the warranty period lasts 90 days from the date of purchase or installation. If the auto part fails to function, the manufacturer will replace it with a new one of comparable quality. The warranty is valid only if the part is installed in a car or truck, and in most cases it will cover the part’s labor cost and materials.
Most credible name brand aftermarket suppliers provide lifetime warranties on parts and labour. In addition, most provincial legislation requires that the warranty cover at least three months or 5,000 kilometers. The warranty will cover the product against manufacturing defects, but it will not cover damage caused by improper installation or other causes. It can be tricky to understand the terms of the warranty, however. While provincial regulations mandate that repair invoices include warranty details, many only include generic terms that don’t really cover the replacement product.